So THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



that he may go before and hold the Fijian Cerberus. On the 

 present occasion, no such man could be found, and the old chief 

 was even sent to meet the dangers of the gloomy path without 

 a club. 



' Next day the Kana-bogi, or fasting till evening, commenced. 

 This is observed during ten or twenty days. Many made 

 themselves " bald for the dead," some by shearing the head 

 only, others by cutting off whiskers and beard as well. Females 

 burnt their bodies, and orders were given that one hundred 

 fingers should be cut off; but only sixty were amputated, one 

 woman losing her life in consequence. The fingers being each 

 inserted in a split reed, were stuck along the eaves of the king's 

 house. Toes are never taken off for this purpose. Some to 

 express their grief merely make bare the crown of the head. 



'During the mourning days for a chief, the young men 

 shout, dance, and make a general uproar. Blindfolded lads try 

 to hit a hanging vessel of water ; if successful they are supposed 

 to become great warriors. The common women are not allowed 

 to eat flesh or fish ; and the chief wife for three months follow- 

 ing may not touch her own food with her hands. The coast for 

 four miles was made tabu, so that no one might fish there ; 

 and the nuts for at least six miles made sacred. 



' The following observances take place at stated intervals 

 after the funeral rites : On the fourth day the Fakavidiulo, 

 " jumping of maggots," a bitter lamentation, which consists of 

 picturing to each other the corruption that has taken place in 

 the body t of the departed. On the fifth night is the Fakadredre, 

 " causing to laugh," in which the friends of the dead are enter- 

 tained with games and buffoonery, for the purpose of helping 

 them to forget their grief. 



'About the tenth day, the women arm themselves with 

 cords, switches and whips, and ply these weapons freely upon 



