342 CHARACTER. [1840 



by wigs, in the manufacture of which the native barbers dis- 

 play considerable skill, and often imitate nature so closely that 

 it is impossible to distinguish the counterfeit except by care- 

 ful observation. 



The girls wear their hair long, and are fond of ornament- 

 ing it with pretty flowers. After they are married, however, 

 their locks are cut ofT, and their hair frizzled like that of the 

 men. 



It is not difficult for the Feejeean to put on a friendly man- 

 ner, even when the demon of malice and revenge is lurking 

 in his heart. He is proud, irascible, treacherous, and vindic- 

 tive; haughty to his inferiors, and abject and servile to those 

 who are above him. When he speaks fair words, he is rarely 

 to be trusted. He will lie and steal with the utmost effron- 

 tery ; and if anything excites his covetous disposition, he 

 will commit any crime to obtain it. He is changeable in 

 mood ; at one time appearing jocose in disposition and fond 

 of merriment, and at another sullen, morose, and reserved, 

 or giving way to the fierce passions that may be smothered 

 for a time, but are always kept alive in his bosom. He can 

 be kind and hospitable to a guest, and will not molest him at 

 his own fireside, but once across his threshold, he will murder 

 him with as little compunction as a tiger devours its prey. 



The common people, or kai-sis, are more industrious than 

 the Tahitian, and all possess greater activity and energy of 

 mind and body ; but they are nearly as licentious, and many 

 of the chiefs are equally indolent. The domestic affections are 

 not strongly manifested, though instances of devoted personal 

 attachment are by no means rare. They will not tolerate 

 drones among them, and deformed children, and old and in- 

 firm people, are put to death : this is often done by the nearest 

 relatives, and not so much from a want of affection, as for 

 the reason that they wish to relieve themselves from a bur- 

 den, and to save their victims from living on in misery or dis- 

 tress. Their appetites are grossly sensual, and their tastes 

 depraved. They wear very little clothing, but are carefui 

 not to expose their whole persons in public ; yet the women 



