PACIFIC AND BEERING'S STRAIT. 103 



general conviviality, which we did not fail to men- 

 tion, namely, that there was so wide a distinction 

 between the sexes. This was the remains of a 

 custom very common among the South-sea Islands, 

 which in some places is carried to such an extent, 

 that it imposes death upon the woman who shall eat 

 in the presence of her husband; and though the 

 distinction between man and wife is not here carried 

 to that extent, it is still sufficiently observed to ex- 

 clude all the women from table, if there happens to 

 be a deficiency of seats. In Pitcairn's Island, they 

 have settled ideas of right and wrong, to which they 

 obstinately adhere ; and, fortunately, they have im- 

 bibed them generally from the best source. 



In the instance in question, they have, however, 

 certainly erred ; but of this they could not be per- 

 suaded, nor did they, I believe, thank us for our in- 

 terference. Their argument was, that man was 

 made first, and ought, consequently, on all occasions, 

 to be served first — a conclusion which deprived us 

 of the company of the women at table, during the 

 whole of our stay at the island. Far from consider- 

 ing themselves neglected, they very good-naturedly 

 chatted with us behind our seats, and flapped away 

 the flies, and by a gentle tap, accidentally or play- 

 fully delivered, reminded us occasionally of the 

 honour that was done us. The conclusion of our 

 meal was the signal for the women and children to 

 prepare their own, to whom we resigned our seats, 

 and strolled out to enjoy the freshness of the night. 

 It was late by the time the women had finished, 

 and we were not sorry when we were shown to the 

 beds prepared for us. The mattress was composed 

 of palm-leaves, covered with native cloth ; the sheets 



