CHAPTER IV.

FROM THE MARQUESAS TO THE SOCIETY ISLANDS.--THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.--THE CORAL INSECT AND HIS WORK.--ATOLLS AND THEIR PECULIARITIES.--ORIGIN OF THE POLYNESIAN PEOPLE.--ARRIVAL AT PAPÉITI.--ON SHORE IN TAHITI.--A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS.-- WORK OF THE MISSIONARIES.--THE FRENCH OCCUPATION.--VICTIMS FOR SACRIFICE.--OLD-TIME CUSTOMS.--PRODUCTS OF THE SOCIETY ISLANDS.--BECHE-DE-MER FISHING.--VISIT TO THE REEF.--CURIOUS THINGS SEEN THERE.--ADVENTURES WITH SHARKS, STINGAREES, AND OTHER MONSTERS.--GIGANTIC CLAMS.--VISITING THE MARKET.--EATING LIVE FISHES.--A NATIVE FEAST.--EXCURSION TO POINT VENUS. 74