SAMOAN GROUP. 145 



had been lopt of its branches (except at the very top), for a mast; 

 around this a framework of timber, after the model of a vessel, was 

 constructed ; all the timbers were carefully fastened together with 

 sinnet, and with the requisite curvature; from the bow a large and 

 long piece of timber projected, and at the stern a rudder was con- 

 trived, with its tiller ; but instead of its ordinary movements as with 

 us, it was intended to act vertically, in the way to which they are 

 accustomed in manaonng or steering- their lame canoes with an oar ; 

 vines and creepers were used for the rigging ; ballast had likewise 

 been placed in the hold. 



This afforded them great amusement, and showed an ingenuity in 

 the construction of this Papalangi ship, as they called it, which had 

 cost them much time and laboiir. 



There is no ceremony at births, or indeed any inconvenience. The 

 mother generally proceeds immediately to the spring, bathes and 

 washes her infant, and at the same time her usual occupations are 

 resumed. The naming of the child frequently takes place some time 

 before its birth, for sex makes no difference in the names, which are 

 given indiscriminately to males and females. 



The mothers often suckle their children until they are six years 

 old ; and I was told of an instance where a woman gave nourishment 

 to three children of different ages at once, the eldest removing the 

 youngest sometimes by force from the mother's breast. 



It is their practice to wash the children frequently in the fresh- 

 water streams. 



When a native wishes to get a wife, the consent of the chief is first 

 obtained. Then he takes a basket of bread-fruit, and offers it to the 

 girl of his choice. His suit is considered as accepted if she partakes 

 of it. He must then pay her parents a certain price for her, which 

 varies with the station and ability of the parties. A chief's daughter 

 is valued high, viz., at half a dozen hatchets and as many fathoms of 

 cloth. 



Another mode of courtship is to go to the house of the object of 

 attachment or desire, and be entertained. If the' family show a 

 friendly feeling towards the young man and eat with him, his 

 addresses are favourably received. The formal offer is made by a 

 large present to the family of the female, which being accepted, the 

 match is made, and if refused, the courtship is at an end. The 

 parents expect their children to abide by their decision. The 

 " Malo" party have been in the habit of taking wives from their 



vol. ii. 37 



