paid her their respects in our presence, by taking her right foot and placing it on their head, making a very low bow: others came and touched the sole of her right foot with their right hands. Several chiefs, whom we knew, paid her other marks of their reverence. We were informed that this lady was Queen Tiné. Her hair, cut to the length of about two inches and half, was covered, as well as part of her forehead, with a reddish powder.
After having expressed her inclination to go on board the Recherche, to see the Commander of our expedition, she invited us to accompany her, and immediately set off with part of her court. She presented General Dentrecasteaux with several very fine mats, a hog, and some yams; and he gave her in return various pieces of stuff, on which she appeared to set a great value.
Desirous of knowing what effect our vocal music, accompanied by a violin and cittern, would have on these people, we entertained them with a specimen, and had the pleasure of perceiving that it was pleasing to them; but a few tunes on a bird-organ obtained more striking marks of their applause.
Queen Tiné, unwilling to remain in our debt, ordered some young girls of her suite to sing.One
