Revised Jun 21 2021
lf it be asked how the people pass their time, and what they can have to do in a spot whose utmost limit is barely four miles and a half in circumference, comprising less of extent than Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens put together, the question may be answered by a description of the Pitcairn Islanders' ordinary day.
They rise early, generally as soon as it is light. As the difference of longitude between England and Pitcairn is about 130 degrees, or nearly nine hours in time, at seven in the morning with them, it is about four in the afternoon with us. Each house has early family prayer, preceded by Scripture reading; two chapters of the Bible being generally selected for the morning, and one for the evening. After some slight refreshment, or none, (for they have only two regular meals a-day,) the business of the Pitcairners' day begins.
The young people are sent to school, in pursuance of a law of the island; and after the "graver hours, that bring restraint, and sweeten liberty," they have their needful food, and their childish amusements. They are fond of flying kites, and of games at ball; though the want of room on the island imposes a limit on the nature and number of the out-of-door diversions both of young and old.
The occupation of the men consists in cultivating their land; looking after their gardens; building and improving their houses, which are neat, clean, and commodious; rearing stock; fencing in their plantations; manufacturing hats from the leaf of the palm; making fancy boxes, &c.; which they keep in store for barter with whalers, or other vessels which may call at Pitcairn for refreshment.
At about twelve o'clock, they have a plain and substantial breakfast, or dinner, consisting of yams and sweet potatoes, made into a kind of bread, for which they do not fail to ask God's blessing, and to render Him thanks.
Hand of bounty, largely spread,
By whom our every want is fed;
Whate'er we touch, or taste, or see,
We owe them all, Lord, to Thee.
HEBER.
So strict is their observance of the duty of saying grace before and after meals, that "we do not know," says Captain Beechy, "of any instance in which it has been forgotten. On one occasion I had engaged Adams in conversation, and he incautiously took the first mouthful without having said his grace; but before he had swallowed it, he recollected himself, and, feeling as if he had committed a crime, immediately put away what he had in his mouth, and commenced his prayer."