MICRONESIA. 95 



and pleasing, though all had that spread of the nostrils which we have 

 observed in the southern islanders. The profiles of some were really 

 beautiful." 



This difference in looks is accompanied by as great a difference in 

 character. Both are highly ingenious, as is shown in the construction 

 of their houses and canoes, the manufacture of their dresses and 

 armour, and by the numerous comforts and conveniences with which, 

 under very unfavourable circumstances, they have managed to sur- 

 round themselves. On the other hand, the natives of the southern 

 islands are suspicious and irritable, with a certain wildness and fero- 

 city in their manners, which is in strong contrast with the rnild and 

 kindly disposition of the people of Makin. The latter are a remark- 

 ably soft and gentle race, not without a tinge of effeminacy. Of their 

 humanity, a high idea is given by the statement of Grey, that, during 

 the five years that he was among them, only one man was put to death. 

 Cannibalism, moreover, is unknown among them, except by tradition; 

 whereas on the southern islands, though not common, it is occasion- 

 ally practised, and is not regarded with any particular horror. Kirby 

 knew of five men being killed and. eaten while he was on Apamama. 

 It is said, however, that the southern natives, though easily offended, 

 are as readily appeased ; their animosity seldom settles into a long- 

 continued rancour. From this statement we must except certain 

 cases arising out of jealousy between married women, who, when 

 they conceive themselves aggrieved, will sometimes, for months 

 together, carry about with them a small weapon of sharks' teeth 

 concealed under their dress, and watch an opportunity of attacking 

 the object of their jealousy. Desperate fights sometimes take place 

 between these fierce Amazons before they can be parted. But ex- 

 cepting such instances, Kirby always found the women more humane 

 and gentle than the men. 



The respect paid to the chiefs varies at the different clusters. At 

 Drummond's Island we remarked, in the manners of the natives, a 

 kind of saucy boldness and rude independence, which would hardly 

 have existed among a people used to submission and deference. At 

 Apamama the chiefs have probably more respect paid them, and in 

 Makin, Grey assured us that a strict subordination was maintained, 

 and that the distinction of classes was strongly marked in the man- 

 ners as well as the usages of the inhabitants. 



Generosity, hospitality, and attention to the aged and infirm, are 

 virtues highly esteemed and generally practised among all the natives. 



