3S0 -FROM CALIFORNIA TO 



The women here are more addicted to driiikhig 

 than the men. We took onr seat, and the dance 

 immediately commenced. The musicians were 

 four men, who beat with small sticks on a hollow 

 gourd, which produced a noise, that might serve 

 for time to the song. Three dancers by profes- 

 sion, who go from one island to another, and show 

 themselves for money, now stepped forward, en- 

 tirely naked, except bracelets of hogs* tusks, and 

 half armour for the feet, made of dog*s teeth. They 

 placed themselves opposite to us, close to each 

 other ; and expressed the words to the accom- 

 panying song, by the skilful movements of the 

 whole body. They were particularly skilful in 

 changing their faces every moment, to suit them 

 to the motions of the body. The spectators were 

 enraptured, and at every pause, entered the circle 

 to make presents to the dancers ; and, in the end, 

 in their enthusiasm, gave even their silk handker- 

 chiefs. After the men had sufficiently distinguished 

 themselves, the scene changed, and a number of 

 young girls arranged themselves in three rows. 

 Their heads and shoulders were tastefully orna- 

 mented with wreaths of flowers 9 the neck adorned 

 with pearls, and various fantastic things ; besides 

 this, they had only the lower part of their body 

 covered with a coloured tapa. This group had a 

 very pleasing effect, as they accompanied the 

 monotonous music with graceful movements. The 

 last rows conformed to the first, and always imi- 



