Chapter XX: Tahiti

State of the island at the close of last century.--The London
Missionary Society and its emissaries.--Great mortality among
the native population.--First arrival of Catholic Priests in
Oceania.--French Protectorate and its consequences.--The
Tahitian Parliament and Tahitian debaters.--William Howe.--Adam
Kulczycki.--Scientific aims and achievements.--The Catholic
mission.--_Pre Catalan_ and native dances.--Prisoners of war
from New Caledonia.--Point Venus.--Guava-fields.--The fort of
Fautaua.--Lake Waiiria.--Popular _Fete_ at Faaa.--Ball given by
the Governor.--Queen Pomare.--Geographical notes on Tahiti and
Eimeo.--Climate.--Vegetation.--The Kawa root, and the
intoxicating drink produced from it.--Great expense of the
French Stations in Oceania.--Projects of reform.--Results of
English and French colonization.--Two Convicts.--Departure.--The
Whaler _Emily Morgan_.--Attempt to fix the zero point of
magnetic declination.--"Colique vegetale."--A victim.--Pitcairn
Island.--A fire-side tale of the tropical world.--An accident
without ill results.--Humboldt's Current.--Arrival at
Valparaiso. 199