SKULLS 197 



Tahiti,* and if this be the case it is difficult to 

 account for the presence of Melanesian types in 

 the skulls found on the island, unless, indeed, 

 the original inhabitants of Easter Island were 

 totally unconnected with the Polynesian race. 



The huge images set up on a platform of stones, 

 arranged so as to form a covered chamber or 

 vault, seem to point to these having been in- 

 tended to mark a burial place. In fact, it is 

 difficult to imagine for what other purpose they 

 were erected. 



The portions of skulls from which the accom- 

 panying photograph was taken are in my posses- 

 sion and are crumbling with age. 



Caves were seen and the stone houses ex- 

 amined, during our visit, by Major Wilbraham, 

 who has kindly supplied me with the following 

 short description of them, and the carvings they 

 contain. It is much to be regretted that, owing 

 to the short time available, Major Wilbraham 

 did not have sufficient opportunity to make an 

 even more thorough examination. In company 

 with Doctor Macdonald he spent a night ashore, 

 as guest of the overseer, Mr. Cooper, and the 

 following are extracts from his journal : 



" March 13th. Macdonald and I got up early 

 and rode to the top of the crater, which is called 

 on the map Rano Kao. This is perfectly circular, 



* The present inhabitants are in appearance pure-bred Polynesians 

 and possess the handsome features of the Tahitians. 



P 



