j6 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 



The natives are true Polynesians, light reddish-brown in color, well 

 formed, erect in bearing, and handsome in features. The women in 

 early womanhood have beautiful figures, but like all native women 

 of the tropics, they soon lose them as they grow older. Their eyes are 

 dark, with an expression of gentleness. They do not like to work, their 

 wants are few, and little clothing is worn, although foreign clothing 

 adapted to the climate is being worn more and more by both the men 

 and the women. The men consider it undignified to appear without a 

 shirt or coat, and always wear them on ceremonial occasions. 



The natives are expert weavers of rough baskets, taking from three 

 to five minutes according to size to weave a basket out of the frond 

 of a cocoanut palm. They are also adept in making lire by the primi- 

 tive method of rubbing two sticks of wood together, 30 seconds being 

 the time required to perform the feat. 



The natives were friendly, hospitable, and curious ; they were in and 

 around the camp at all hours of the day or night, except when attend- 

 ing one of the missionary churches, where they sang interminable 

 hymns with much gusto, but very pleasing harmony. They were at all 

 times quiet, dignified, and extremely interested in all the eclipse activi- 

 ties, and they had offered many prayers for our success. A few of 

 the " Doubting Thomases " wagered a pig against a shirt with the son 

 of one of the traders that nothing would happen and that the sun 

 would not be darkened, so that the young lad now owns more than his 

 share of pork, which, next to roast dog, is their favorite food. Among 

 other good qualities, these natives are absolutely honest and extremely 

 virtuous. 



Towards the end of our stay on the island they brought in presents 

 of many fine grass mats — Falas — and Tapa cloths. Finally on the 

 morning of our departure, at least half of the population of the island 

 including the High Chief Fotofili, his son-in-law and future successor, 

 and the Magistrate, with their families, were down to bid us farewell. 

 They all expressed genuine regret and many sincere Tofas (goodbyes) 

 at our departure, and were particular to inform us through the trader 

 interpreter how much they had enjoyed having our party honor Niua- 

 foou with such a noteworthy visit. 



The collections which have been forwarded to the National Museum 

 as its share of the results of this expedition include 100 bird skins and 

 over 7,000 alcoholic specimens of various kinds, as well as numerous 

 geologic specimens, stalactites of lava, lava tree molds, and water sam- 

 ples from the alkaline and sulphur lakes on the island. 



