128 THi! CliUISE OF THE ' CUBAQOA.' 



to tlie left shoulder, gradually twisting the vau by the turn 

 and llexures principally of that wrist. This double motion 

 is then retraced, but in such a way (the left wrist now prin- 

 cipally acting) that the vau, instead of being untwisted, is 

 still more twisted, and is at length again placed on the left 

 arm, while he takes a new and less constrained hold. Thus 

 the hands and arms perform a variety of curves of the 

 most gracefid description ; the muscles, both of the arms 

 and chest, are seen rising as they are called into action, 

 displaying what would be a hue and uncommon subject of 

 study for the painter ; for no combination of animal action 

 can develop the srt'ell and play of the muscles with more 

 grace or with better effect. The degree of strength which 

 he exerts wdien there is a large quantity is very great, and 

 the dexterity with which he accomplishes the wdiole never 

 fails to excite the attention and admiration of all present. 

 .... Sometimes the iibres of the van are heard to crack 

 Avitli the increasing tension, yet the mass is seen whole and 

 entire, becoming more thin as it becomes more twisted, 

 while the infusion drains from it in a regular]}- tlecreasing 

 quantity, till at length it denies a snigle drop." The man 

 now tosses the dregs behind him, or, with a new lot of vax, 

 repeats the operation, until the liquid is clear and fii, for 

 use. The yaqona being ready for use, a person approaches 

 in a sitting posture, with a cup, or frequently with two, 

 one holding water to be drunk after the infusion ; the vau 

 is laid over the cup, and the liquor poiu'ed through until it 

 is full, when the herald, addressing the cup-bearer, says, 



