128 TEE CRUISE OF TEE ' GUBAGOA.' ■ 



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

 and flexures 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 graceful description ; the nuiscles, both of the arms 

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

 displaying what would be a fme and uncommon subject of 

 study for the painter ; for no combination of animal action 

 can develop the swell and play of the muscles with more 

 grace or with better effect. The degree of strength which 

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

 the dexterity with wliicli he accomphshes the whole never 

 fails to excite the attention and admiration of all present. 

 .... Sometimes the fibres of the vau are heard to crack 

 with the increasing tension, yet the mass is seen wdiole and 

 entire, becoming more thin as it becomes more twisted, 

 while the infusion drains from it in a regularly decreasing 

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

 now tosses tlie dregs behind him, or, with a new lot of vari, 

 repeats the operation, until the liquid is clear and fit 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 poured through until it 

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



