1839.] COMMERCE. 211 



(7.) Next to the inhabitants of the Caroline Islands, the 

 Samoans, or Navigators, are the most skilful sailors and 

 fishermen in all Polynesia ; and they received their name 

 from De Bougainville, because of the superior construction of 

 their canoes, and their surprising dexterity in the water. 

 Abundant supplies of water and provisions may be obtained by 

 vessels on these islands, but there are few articles adapted for 

 foreign commerce ; still they may eventually become of some 

 importance in this respect, especially as their situation in the 

 Great Archipelago is so central, and they have such fine har- 

 bors. Tamanu wood for furniture, the casuarina for its rich 

 dye, and other trees for their valuable gums, may yet bo 

 profitable articles of exportation. The inhabitants now have 

 considerably more cocoa-nut oil and arrow-root, than can be 

 used by themselves and their ordinary visitors. Tortoise 

 shell can also be obtained in great plenty at Savaii. In ex- 

 change for what they are willing to dispose of, they mainly 

 desire useful articles, — such as cotton cloths, writing paper, 

 hardware, needles and tools. 



Springs, lakes, and streams, abound in the islands, and 

 machinery might be worked advantageously in many places. 

 The natives have shown that they did not lack ingenuity, by 

 their discovery of the uses to which the wood of their forest 

 and fruit trees might be applied, and the construction of so 

 many articles of necessity and comfort, with their miserable 

 adzes and other tools, made of stone, shell, or bone. Since 

 they have been able to procure iron instruments, they have 

 executed their work much more neatly and handily. Cocoa- 

 nut oil is made in the same manner as in the Society Islands, 

 They likewise prepare a very good article of lampblack from 

 the candle-nut, by burning large quantities of it in a curiously 

 constructed oven. This is used in painting their canoes, 

 idols and drums, and ornamenting their garments with vari- 

 ous devices. 



Tapa is not made as good here as at the Society Islands. 

 The mallet used is larger, and the board is not springy. 

 Some of their mats, however, are very beautiful, and are as 



