Chapter III

The Lyra sent to survey the Island of Loo-choo--Discovery of Port
Melville--Description of that Harbour, and the Villages on its
Banks--Lyra nearly wrecked--Interview with Natives at the South
Point--Return to Napakiang--Behaviour of the Natives at a Seaman's
Funeral--Mádera's Character and Conduct--Sociable Habits of the
Natives--Dinner given to the Chiefs of the Island by Captain
Maxwell--Mádera's Behaviour on this Occasion--Two Women seen--A Lady
of Rank visits the Boatswain's Wife--Captain Maxwell fractures his
Finger--Loo-choo Surgeon--Concern of the Natives--Visit of the
Prince--Discussion about the King of Loo-choo's Letter--Mádera appears
in a new Character--Feast given by the Prince--List of Supplies given
to the Ships--Behaviour of the Prince on taking Leave--Preparations
for Departure--Mádera's Distress--Last Interview with the
Chiefs--Brief Memorandums upon the Religion, Manners, and Customs of
Loo-choo--Advice to a Stranger visiting this Island 135