CHA P. XX. A Defcription of several other Islands in the Neighbourhood of Otaheite, with various Incidents; a dramatic Entertainment; and many Particulars relative to the Cuftoms and Manners of the Inhabitants. 1769% July.. FTER parting with our friends, we made an easy fail, with gentle breezes and clear weather, and were informed by Tupia, that four of the neighbouring islands, Thursday 13.. which he diftinguished by the names of HUAHEINE, ULIETEA, OTAHA, and BOLA BOLA, lay at the distance of between one and two days fail from Otaheite; and that hogs,. fowls, and other refreshments, with which we had of late been but sparingly supplied, were there to be procured in great plenty; but having discovered from the hills of Ota-heite, an island lying to the northward, which he called TETHUROA, I determined first to ftand that way, to take a nearer view of it. It lies N. W. diftant eight leagues from: the northern extremity of Otaheite, upon which we had obferved the tranfit, and to which we had, for that reason,. given the name of POINT VENUS. We found it to be a small low island, and were told by Tupia, that it had no fettled: inhabitants, but was occafionally vifited by the inhabitants of Otaheite, who sometimes went thither for a few days to fish; we therefore determined to spend no more time in a : farther examination of it, but to go in search of Huaheine and Ulietea, which he defcribed to be well peopled, and as large as Otaheite. I 2 At: |