306 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS. [1840. 



and disagreeable. Between the two classes of the population 

 — the chiefs and the kanakas, or common people — there is 

 the same striking difference observed throughout Polym 

 although each lias some characteristics in common with the 

 other. The former are more active in their movements tl 

 The latter ; they have lighter complexions and more harmo- 

 nious features; and they are more graceful and stately in 

 their gait, and less embarrassed in their address. 



Equally with the Society Islanders, the Hawaiians are 

 naturally indolent. This predisposition has been in some 

 measure overcome by the missionaries, and the necessity of 

 cultivating the soil to supply their wants has rendered them 

 more energetic and industrious. But they are far from be- 

 ing provident, nor do they show any particular desire to ac- 

 cumulate property. A sufficiency of food and clothing, usu- 

 ally limited within the narrowest bounds, is all they care to 

 possess. They are not as sensual as the Tahitian, but licen- 

 tiousness is still quite prevalent, and excess in eating and 

 drinking is one of the chief causes that are accelerating the 

 shady decrease of the population. They are tolerably 

 honest and hospitable ; possess a respectable share of in- 

 telligence; and are quick to learn, and apt at imitation 

 They are daring and courageous, and completely reckless of 

 life; yet they do not possess the frankness and generosity 

 which often accompany those traits. On the contrary, they 

 are extremely selfish, and have very little natural affection ; 

 there are striking exceptions, of course, to this general rule, 

 but infidelity, infanticide, and the abandonment of children, 

 arc not looked upon with that abhorrence which they natu- 

 rally exeiie in a well-educated and right-feeling community. 

 Parents, and mothers in particular, are exceedingly neglect- 

 ful of their offspring ; the pleasurable cares and anxieties of 

 true affection, for them have no alleviation ; and when they 

 are able to put their children out to nurse, which is frequently 

 done, they feel relieved of a most grievous burden. 



Of national pride, the Sandwich Islander cannot boast. 

 Whether, since he has become partially enlightened and civil- 



