128 CUSTOMS OF THE TAHAITIANS. 
their only clothing; but the people of rank ge- 
nerally wear a large piece of stuff which falls 
as low as the knee. This is the principal gar- 
ment of the women, who put it on in a very be- 
coming manner. The female Yeris, who never 
expose themselves to the sun, and wear a hat 
of reeds adorned with flowers, which shades the 
face, are fairer than the men: their features » 
are handsome, but they are chiefly remarkable 
for the beauty of their figures, which are not 
spoiled by the artifices of European fashions. 
They paint their cheeks red, and colour the 
lower part of the body dark blue, as an orna- 
ment and a distinction of rank. 
‘** Both sexes are tattooed, and both hang 
rows of pearls or flowers through holes pierced 
in their ears. The greatest cleanliness reigns 
among them; they bathe regularly, and. wash 
themselves before and after meals.” 
The descriptions of other travellers agree per- 
fectly with this; all appear to feel the greatest 
kindness for these ‘‘ nurselings of joyous nature,” 
as some one calls them; and to have been par- 
ticularly charmed with the women, of whom 
