Preface
The far-away little island of Tahiti is the gem of the South Pacific Ocean. If any place in this world deserves to be called a paradise, Tahiti can make this claim. This charming spot in the wide expanse of the peaceful ocean has attractions which we look for in vain anywhere else. From a distance, the grandeur of its frowning cliffs rivets the eye, and, in coming nearer, its tropic beauty charms the visitor and imprints upon his memory pictures single and panoramic that neither distance nor time can efface. The scenic beauty of this island is unsurpassed. The calming air, redolent with the perfume of fragrant flowers of exquisite beauty, on the seashore, in the valleys and on the precipitous mountain sides; the luxuriant vegetation; the forest fruit-gardens and the sweet music of the surf remind one of the original habitation of man. The natives, a childlike people, friendly, courteous and hospitable, are the happiest people on earth, free from care and worries which in other less favored parts of the world make life a drudgery.
Tahiti is the only place in the world where the people are not obliged to work. The forests furnish bread and fruit and the sea teems with fish. The climate is so mild that the wearing of clothing is rather a matter of choice than of necessity, and the bamboo huts that can be made with little or no expense in half a day with the willing help of the neighbors, meet all the requirements of a home. The stranger will find here throughout the year a climate and surroundings admirably adapted to calm his nervous system and procure repose and sleep.
In writing this little book I have made free use of the “Memoirs of Arrii Taimai E., Marama of Eimeo, Terii rere of Tooarai, Terii nui of Tahiti, Tauraatua I Amo” (Paris, 1901). The authoress was the mother of Tati, one of the most influential present chiefs of Tahiti, and, as her several titles show, she was of noble birth. She was an eye-witness of many of the most stirring political events in the history of the island. Only fifty copies of this book were printed and only three remained in possession of her son. He was kind enough to give me one of them, which, after making liberal use of it, I presented to the library of the University of Chicago, through its late lamented president, Dr. W. R. Harper. I also acknowledge my indebtedness to the works of Captain Cook, “A Voyage to the Pacific” (London, 1784), and to the book of Baron Ferd. von Mueller, “Select Extra-tropical Plants” (Melbourne, 1885).
N. Senn.
Chicago, 1906.
Preface
TAHITI THE ISLAND PARADISE
THE ISLAND OF TAHITI
OCEAN VOYAGE
THE ATOLL ISLANDS
THE LANDING AT PAPEETE
THE CITY OF PAPEETE
TOPOGRAPHY OF THE ISLAND
THE CLIMATE
HISTORY OF THE ISLAND
POMARE, THE ROYAL FAMILY OF TAHITI
MISSIONARY RULE
WARS BETWEEN PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC MISSIONARIES
THE LAST WAR
THE NATIVES
FOREIGNERS IN TAHITI
BUSINESS IN TAHITI
OLD TAHITI
RELIGION OF THE NATIVES
THE INSIGNIA OF TAHITIAN ROYALTY
DISEASES OF TAHITI
PRESENT PREVAILING DISEASES
THE KAHUNA OR NATIVE DOCTOR
PHYSICIANS IN TAHITI
HÔPITAL MILITAIRE
THE ISLAND OF PLENTY
TAHITI’S NATURAL BREAD SUPPLY
THE COCOANUT, THE MEAT OF THE TAHITIANS
THE COCOA-PALM
THE FORESTS OF TAHITI
NOTED FOREST TREES OF TAHITI
VANILLA CULTIVATION IN TAHITI
THE RURAL DISTRICTS
POINT VENUS
FAUTAHUA VALLEY
VILLAGE OF PAPARA
IORANA!
ADDENDA
THE STORY OF ARIITAIMAI OF TAHITI