Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/118

Rh ed no adequate idea of our national wealth. The military attracted much of his attention: he had a disposition to quiz whenever an opportunity presented itself, whether in the person or attire of individuals, and the dress of the garrison enabled him to exercise his propensity: he would sometimes make so free in this respect, that in all probability he would have been roughly handled, had I not been present to assure the offended party that no insult could be intended, and that his rudeness proceeded entirely from his ignorance of our manners and customs.

He approved very much of the buildings at St. Helena, but of the island itself he had a very unfavourable opinion, frequently saying, Kiooda oota, very bad land.

The first time he saw a yoke of oxen his wonder was very great, having no idea of an animal of that size; and he soon after saw a man on horseback, which so much pleased him that he laughed heartily, and when the animal set off at a moderate Rh