274 ^I^^UI. 



books circulated among them, that expression has become almost 

 proverbial, and many have in consequence been restrained from in- 

 dulging in gaming to excess, v^hile some have abandoned the practice 

 altogether. 



From the inquiries I made on the subject of their vices, I am 

 satisfied that these have been much overrated by both residents and 

 missionaries, and I fully believe that these natives are as susceptible 

 of correct impressions as any other people. 



They appeared to me to be wanting in that national pride which 

 was found a predominant trait in the groups we had previously 

 visited. They speak less of their country than other Polynesians; 

 but Mr. Richards and Dr. Judd both assured me that they felt a 

 certain degree of pride in their respective islands. As an instance of 

 this, it was stated to me that the government proposing to make the 

 island of Kahoolawe a place for convicts, wished to induce the people 

 of the island to quit it ; but no persuasion could prevail on them to 

 do so ; and it is said that this feeling has existed to such an extent 

 there, that the young women have refused to marry, unless under a 

 pledge that they shall not be required to remove. The people of 

 Hawaii consider themselves superior to those of the other islands; 

 next to them rank the natives of Maui and Oahu, while Kauai is 

 looked upon as the most inferior. It was likewise mentioned that 

 some individuals have come forward to ask to exchange plots that 

 had been assigned to them, for those on which their fathers had 

 resided, or wliere they were born. 



I was much amused to hear that w^hen one of the teachers of the 

 seminary gave out to the class as a theme, " Whether it was right for 

 parents to give away their children," all belonging to it took the 

 affirmative side ! It is not to be supposed that their reasons were 

 very strong, but it was said the principal one urged was the difficulty 

 of travelling with them, and procuring food ; this practice having 

 prevailed from time immemorial, they no doubt endeavoured to find 

 reasons to justify it. 



In the opinion of a native, the most distant relationship or con- 

 nexion, justifies him in calling on and receiving entertainment. They 

 not only consider that they have a right to partake of the hospitality, 

 but speak of it as a great convenience ; so that in choosing a wife or 

 husband, one who has many relations is a more desirable match on 

 this account than one who has few. This custom also causes more 

 intercourse between the islands than would otherwise take place, and 



