148 S A MO AN GROUP. 



that of a dollar to that of a dessert-plate. They do not show the least 

 sign of feminine bashfulness, while those of the Christian villages 

 cover their bosoms, and exhibit as much modesty as those of any 

 country. 



During the last ten years the dress of the natives has undergone 

 much change ; the titi has been increased in length, and extends all 

 round the body ; it has a neat and pretty effect when first put on, but 

 requires renewing often, as the leaves wilt in a few days; this 

 garment is well adapted to the climate, being cool, and the necessity 

 of frequent change insures cleanliness. 



The Wesleyan missionaries from the Friendly Islands have intro- 

 duced the siapo of Tonga, which has now come into common use. It 

 is soft, pliable, and not glazed, and is principally used as a wrapper, 

 after the manner of the pareu of the Tahiti Islanders. A piece of 

 cotton cloth is usually worn by the chiefs as a siapo. 



The maro is worn when engaged in active exercise, or in war, as 

 being less cumbrous. The women often wear a beautifully white 

 shaggy mat (ie sina), hanging from the neck to the feet. It is woven 

 by hand from the fine threads of the Hibiscus ; they also sometimes 

 wear wrappers of the siapo form, and the tiputa, a kind of poncho, of 

 the same material, after the old fashion of the Tahitians, which is 

 more becoming than the loose gown introduced into that island by 

 the missionaries. 



There is another kind of mat, of very fine texture, worn on great 

 occasions, and used in their dances as a kind of cloak. It is orna- 

 mented with a border of red feathers. This is the most valuable 



