426 NEW ZEALAND. 



fowling-piece; but he had, in going round the ship, seen one of Hall's 

 patent rifles, that loaded at the breech ; and nothing would satisfy him 

 but to exchange the gun I had given him for one of these. He 

 surprised me by at once comprehending its facility of use, and its 

 excellent manufacture. After a great deal of importunity, I con- 

 sented to the exchange, but found that he was inclined, after having 

 once succeeded, to beg every thing that struck his fancy. In this he 

 was followed by the other chiefs, among the rest by Hoia, his 

 brother. To the latter, I gave an old cocked-hat, which pleased him 

 exceedingly, and I was not a little amused to see him wearing it, and 

 dressed in a tight coat and vest, with bare legs, exhibiting one of the 

 most ridiculous figures imaginable, although in his own opinion the 

 beau ideal of elegance. Pomare went about the ship begging for 

 military caps with gold bands, and was extremely importunate until he 

 found that nothing more could be obtained. I by no means admired 

 his appearance ; for, although of good proportions, tall, and well made, 

 he is awkward and parrot-toed. His height and manner of walking 

 make this defect more apparent, and he wants that dignity which is 

 sometimes seen in a savage of our own country. The New Zea- 

 landers, however, struck us as having a closer resemblance to our 

 North American Indians than any others we had yet met with among 

 the Polynesian nations. I was surprised to see how little respect was 

 paid to the orders of Pomare by his followers, and was told that there 

 is little authority acknowledged by those who are free. His slaves 

 and wives are those who must sustain the burden of his wrath ; their 

 lives are at his disposal, and with them his will is law ; they seem, 

 however, to be treated kindly. Pomare is said to be entirely under 

 the control of his favourite wife, of whom I have heretofore spoken. 

 She is a far more respectable person than her husband, and was the 

 most intelligent native I met with. 



Wishing to see their war-dances, I requested Pomare to gratify us 

 with an exhibition, which he consented to do. The ground chosen 

 was the hill-side of Mr. Ciendon, our consul's place, where between 

 three and four hundred natives, with their wives and children, 

 assembled. Pomare divided the men into three parties or squads, 

 and stationed these at some distance from each other. Shortly after 

 this was done, I received a message from him, to say that they were 

 all hungry, and wanted me to treat them to something to eat. This 

 was refused until they had finished their dance, and much delay took 

 place in consequence. Pomare and his warriors were at first immov- 



