CHAP. X

Summary

As soon as the morning of the 4th appeared, we had several more spars along-side, together with an increase of new visitors, who were generally very noisy merchants, and as keen in enhancing their commodities as the most crafty Jews on the Royal Exchange. I have been much surprised to see with what address and calculating circumspection, they concluded their bargains; and it appeared to me extraordinary, how persons in their state could have acquired such a proficiency in all the subtleties of traffic. But however well experienced they were in consulting their own interest, and estimating the value of what they were to give and receive, we had no reason to complain of our bargains; an axe, worth only ten shillings, purchasing three spars, that would sell at Port Jackson for eight pounds. But if articles are to be estimated in proportion to their scarcity as well as their obvious utility, eight pounds worth of timber was of infinitely less value to them than an axe; so they were gainers by the exchange, while to us it was highly advantageous.

Tarra and Pomaree breakfasted with us in the cabin. The former observed a peculiarity in his manner of eating, which in this respect distinguished him from the other; his rice he took out of the plate with a spoon, and putting it out of the spoon into his hand, conveyed it to his mouth: and in drinking his tea, he put his hand before his lips, pouring the tea into the palm of it, and scrupulously abstaining from touching with his lips the vessels out of which he ate and drank.