NEW ZEALAND. 



409 



sJ^T" Wtj^lL SET**: 



Pomare's house was about twenty feet long by twelve broad ; from 

 five to eight feet high. The mode of construction was the same as 

 above described, with the exception that the rafters were flat and orna- 

 mented with arabesque work, drawn with soot or black pigment. The 

 posts were likewise carved ; but from the dirt and filth with which 

 they were covered, it was difficult, if not impossible, to decipher 

 them. It is said that the New Zealanders have improved in the art 

 of building since they were first visited, but they are still in this 

 respect far behind any of the islanders we have visited. 



Four of our gentlemen, before my arrival, had paid Pomare a 

 visit, and made him some presents, which, so far from satisfying his 

 cupidity, only made him more covetous. On receiving a watch- 

 chain, he asked for the watch ; and could not be induced to exhibit a 

 dance, unless each person presented him with a shilling. This 

 exaction was submitted to, though they were disgusted and disap- 

 pointed with the greediness he manifested. The dance proved very 

 similar to those seen among the Samoans and Tahitians, with the 

 same tossing of the arms and legs, and various contortions of the 



vol. ii. 103 



