SAMOAN GROUP. 133 



manifested for wrongs committed on them by lawless visiters. The 

 instance of Opotuno, however, shows that this idea of their charac- 

 ter is not entirely without foundation. Viewed in a more favourable 

 light, they are, as we found them, kind, good-humoured, intelligent, 

 fond of amusements, desirous of pleasing, and very hospitable. 

 Both sexes show great kindness and love for their children, and age 

 is so much respected that only old men are admitted to council. As 

 a shade on this picture, they are indolent, covetous, fickle, deceitful, 

 and little reliance can be placed upon them. To illustrate these 

 features of their character : the first question asked when a chief 

 receives a visiter is, " What present will you take ?" for they consider 

 it incumbent upon them to bestow some token of regard, and a 

 neglect to offer it would be indecorous. This custom was always 

 complied with, when any of our officers visited them, and although 

 it was evident they did not wish to part with any thing valuable, 

 their choicest possessions were exhibited as if for the choice of the 

 stranger. On the refusal of their offered presents, great joy was 

 always to be observed in their countenance and manner, showing 

 that they rejoiced in an escape from loss, while they had at the 

 same time performed the prescribed rites of hospitality. This risk 

 being over, they were too happy to supply us with cocoa-nuts and 

 fruits. In spite, however, of the apparent liberality with which 

 these were furnished, they do it in expectation of a full return. In 

 pursuance of this hospitality, it is the custom when a stranger passes 

 through a village without showing an intention to stop, to follow him 

 and offer food. 



The Samoans are usually very inquisitive, and it was amusing to 

 excite their curiosity. Among other things mentioned for the 

 purpose was, that white men often wore false teeth and wigs. 

 The latter practice in particular seemed strange to them, and they 

 called it " thatching the head." A terrestrial globe was also shown 

 to some of them, whereon the position of their islands and their 

 small relative importance was pointed out. This excited great sur- 

 prise, for until within a few years they had no idea that there was 

 any country except their own. 



If the chiefs are liberal in their tenders of presents to their visiters, 

 they on the other hand do not hesitate to ask for whatever they see. 

 They may, in fact, be styled sturdy beggars. One of the most 

 persevering in his mendicancy, was no less a person than Vavasa, 

 the proud and overbearing chief of Manono. They usually began 



vol. ii. 34 



