Tahiti: The Island Paradise

Nicholas Senn

janv. 1906 · W. B. Conkey

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Author's signed and corrected ms., dated 1906 in Chicago, of a three-volume account of his journey to Tahiti in the winter of 1904. Dr. Senn begins with a description of his voyage across the Pacific from San Francisco aboard the steamer "Mariposa." As they approach Tahiti and Moorea after a voyage of 12 or 13 days, the author observes the string of atoll islands, with their coral formations and central lagoons fringed by cocoa palms. Because of the dangerous reefs, a native pilot is used to guide the ship safely into the harbor of Papeete. The author includes notes on the racial background, nature, and customs of the natives, as well as the sights of Papeete, such as the communal laundry washbasin, the plaza marketplace, king's palace, government school, and cathedral. There is also a lengthy section on the climate, terrain, and natural beauties of the island. Dr. Senn discusses the history of Tahiti and its rulers, and the experiences of early white visitors to the island, such as Capt. Cook of the "Endeavor" in 1769, Capt Bligh of the "Bounty" in 1788, and English missionaries in 1797. Other topics covered include education, religion, funeral ceremonies, and business in Tahiti; diseases of the natives such as tuberculosis, measles, leprosy, and elephantiasis; practices of the "kahuna" or native doctor; and important staples of the Tahitian diet such as breadfruit, manioc, cassava, arrowroot, taro, and cocoanuts. The third volume contains extensive description of cocoa palms, the abundant fruits of the island, the native species of trees, and the rural districts of Tahiti