340 INFLUENCE OF WOMAN. 
islands; but whence, and at what period, is 
quite unknown. If a conjecture may be ha- 
zarded, it would be, that the inhabitants owe 
their origin to the Corolinas. They have no 
tradition on the subject. Their language is 
quite different from all the Polynesian dialects, 
and appears of more recent formation. Whence 
have these people derived characters so much 
superior to those of other South Sea islanders, 
many of whom, enjoying as fine a climate, and a 
more bountiful soil, resemble beasts of prey? I 
attribute this in some measure to the superior 
purity of manners among the females. Expe- 
rience teaches us, that wherever that sex is held 
in its due estimation, morals are proporticnably 
refined. 
To be thus esteemed, woman must resist the 
attacks of licentiousness. When she associates 
virtue with her other attractions, she will soon 
obtain an influence over the most savage of the 
other sex ; and thus have the females of Radack 
contributed to form the amiable character of 
their countrymen. 
Other fortunate circumstances may have com- 
