120 Account of the Caroline Islands. 
lawful for them to employ fresh water for this purpose, and they are 
persuaded that whoever neglects this custom, will be unsuccessful in 
taking fish. ‘The females bathe in like manner, at another place, 
quite by themselves. 
Their language is not difficult to learn, at least, that employed 
among the men. But it is difficult to have in the mind constantly, 
the numerous expressions and words which it is unlawful to employ 
in the presence of females. Nothing proves however, more clearly, 
than this usage, the great respect paid to females among these 
islanders. The inhabitants, in general, are extremely fond of talk- 
ing; their evenings are passed ordinarily, in relating stories, or ad- 
ventures which they have experienced in their voyages. ‘They de- 
scribe with delight the new islands they have visited, or seen, their 
inhabitants and productions, how they have been received by the peo- 
ple, what they have seen in the Spanish colonies, particularly their 
vessels. ‘These conversations are often protracted until midnight, 
and it is by them, that they maintain the exact knowledge they have 
of the different islands which compose the Caroline Archipelago. 
Mertens gives numerous details respecting the different meth- 
ods of fishing employed by these people, and upon their mode of 
navigation. He also describes their musical performances and mode 
of dancing. They have a musical féte once in two years, for which 
the greatest preparations are made. ‘They apply themselves to this 
art with the utmost attention. It is the occasion of much voya- 
ging from one island to another. If for example it happens that a 
young man wishes to display his musical talents on a distant island, - 
he does not hesitate to embark for the place, sure of being received 
with a hearty welcome. It is the case that appomtments are made 
for these fétes a long time beforehand. In the year that we dis- 
covered the Mourilleu Islands, a part of the Islands Setoas, Sonek 
and Tametam, had engaged to go in the month of June of the pres-_ 
ent year, to the Island Fananou, the residence of the King of the 
group, although distant about two hundred miles, solely for the pur-. 
pose of engaging in one of these entertainments. It was stipulated 
that seventy canoes should be employed in the voyage and that each 
one should contain five singers. On these occasions the singers of 
both sexes, dress themselves with the utmost care, being decked out 
with mantles made from the fibre of banana, with wreaths and 
necklaces of flowers, shells, and painted wood, with feathers, &c. 
The fete begins as follows: two or three men approach with cere- 
