580 Voyage of the Nov ar a. 



robe of calico ; a large piece of stuif with a hole in the centre 

 through which to put the head, which thus protects their 

 bodies somewhat from the direct rays of the sun. 



The natives are said to be very temj^erate and methodical 

 in their habits of life. They rise at daybreak, bathe in the 

 river, take a little vegetable food, anoint their bodies with 

 cocoa-nut oil, after which they sprinkle themselves plentifully 

 with powdered turmeric. This done, they address themselves 

 to some simple avocation, which they prosecute till noon, 

 when they once more withdraw to their huts, bathe, and par- 

 take of another equally frugal repast. The rest of the day is 

 spent in amusements and mutual visiting. Towards sunset 

 they take a third meal, and as they have neither torches nor 

 artificial light of any sort, they usually retire early to rest, 

 unless fishing or dancing by moonlight. 



Much respect and consideration is paid to the weaker sex 

 throughout the island, they not being put to any work which 

 does not come within their regular sphere of duty. All out- 

 door work is done by the men, who build the huts and 

 canoes, plant yams and Kawa, fish, transport the food from 

 the plantation to the house, and even cook it. 



The women are chiefly occupied within-doors, in fishing, 

 or cleaning the vegetables, most of their time being taken 

 up with preparing head-dresses, weaving girdles, sewing 

 together palm or pandanus leaves for clothes, plaiting elegant 

 baskets, and looking after the house and children. 



Never at any time patterns of virtue and chastity, the im- 



