resorting to the expedient of endeavouring to conceal himself by changing his name; for it seems that when visited by these latter officers he called himself John Adams, though he had previously styled himself "Alexander Smyth,” when visited by the American Captain Folger; and which, by a reference to the books of the Bounty, has been ascertained to have been his proper name. But that which seems to mark more strongly than any other circumstance, the feelings of remorse and contrition by which this unfortunate man has been visited, is the care and diligence he has shewn in bringing up the young people committed to his sole charge by the sad catastrophe of the massacre of their fathers, in habits of strict morality, and in the principles of religion. He has thus made the best atonement in his power for the breach of those principles of which he has been formerly guilty; and we hope and trust that this atone, ment may be accepted on his behalf.

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THE APPENDIX,

CONTAINING A

DESCRIPTION

WITH

OF THE

Island of Otaheite:

INHABITANTS, THEIR

SOME ACCOUNT OF ITS MANNERS, CUSTOMS AND MODE OF LIVING; TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE MORE REMARKABLE ANIMALS AND VEGETABLES, WHICH ARE FOUND IN THOSE CLIMATES, PARTICULARLY SUCH AS ARE MENTIONED IN THE FOREGOING NARRATIVES.

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The narratives, which have been just given, naturally excite a curiosity to be informed concerning any circumstance connected with the Inhabitants of the Islands which were visited by Captain Bligh and his crew. Animals also of various kinds, and several useful vegetables, are mentioned in the course of the story, which seemed to deserve a particular description. As to the Islands, Otaheite is in every respect the principal, and on that account we have

chosen it, as all could not be described; while the manners, dress, and customs of its inhabitants are so like those which have been observed in the other South Sea Islands, that in describing them we may be said to have described all. Though many books have been written giving an account of animals and vegetables, thought this little publication would be deficient if it did not describe those which are more worthy of notice, and of which mention is actually made.

we

OTAHEITE.

THIS is one of a numerous groupe of Islands which are situated in the Pacific Ocean: they are called the Society Islands. Otaheite, is

placed in south latitude 17 deg. 46 min. and west longitude 149 deg. 13 min. is in length about 29. miles, and in circumference 120. The appearance of this island from a distance is very striking; Jofty mountains of a great variety of forms present themselves; some rising gradually to a point, others very strange and irregular.Their height may be conjectured, from the distance at which they become visible, which is not less than 130 miles; this circumstance,

the sea.

shewing that they are raised to a very considerable perpendicular elevation above the level of As you approach nearer to the island, its aspect becomes still more beautiful; the land rises slowly and smoothly from the edge of the sea to a distance of several miles; the mountains then commence, and are entirely visible from the base to the summit, What contributes to give full effect to this prospect is, that these mountains are covered with trees to the very top; and these trees (fitted to their situation) are of the largest dimensions, and of every variety of form and colour. Nor is this rich clothing confined to the mountains: for, as might be expected, the plain which lies between them and the sea is ornamented with the most beautiful and sweet-scented flowering shrubs and trees. This plain, of which we have spoken, is so encompassed as to present to the eye the appearance of a vast amphitheatre.

Such is the impression which the approach to this island makes upon the spectator; and when he lands upon it, he finds still farther reason to be delighted with this favoured spot. Abundance of wholesome and very nutritive fruits, and animals of various kinds, which are excellent for food, are found upon it; while

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Its climate, not incommoded by excessive heat as is generally the case so near to the line, but healthy and pleasant, is kept moderately cool by a gentle breeze which generally blows from between east and south-east.

The inhabitants are stout and well made, Their stature is above the usual height of Europeans, and their gait is stately. The men are from five feet seven to five feet ten inches high, though some of them have been observed considerably above six feet. The females of the better classes are also taller than those of Europe; but the women of a lower description are diminutive in their size. This peculiarity is to be attributed to various causes, but the principal one is to be found in their licen tious habits; for they frequently indulge, without restraint from moral feelings or from decency, in the most riotous and shameless excesses. Their hair is sometimes flaxen, but more frequently brown or red, while that of the children is generally flaxen, and afterwards becomes gradually darker as they grow up. In this respect, they differ from the native inhabitants of all other similar climates, and even of all Asia, the hair of the latter being univer sally black.

Both men and women are even gracefully clad in a kind of white cloth, which is made

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