Fijian Houses. 



25 



with massive columus in the centre, and strong, curious workmanship in every part." Excellent 

 timber being easily procured, houses from sixty to ninety feet long, by thirty feet wide, are built, 

 with a framework which, unless burnt, will last for twenty years. The wood of the bread-fruit tree 

 is seldom used ; vesi the green-heart of India, buabua, very like box-wood, and cevua, bastard sandal- 

 wood, being more durable. A peculiarity of the Fijian pillar spoils its appearance. Where the 

 capital is looked for, there is a long neck just wide enough to receive the beam it supports. 

 A pillar two feet in diameter is thus cut awa}- at the top to about six inches. 



FIG. 21. DOOR OF A FIJIAN HOUSE TO SHOW THE PENT. 



Ordinary grass houses have no eaves [3, Fig. 19]; but there is over the doorway a thick semi- 

 circular projection of fern and grass, forming a pent. [2, Fig. 19 and Fig. 21.] Some houses have 

 openings for windows. The doorways are generally so low as to compel those who enter to stoop. 

 The answer to my inquiry why they were so, often reminded me of Proverbs xvii, 19.-° Although the 

 Fijian has no mounted Arab to fear, he has often foes equally subtle, to whom a high doorway would 

 give facility for many a murderous visit. 



Temples, dwelling-houses, sleeping-houses, kitchens, (Lau) inns or receiving houses for 

 strangers (nilncre ni valagi ), and yam stores are the buildings of Fiji. 



For thatching, long grass, or leaves of the sugar-cane and stone palm, are used. The latter 

 are folded in rows over a reed, and sewn together, so as to be used in lengths of four or six feet, and 

 make a very durable covering. The leaves of the sugar-cane are also folded over a reed ; but this 

 is done on the roof, and cannot be removed, as the other may, without injury. The grass or reed 



-°He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. 



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