strangers were now introduced, who came to offer their congratulations,
and behaved with great decorum and attention. On taking leave, he says,
'the ladies, for they deserve to be called such from their natural and
unaffected manners, and elegance of deportment, got up, and taking some
of their finest cloth and a mat, clothed me in the Otaheitan fashion,
and then said, "We will go with you to your boat;" and each taking me by
the hand, amidst a great crowd, led me to the water side, and then took
their leave.' In this day's walk, Bligh had the satisfaction to see that
the island had received some benefit from the former visits of Captain
Cook. Two shaddocks were brought to him, a fruit which they had not till
Cook introduced it; and among the articles which they brought off to the
ship, and offered for sale, were capsicums, pumpkins, and two young
goats. In the course of two or three days,' says he, 'an intimacy
between the natives and the ship's company was become so general, that
there was scarcely a man in the ship who had not already his _tayo_ or
friend.'

Nelson, the gardener, and his assistant, being sent out to look for
young plants, it was no small degree of pleasure to find them report on
their return, that, according to appearances, the object of the voyage
would probably be accomplished with ease; the plants were plentiful, and
no apparent objection on the part of the natives to collect as many as
might be wanted. Nelson had the gratification to meet with two fine
shaddock trees which he had planted in 1777, and which were now full of
fruit, but not ripe.

Presents were now given to Otoo, the Chief of Matavai, who had changed
his name to Tinah. He was told that, on account of the kindness of his
people to Captain Cook, and from a desire to serve him and his country;
King George had sent out those valuable presents to him; and 'will you