Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 1 (Stockdale).djvu/399

] this bamboo were contained, as I was told, some things which had been the property of the person who was buried under the little shed. I complied with their request not to touch them; for I did not wish to treat their usages with disrespect.

When it was near sun-set, we went on board, in order to return to the town. Our Papow gave us fresh proofs of his dexterity, by transfixing, while we were making considerable way, different kinds of fish.

It was dark when we arrived at the town.

I was employed for most of the 29th, in preparing and describing the objects which I had collected on the preceding day.

One of the fruits of my excursion was the beautiful lizard, called lacerta Amboinensis. I observed that it changed its colour like the chameleon: it was most commonly green, but it frequently assumed a deep brown. This animal is easily taken; for it allows one to approach it near enough to catch it by the extremity of the tail, which is of an extraordinary length.

In the evening I repaired to the beach, in order to examine the marine productions thrown on shore by the waters, and there I remained till night. I saw many fishermen in their canoes near the beach, and who, taking advantage of the dark- nefs,