55 



On seeing a meke 3 a native dance or play, accom- 

 panied by songs, I was surprised to observe the exact 

 manner in which time was kept by the numerous 

 actors. It is the result of practice and many patient 

 rehearsals from youth upwards. In walking through 

 this village we came on a party of about 30 people, 

 who, in preparing for a festival, were practising and 

 reciting the piece which they were to perform for the 

 amusement of their friends. An old man, lying on 

 his side on the grass, but in full view of the actors, 

 was watching the rehearsal, criticising and correcting 

 the faults of the actors. 



The province of Cakaudrove includes Taviuni, ex- 

 tends in Vanua Lavu to Savu-savu bay, and includes 

 all the land surrounding Natawa bay. The Hoko 

 keeps a smart schooner yacht of about 70 tons, and a 

 cutter, also manned by Eijians, to carry him to different 

 parts of the province, or of the group, either on busi- 

 ness or pleasure. The Fijian s are owners of numerous 

 rowing and sailing boats, and small vessels of all 

 sizes, up to that of the schooner just mentioned. 

 These craft have, in a great measure, taken the place 

 of the large sea canoes, for which these islands were 

 once noted. The Pijians are hardy if not careless 

 sailors of boats, and, direetly or indirectly, they are 

 good customers to the excellent boat builders of the 

 group. These, to some extent, have taken the place 

 of the native canoe builders. 



The Eijians have quite a number of athletic games, 

 among which may be mentioned, throwing the tinika 

 or reed, wrestling, and one not unlike skittles in some 

 respects. In this game, pillars about a foot in height 

 are built with small stones, and in such a manner that 

 they fall when slightly touched. Several of these 



