wrapped round the picture and another piece round me. The priest then
spoke again for a short time, and an old man placed a piece of plaited
coconut leaf at my feet; the same was done to Tinah, and one piece was
put under the picture. After this the dancing began, which was in the
same style that we had already seen.

The head of the ship was the figure of a woman, and not ill carved. As we
were painting the ship's upper works I directed this figure to be painted
in colours, with which the islanders were much pleased. Not only the men
but the women desired me to bring English women when I came again. Today
Oedidde, thinking I was not convinced of the truth of what he had told me
about Iddeah, mentioned the affair to the lady herself in my hearing, at
which she laughed, but said he did ill to tell me of it. However it was
evident she was not much offended for they were both very much diverted
in discoursing upon the subject.

I find it is not at all uncommon for brothers to have connection with the
wives of each other, particularly elder brothers with the wives of their
younger brothers, which is generally allowed and no offence taken: but if
any person not belonging to the family endeavours at the same intimacy it
is resented as an injury. Inclination seems to be the only binding law of
marriage at Otaheite.

As I purposed to get instruments on shore at Point Venus to make
observations I desired Tinah to order a house to be brought there for me,
which was done and fixed in half an hour, being only a light shed
supported by posts.

Monday 24.

Today I bought a turtle that was caught on the reefs. As Tinah was going
to leave me for a few days I had it dressed for his dinner. He told me
that his mother, Oberreeroah, was arrived from the island Tethuroa, and
begged that I would send for her in the morning and take care of her till
he returned, which I willingly promised.

Tuesday 25.

This morning I sent a boat to Oparre, which returned in the afternoon
with Oberreeroah and two women, her servants. As she was old and
corpulent it was with difficulty that we helped her up the ship's side.
As soon as she was in the ship she sat down on the gangway and, clasping
my knees in her arms, expressed her pleasure at seeing me by a flood of
tears. Her servants then produced three pieces of cloth which, with a
large hog, some breadfruit, plantains, and coconuts, she had brought as a
present. As she was fatigued by her journey s