The tropical Society islands lie south of the equator just about half way between Australia and South America and in the middle of an enormous expanse of almost empty ocean. Captain Cook visited them on all three of his voyages and always found the chiefs generous with supplies. The inhabitants, especially the young women, became legendary among seamen for their charm, their hospitality and their accommodating ways. However the Tahitian's attitude to property was different from the Europeans' and there were numerous minor conflicts over thieving.