Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

1835. SNUFF PROVISIONS TUURO. 553 burning all night. A curious snufF was observed by Mr. Stokes, and from the method of using or taking it, I am in- clined to think it an old custom, not imported by the white men. A substance, not unlike rhubarb in its appearance, but of a very pleasant fragrance, was rubbed on a piece of shark's skin, stretched on wood ; and much it appeared to please au old man, who valued this snuff'-stick so highly, that he would not part with it. The Otaheitans are fond of going to sea, and take great interest in seeing new countries. Mr. Henry said there was no difficulty in getting a crew of natives, for boats or small vessels, provided that a promise was made to bring them back to their own island. From four to six yards of ordinary linen, or cotton cloth, with good provisions, was accounted enough remuneration for the zealous services of an able-bodied active man, during one month. While we stayed at Otaheite we were supplied with excellent beef, and passably good vegetables; the latter however happened to be scarce. Most of the cattle belonged to the missionaries, who were trying to persuade the natives to rear them, and were beginning to succeed, though the people are fonder of their horses, of which there are a good many on the island, but ill kept and little understood. Mr. Stokes obtained another account of the murder of the master and mate of the Truro, which says : " The master and mate of the Truro had left the northern end of Aura Island, intending to go to Otaheite ; the chief of the northern dis- trict having treated them very kindly, and told them to avoid the south end of the island, because bad men lived there. " The wind would not allow them to keep a sufficient offing and a small canoe, with only two men, approached their boat with the apparent design of offering fruit for sale ; but when near the boat they threw spears with such effect, that the white men were both killed."" I place more confidence in the former account. The seizure of a ship at Bow Island (barque Newton, of