Section 170. TAHITI. II.
Reading edition
Even the brush-wood is[1] an imported fruit-tree, namely the guava[2], which grows in abundance here. In Brazil I have often admired the varied[3] beauty of the bananas (S. 71, N. 2), palms, and orange-trees contrasted[4] together; and here we also have the bread-fruit[5], conspicuous[6] from its large, glossy, and deeply digitated leaves. It is admirable[7] to behold groves of a tree, sending[8] forth its branches with the vigour of an English oak, loaded[9] with large and most nutritious fruit[10].
However[11] seldom the usefulness of an object can account for the pleasure of beholding it, in the case of these beautiful woods, the knowledge of their high productiveness, no doubt, enters largely into the feeling of admiration. The[12] little winding paths, cool from the surrounding shade, led to the scattered[13] houses, the owners of which everywhere gave[14] us a cheerful[15] and most hospitable reception.
I[16] was pleased with nothing so much as with the inhabitants. There[17] is a mildness in the expression of their countenances which at once banishes the idea of[18] a savage, and an intelligence[19] which shows that they are[20] advancing in civilisation. The common people, when working, keep[21] the upper part of their bodies quite naked; and[22] it is then that the Tahitians are seen to advantage. They are very tall, broad-shouldered, athletic, and well proportioned. It (S. 4, N. 4, man) has been remarked that[23] it requires little habit to make a dark skin more pleasing and natural to the eye of a European than his own colour.