Journal of Edwin H. Bryan, Jr. while with the Whitney Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History on the schooner France, February to October 1924
Page 135
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by American Museum of Natural History. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Roll 7:5 Puka Puka and W. connecting reef, from Katava, looking N.E. Note the north sloping conglomerate in foreground; our schooner at left in cove and lagoon at right. Scaevola and young coconut palm in foreground. Found at least three spp. of landshells under fallen leaves, sticks and dry coconuts. Back to Puka Puka, having to paddle all the way against the wind which had shifted and prevented sailing. Supper of chicken and fish, cooked in imu. Watched old Puka Puka woman place the food in an imu:- FILLING THE IMU The coals and small hot stones which had been in and under the fire were lifted and scraped away with a bent coconut mid-rib "forceps." In the resulting depression (perhaps three inches deep and 2 1/2 feet in diameter) were placed the parcels of food - taro, fish, etc. - wrapped in taro and cocoanut leaves; two rows of fino and a few odd ones around and on top. The hot rocks were then pushed back against the periphey and the whole was covered with sections of cocoanut husk, the outside up. Over those were spread damp gunny sacking. Sunday March 2, 1924. Attended three church services during the day:- 1. Special "family prayers" for us before breakfast. (Scriptures - Revela- tions 21:22 to 22:5). 2. Communion services at the large coral-lime church, in company with nearly the entire population, at about 10:30. (Sermon from I John 3:11). 3. Vesper services in the middle of the afternoon, conducted by the assistant minister, Rev. Kare sitting with us in the minister's pew, at left front of church. Puka Puka Communion Services The missionary was from Rarotonga, (London Missionary Society). He had been born in Puka Puka, sent to Rarotonga and Tahiti to school and assigned