The spot fixed on by me for the meeting was midway between the abodes of the contending parties, and having sent forward a guard of our men, I proceeded there myself, where I was in a manner almost stormed by weeping women. The offending chiefs came, with the greatest humility, unattended by any followers, while the other party advanced with a proud bearing, fully armed, and accompanied by their national war-music. These were clad in their best array, and certainly made a fine warlike appearance. Some were ornamented with golden chains, others with serpents (the thickness of the little finger) formed of the same metal, while all were provided with golden ear-rings. Many of the warriors had also golden bracelets on their arms, which added considerably to the splendour of their equipment. Two of the wives of the chiefs, dressed in handsome chintz _kabyas_, were also adorned in a similar manner. When the two parties had approached near each other, they stopped short, and performed their usual war-dance in a fierce and hostile manner, after which I placed the hands of the two principal opposing chiefs together, who immediately fell weeping upon each other's necks, their example being followed by the others, who embraced with tears and sobs of repentance and reconciliation, the whole forming a scene which made a strong impression even on my hardy seamen. Some time elapsed before they partook of the _siri_, when all traces of enmity vanished, and all was forgotten and forgiven. I had, certainly, never seen a more striking proof of feeling on the part of these people. The disturbances that had taken place were stated as the reason why the men, who had killed our seaman at Maktia, had not been obtained, nor the two English youths at Luora set at liberty. They promised to use their united endeavours to effect these, and to send a report of the event to Banda. One evening, when several small vessels were lying around our boats, a number of birds flew suddenly off the land, and settled, some in the boats, and some in the water around. They proved to be quails, bearing a perfect resemblance in every respect to those of Europe. I succeeded in carrying five of these to Banda, without supplying them with any other food than rice, where I had the satisfaction of presenting them to Surgeon-Major Lengacker. Serra does not produce so much stock as the other islands. The natives often employ themselves in catching fish, which abound in the adjacent waters. Hooks and lines are chiefly used. The trepang and tortoise-shell obtained here is of a very superior quality, and is much sought for by the traders from Amboyna and Banda.