IK ITl'o TE HENUA, OR EASTEK ISLAND. 471 



been designed and used for human sacrifices, but of this a reasonable, 

 doubt may be expressed. The form is inconveniently adapted to the 

 purpose and the stones differ in all respects from those used for the same 

 purpose in the other islands. Evidences of fire on top of stones were 

 plain enough, but no charred bones were found except those <>!' recent 

 date belonging to sheep and cattle. 



DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT. 



The practice of relieving pain by manipulation of the body was the 

 effective movement cure resorted toby the islanders years before the 

 Swedish or massage treatment assumed its present prominence. With- 

 out entering upon the question of how valuable the practice of lomi-lotni 

 may be as a cure for ailments, I may testily to the physical regeneration 

 of this titillant manipulation. On more that one occasion I have thrown 

 myself upon the ground, completely exhausted by over- exertion, and 

 yielded to the dexterous kneadings and frictions and palmings and 

 pinchings of those skilled in the treatment. The hard-listed native is 

 by no means gentle in the operation, but with palms and knuckles 

 vigorously tests every muscle and tendon, as well as every joint of the 

 vertebra-, until the exhausted patient sinks into a state of oblivious 

 somnolence. 



Several of the plants indigenous to the island were considered valua- 

 ble remedies for certain ailments, but the chief therapeutic art of the 

 native practitioner was the pretended exercise of powers of divination. 

 The application of herbs, simples, and the practiceof lomi lomi were 

 perhaps not sufficient distinction, and therefore a claim was made for 

 occult knowledge and supernatural power. 



The native pharmcopceia is extremely limited in its scope. The thistle 

 is bruised and applied to sores and ulcers, arrowroot for burns, and 

 a species of nightshade is used as a vulnerary remedy. On this breeze- 

 swept island diseases of a paludal nature are unknown. 



A mild type of remittent fever is common during the rainy season 

 from April to October, but nature is left to light its battles without 

 assistance. Rheumatism and pulmonary complaints occasioualy result 

 from long exposure to inclement weather, but as a rule no medical treat- 

 ment is attempted. 



The natives believe that a disease called "kino," or cracked feet, 

 results iron i walking over the rocks along the shore at Tahai. Probably 

 the trouble arises from cuts and abrasions coming in contact with a 

 succulent vine that grows ;it this place. 



I'll; i.. 



The method of obtaining (ire requires considerable preparation of ma- 

 terial and patience on the pari of t he operator. A poiuted stick of hard 

 wood is rubbed against a piece of dry paper- mulberry until ;i groove is 

 formed, which finally becomes hot from the friction and ignites the lint 



