1 Challenger touched at Tahiti in 1833, it was found that all whom death had spared had returned to the island of Pitcairn. Some had yielded to the temptations to intemperance. Sickness also had become prevalent among them, and had carried off twelve; and five died almost immediately after their return. No real grounds having existed for deserting Pitcairn in 1831, very serious consideration will doubtless be given to the subject, before any plans are projected for the removal of the inhabitants from this island to another, on the presumed score of necessity. Should there be scarcity and want of room, in consequence of the increase of population, it would surely not be necessary to remove all the islanders. Captain Fanshawe, who visited the islanders in 1849, observed, "I could not trace in any of them the slightest desire to remove elsewhere. On the contrary, they expressed the greatest repugnance to do so, while a sweet-potato remained to them; a repugnance much enhanced by their emigration to Tahiti about eighteen years ago.” If found needful, a certain amount of emigration might surely take place, formed on the principle of serving the interests of others, as well as their own, by means of Christian instruction and example. Should they go to other islands of the Pacific as missionaries, to bear to them the word of God, Pitcairn might be made a blessing to many of these beautiful gems of the ocean. The mercies of God are given to us, not to be selfishly hoarded, but to be diffused in streams of blessing to others. In the little work, entitled, "The Mutiny of the Bounty," it is remarked, that the Pitcairners have already proceeded from the simple canoe to row-boats; and that the progress from this to small-decked vessels is simple and natural. It is to be hoped that they may thus, at some future period, be the means of spreading Christianity, and, consequently, civilization, throughout the numerous groups of islands in the Southern Pacific. By the last account in the autumn of 1852, the number of persons inhabiting the island was 170; namely, 88 males, and 82 females. All are natives of the place except three, George H. Nobbs, John Buffett, and John Evans. The only surnames on the island are eight; namely, Adams, Christian, McCoy, Quintal, Young, Buffett, Evans, and Nobbs. Brown, Martin, and Williams had no children; nor had any of the Tahitian men. The original division of the island was into nine parts, between the nine mutineers; it is now subdivided into twentyone, the present number of families. Some little misunderstandings occasionally arise as to boundaries; but these, as well as such other matters of dispute as now and then occur, are generally soon settled by the chief magistrate and the two counsellors. The owners of this island avow a hearty allegiance to the Queen of England. Her majesty's birth-day is observed as an occasion of much joy. All the people assemble near the church in holiday apparel; the bell is set ringing, and old and young unite in singing loyal songs in honour of the day. Not only the cheerful bell is Leard, but it has been usual to introduce the deep-mouthed gun to assist at the solemnity. The history of this gun is curious. It once belonged to the Bounty, and was fished up from the bottom of the sea in 1845, with one of its companions which had been spiked, and which was therefore useless. The better of the two, after remaining many fathoms deep in the sea for five-and-fifty years, is somewhat honey-combed, and, when brought into play, is used with caution.* The scene presented by the assemblage of the people on the queen's birth-day has been depicted by a poet of their own. The following stanzas by Mr. Nobbs, in one of his national songs, produce a pleasing sketch : Ha! that flash yon grove illuming, Long impervious to the sun; Now the bell is gayly ringing, Where yon white-robed train is seen; Now they all unite in singing GOD PRESERVE OUR GRACIOUS QUEEN. By late advices from the island, however, we hear that in 1853, by the bursting of this gun, one man was killed and two others severely wounded. In the year 1849, a Frenchman, of a military air, and partly military costume, arriving, with some other travellers, was courteously received by the islander. With the politeness characteristic of his countrymen, he soon engaged in conversation with Mr. Nobbs, and, in imperfect English, inquired, Whether the people of Pitcairn had heard of Prince Louis Napoleon, and the French Republic? and, as the next question, Would they enlist themselves under it? Suiting the action to the word, he took a paper for signatures from his pocket. He was answerd by Mr. Nobbs quietly pointing to the English flag, which waved in the wind over their heads. The pastor assured him that they knew all about Louis Napoleon and the French Republic; but that all the people on the island were faithful subjects of the Queen of England. The Frenchman again bowed, begged pardon, returned the paper to his pocket, and explained, that "he did not know Pitcairn was a colony." Though it is not a colony, it is entirely |