84 CBUISE OF TEE 'CURAgOA.' 



' tokeus-of-viigiiiity ' ^ are exhibited. Girls who have re- 

 mained chaste up to marriage agree to undergo this process 

 (though not otherwise immodest) in order to demonstrate 

 the fact of their virtue. But owing mainly to the sexual 

 relations subsisting between boys and girls from a very 

 early age, these ceremonies are very rare ; one had occuri'cd 

 about five mouths before our arrival, and another was to 

 take place in about three weeks' time. 



As respects the internal communications of the country, 

 they are of the rudest kind, mere tracks, or rather paths too 

 narrow for any vehicle ; neither the influence of the chief, 

 nor the presence of the whites, seems to operate any im- 

 provement in this direction. 



Here, as in other places we have visited, tlie natives have 

 exchanged their ancient implements of war for those used 

 hy Europeans, with the exception of the tomahawk, which 

 they still retain. They are very fond of firing off guns, an 

 amusement they have recourse to on every possible oppor- 

 tiniity ; the very night before our departia-e the report of 

 gun- shots was to be heard all along tlie haj, on the occa- 

 sion, as we were informed, of the death of a petty chief. 



No mineral of any value or utility has hitherto been 

 found in these islands. The chief natural curiosities of 

 Upolu are an ancient crater and a cascade. The crater, 

 situated twelve miles from xVpia, is filled with a lake which 

 covers about twelve acres, and on the borders of which 

 gi'ow palm-trees and large ferns. The cascade, which may 



' Deuteronomy. See Xolc at p. 58. 



