LIFE IN LEW K A. 55 



no exception to the universal scope of that gentleman's 

 operations. 



Levuka is not much troubled with those pests, the mos- 

 quitoes, but still, nets are necessary at night. Sometimes 

 so deliciously cool are the nights, that a light blanket can 

 be borne in addition to the sheet. As regards dress, it must 

 be remembered that Levuka is the metropolis, and what is 

 quite good enough for the planter on his estate is hardly the 

 thing for the capital Suits of good white drill, of white 

 flannel, or of thin serge, are the correct thing, while a sun- 

 helmet (if possible of cork) is the best protection for the 

 head. White canvas-shoes are generally warm, while a water- 

 proof coat and a pair of leggings are indispensable. An 

 umbrella is required both for sun and rain. Braces are seldom 

 worn in Fiji, a broad waistband sash being generally 

 adopted ; and it is an undoubted precaution against stomachic 

 diseases. 



After what I have said as to the advanced state of social 

 life in far-distant Fiji, it will not surprise my readers, I 

 suppose, to learn that evening-dress of the ' complete waiter ' 

 order is de rigueur. The black ' stove-pipe ' or chimney-pot hat 

 is never seen in Coral Lands, though it is a fact that two 

 prominent gentlemen of Levuka still wear its time-honoured 

 shape in white. For my part, I was heartily glad to get rid of 

 that modern monstrosity. I did hear, however, of one tall 

 black hat, which was worn for a whole week on Levuka beach 

 for a wager, and then crushed in. The bet was a farce the 

 sequel was a tragedy. The successful wearer having to all 

 intents and purposes ruined the ghastly head-gear he had been 

 sporting, filled it with cubes of very hard stone, and placed it a 

 few feet from the path of those churchward-bound on a 

 Sunday morning. Who could resist the temptation, recalling, 



