Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/346

318 telligence to bring their sail into a proper position, they still chose to keep at the distance of about 100 toises. All the means employed to bring them alongside were ineffectual; but they went near enough to throw some apples of the spondias cytherea, and several other fruits of different species of the eugenia, all very proper to be eaten. The bottles and bits of stuff given to them were received with marks of the greatest satisfaction; but it was surprizing to observe that they had little value for iron.

Like all the other natives we had hitherto met with, they appeared extremely desirous that we should land on their island.

One of the canoes advanced towards our ship, while the rest returned to the shore. Notwithstanding our invitations, those natives kept at the distance of 150 toises from us. They durst not touch the different articles which we sent them with a view to gain their confidence. Some, however, appeared desirous that their canoe should be steered towards our presents in order to get possession of them; but the sentiment of fear prevailed among the majority.

It was noon before we resumed our course. All the canoes followed us for some time before they returned to our island. That which approached the nearest to our ship accompanied us with the greatest