"The smoking pig, by a skilful dissection, was soon portioned to
every guest, but no one ventured to put its excellent qualities
to the test, until a lengthened _Amen_, pronounced by all the
party, had succeeded an emphatic grace delivered by the village
parson. '_Turn to_' was then the signal for attack; and as it is
convenient that all the party should finish their meal about the
same time, in order that one grace might serve for all, each
made the most of his time. In Pitcairn's Island it is not deemed
proper to touch even a bit of bread without a grace before and
after it; and a person is accused of inconsistency if he leaves
off and begins again. So strict is their observance of this
form, that we do not know of any instance in which it has been
forgotten. On one occasion I had engaged Adams in conversation,
and he incautiously took the first mouthful without having said
his grace; but before he had swallowed it he recollected
himself, and feeling as if he had committed a crime, immediately
put away what he had in his mouth, and commenced his prayer."

The "village parson" above alluded to is thus described by Capt. Beechey:

"They have very fortunately found an able and willing master in
John Buffet, who belonged to a ship which visited the island,
and was so infatuated with their behaviour, being himself
naturally of a devout and serious turn of mind, that he resolved
to remain among them; and in addition to the instruction of the
children, has taken upon himself the duty of clergyman, and is
the oracle of the community."

Our gallant officers were not a little disappointed to find that the