714 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1897. 



which is, however, misleading. They are wiry, lithe, strong, active, tire- 

 less on the march, capable of carrying heavy bnrdens long distances, 

 indifferent to weariness, and seemingly equal to any amount of effort 

 they might be induced to make. We saw this frequently exemplified 

 on our tramp around the island, when, after a weary day's march, we 

 would come into tbe camp foot-sore and tired, while they, fresh and 

 active apparently, would go to work catching and dressing sheep, build- 

 ing tires, etc. If we complained that the water was " vai kava," bitter, 

 they would endeavor to explain where better could be found and imme- 

 diately start off, with bucket and canteen, on a tramp of a mile or two 

 over the plain, or down into a crater, in order to bring us "vai maitai," 

 good water. 



These people proudly claim direct descent from the image and plat- 

 form builders. It is not the writer's province to discuss this point, 

 although strong arguments might be adduced to demonstrate the con- 

 trary. Be that as it may, it is very evident to the most casual observer 

 either that the modern Rapa Nuiis belong, whether wholly or, which is 

 more probable, in part, to a different race or that they are the "degener- 

 ate sons of worthy sires." 



The color of their eyes is dark brown, with black brows and lashes, 

 neither very heavy. Their expression of countenance is pleasing, mild, 

 frank, modest, intelligent, and somewhat sad. They are slender but 

 well formed, clean of limb, and the various parts of the body are well 

 proportioned to each other. Their foreheads, while not very broad, are 

 of good height and but slightly receding, which is also true of the facial 

 angle generally. The head is well balanced and cheek bones are uota-. 

 ])ly prominent. Their nose is quite straight and well shaped, with no 

 marked spreading of the alae; mouths of moderate size and usually 

 filled with excellent teeth, which, when the jaws are closed, come 

 squarely into ap[)Osition; lips rather thin; hands and feet small. It 

 may be mentioned that they attribute the beautiful appearance and 

 excellent condition of their teeth to the chewing of sugar cane, large 

 quantities of which they consume as food. There is nothing savage or 

 repulsive looking about them, and some of their young women are 

 decidedly comely and attractive. While in their habitations the evi- 

 dences of good housewifery are nearly nil, they are quite cleanly in 

 their personal habits and there is no unpleasant odor noticeable about 

 their bodies. They all dress in European costume. They are a bright, 

 intelligent, quickwitted people, of rather a nervous temperament; 

 tractable and gentle in disposition, decidedly sympathetic and tender- 

 hearted and markedly emotional in their natures, so that they are 

 easily moved either to tears or laughter. In evidence of the latter 

 trait in their character one or two instances may be adduced. 



When the Catholic mission was first established on the island Chief 

 Mati took a great liking to the reverend father in charge, evinced the 

 greatest affection for him, and finally adopted him as his son. Such 



