1777- THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 29 



The natives do not exceed the common stature of 

 Europeans; and, in general, are not so well made> 

 especially about the limbs. This is, perhaps, the 

 effect of sitting, for the most part, on their hams; 

 and of being confined, by the hilly disposition of the 

 country, from using that sort of exercise which con- 

 tributes to render the body straight and well-propor- 

 tioned. There are, however, several exceptions to 

 this; and some are remarkable for their large bones 

 and muscles ; but few that I have seen are corpulent. 



Their colour is of different casts, from a pretty 

 deep black to a yellowish or olive tinge ; and their 

 features also are various, some resembling Europe- 

 ans. But, in general, their faces are round, with 

 their lips full, and also their noses towards the point; 

 though the first are not uncommonly thick, nor the 

 last flat. I do not, however, recollect to have seen 

 an instance of the true aquiline nose amongst them. 

 Their teeth are commonly broad, white, and well 

 set; and their eyes large, with a very free motion* 

 which seems the effect of habit. Their hair is black, 

 straight, and strong, commonly cut short on the 

 hind part, with the rest tied on the crown of the 

 head: but some have it of a curling disposition, or 

 of a brown colour. In the young, the countenance 

 is generally free or open ; but in many of the men 

 it has a serious cast, and sometimes a sullenness or 

 reserve, especially if they are strangers. The women 

 are, in general, smaller than the men ; but have few 

 peculiar graces, either in form or features, to dis- 

 tinguish them. 



The dress of both sexes is alike; and consists of 

 an oblong garment about five feet long, and four 

 broad, made from the silky flax already mentioned. 

 This seems to be their most material and complex 

 manufacture, which is executed by knotting; and 

 theirwork is often ornamented with pieces of dog- 

 skin, or chequered at the corners. They bring two 

 corners of this garment over the shoulders, and 



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