ladies were excluded from the table. Indeed the Pitcairn islanders
appear to have adopted, though not in all its rigour, the South Sea
prejudice against allowing a woman to eat in the presence of her
husband. In some parts of the Archipelago this crime is punishable by
death. The only thing like an argument by which the men defended this
custom was, that as the male was made first, he ought on all occasions
to be served first: a new reading of the saying "first come first
served." The good-natured woman-kind of Pitcairn's Island, however,
seemed far from considering themselves neglected or ill-used in this
matter, for they remained behind the seats, flapping away the flies, and
chatting with their guests.--The couches prepared for the strangers
consisted of palm-leaves, covered with native cloth: the sheets were of
the same material.

"The whole arrangement was extremely comfortable, and highly
inviting to repose, which the freshness of the apartment,
rendered cool by a free circulation of air through its sides,
enabled us to enjoy without any annoyance from heat or insects.
One interruption only disturbed our first sleep--it was the
pleasing melody of the evening hymn, which, after the lights
were put out, was chanted by the whole family in the middle of
the room. In the morning also we were awoke by their morning
hymn, and family devotion."

In speaking of the scenery of the island, Captain Beechey describes a
singular spot set apart for himself by the ringleader of the mutiny.

"At the northern extremity of this ridge is a cave of some
interest, as being the intended retreat of Christian, in the
event of a landing being effected by any ship sent in pursuit of