NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 189 



of the Polynesian used throughout the South Seas. Their music 

 seems to be similar to that in Tahiti or Samoa. We saw no native 

 instruments. Their singing is simple three part harmony — bass, 

 alto, and soprano. 



There is little use for money on the Island. Goods are ex- 

 changed by barter. The ancient medium of trade is reported to 

 have been rats ! If that were true today it would be a good place 

 to make a fortune, for these rodents thrive. On leaving the United 

 States we were asked to collect as many of these animals as pos- 

 sible for museum use, in the hopes that a few specimens of the 

 old native rat might still be found. The only ones we saw were 

 the common rats carried aboard ships. Nevertheless, a cake of 

 soap was offered for each rat captured. The news spread through 

 the village like wildfire, and in a few hours a fine collection of 

 cats was brought to the landing. The villagers could not com- 

 prehend why we wanted rats and assumed that we had used the 

 wrong word. Two of these little kittens were taken aboard, and 

 our early departure left no time for rat-hunting. 



These two Easter Island kittens were the treasures of the ship. 

 They were named Lena and Cleo. Tom, from Washington, had 

 become quite grown up since leaving home, and we hoped that 

 he might be the proud father of some Easter Island offspring. 

 Cleo fell overboard some months later; but little Lena eventually 

 had a litter of some eight or nine kittens. 



In comparing the conditions of life here at the time of our visit 

 and during the previous visit of the Carnegie, Captain Ault has 

 this to say: 



"In general there was a decided improvement in the 

 dress of the people and in their manner of living. Many 

 are growing yams, sweet potatoes, corn, and raising 

 sheep and cattle. They have learned that a little labor 

 will add much to their comfort and to their supply of 

 food. 



"The Island is much improved in appearance. Fences 

 have been built dividing the entire pasturage into several 

 paddocks for grazing and breeding purposes, and the 

 ranching is being done with modern methods, with 

 trained shepherds. Eucalyptus trees are being planted 

 each year and are doing well." 



