MALAY RACE. 



Polynesian Malays. 



Speaking of the Hawaiians, Dr. 

 Pickering sa>s: "From my first 

 landing, I was surprised at the 

 scanty clothing of many of the 

 men and boys ; their dress con- 

 sisting often of a mere sash, as 

 with the Fejeeans ; except only 

 that the color was not fixed by 

 fashion. The large-fruited variety 

 of gourd or calabash was only 

 seen here ; and the shells were in 

 general use, as a substitute for 

 baskets, buckets, and chests. All 

 burdens were carried by means of 

 the balance-beam; and this Hin- 

 doo and ancient Egyptian method 

 is common to all parts of Poly 

 nesia except New Zealand, but is 

 not practised at the Fejee Islands. 

 The green and pleasant aspect 



of many of the valleys was found to be owing to aboriginal irrigation ; not, however, for the production of 

 upland crops, but to'form artificial marshes and pools for the cultivation of taro. These pools subserve a 

 double purpose, being likewise used for keeping mullet ; the young fry of which are captured along the 

 coast, and by a course of management are brought to five in fresh water, where they acquire superior size 

 and flavor. In the ponds nearest the coast, I have seen two other kinds of sea-fish, the Butirinus and the 

 Dules. Fish-ponds appear to be unknown at the southern Polynesian groups. 



" The most approved delicacy of the Hawaiian Islands consists of a particular breed of dog, which is 

 fed exclusively on 'poi' (fermented taro-paste,) and is not allowed to taste animal food. Salt has been 

 always used to cure pork and fish ; in which business, in a small way, the Hawaiians rather excel ; and it 



was observed, that they did not manifest aversion to our 

 salted provisions, like the other Polynesians, and the Fejee- 

 . ans. Another novelty occurred, in the profession of the 

 f )wler ; and numbers of small birds offered for sale alive, 

 which had been captured with a species of birdlime. 



" The houses are of medium size, compared with others 

 among the Polynesians, and are closely built; having the 

 walls and roof usually thatched with dried grass. In this 

 climate, a covering is necessary at night; and layers of 

 • tapa' serve for a blanket, and are even preferred for this 

 purpose by many European residents. The bed consists of 

 a layer of mats ; and we were shown some specimens of 

 matting of fine texture, that had required the labor of years. 

 A string of tutui-nuts forms a candle ; in the same manner 

 as castor beans (Ricinus) are sometimes employed at the 

 Fejee Islands. 



" Licentiousness prevailed at this group to a degree not 

 witnessed elsewhere; and in the former state of society, 

 when ' men were living with several wives, and women with 

 several husbands,' there appears to have been really an 

 approach to promiscuous intercourse. In all the other coun- 

 tries which I have visited, more regard has been paid in this 

 respect to the indications of nature." Civilization has much 

 improved them. 



Head of a Japanese 



(16) 



