310 COOK'S VOYAGE TO MAY r 



sently after a number of men entered this circle 

 or area, before us, armed with clubs, made of the 

 green branches of the cocoa-nut tree. These 

 paraded about for a few minutes, and then retired, 

 the one half to one side, and the other half to the 

 other side y seating themselves before the spectators. 

 Soon after they successively entered the lists, and 

 entertained us with single combats. One champion 

 rising up and stepping forward from one side, 

 challenged those of the other side, by expressive 

 gestures, more than by words, to send one of their 

 body to oppose him. If the challenge was accepted, 

 which was generally the case, the two combatants 

 put themselves in proper attitudes, and then began 

 the engagement, which continued till one or other 

 owned himself conquered, or till their weapons were 

 broken. As soon as each combat was over, the 

 victor squatted himself down facing the chief, then 

 rose up and retired. At the same time some old 

 men, who seemed to sit as judges, gave their plaudit 

 in a few words ; and the multitude, especially those 

 on the side to which the victor belonged, celebrated 

 the glory he had acquired in two or three huzzas. 



This entertainment was now and then suspended 

 for a few minutes. During these intervals, there 

 were both wrestling and boxing matches. The 

 first were performed in the same manner as at 

 Otaheite, and the second differed very little from 

 the method practised in England. But what struck 

 us with most surprise, was to see a couple of lusty 

 wenches step forth and begin boxing, without the 

 least ceremony, and with as much art as the men. 

 This contest, however, did not last above half a 

 minute before one of them gave it up. The con- 

 quering heroine received the same applause from 

 the spectators, which they bestowed upon the suc- 

 cessful combatants of the other sex. We expressed 

 some dislike at this part of the entertainment, 

 which, however, did not prevent two other females 



