306 CRUISE OF THE PORPOISE. 



them are brought about by the habit of eating their food so much 

 fermented, until indeed at times it has become disagreeable to the 

 smell : in this state, however, it is always preferred. I do not remem- 

 ber having observed this to be the case in any other of the Polynesian 

 islands, as respects their vegetable diet. 



Epidemics are not frequent, although a dreadful one prevailed 

 in 1803 and 1804, which is said to have destroyed a large number of 

 the inhabitants, and visited all the islands. 



The whooping-cough was introduced in some way, and spread 

 itself throughout the group. 



The influenza prevails both during the winter and spring, but is 

 only fatal to the old and weak. 



The native doctors, if such they may be called, frequently aggravate 

 disease by their nostrums. Dr. Judd related to me many instances 

 of their quackery, which not uufrequently ended in death. The 

 native remedies, however, are of some value, if they had knowledge 

 enough properly to apply them ; but without this intelligence, they 

 are at all times more or less dangerous : they consist of the candle- 

 nut (Aleurites triloba), the bitter calabash (Cucurbita lagenaria), the 

 seeds of the castor-oil nut, a species of Ipomoea, and many other 

 powerful herbs, of which they make strong decoctions : these are often 

 administered by enema, and their operation frequently brings on great 

 agonies and death. To these are added incantations, which of them- 

 selves are quite enough to kill. But, worst of all, it often happens 

 that those who are well are induced to take preventive remedies for 

 future sickness, which are said in some cases to be more severe than 

 the constitution of the patient can bear. 



Of surgery the Hawaiians know nothing whatever, nor have they 

 much occasion for its practice, for few of them receive injuries suffi- 

 cient to call for the application of that branch of the healing art. 



The physicians attached to the mission, of which there are several, 

 do incalculable good in alleviating distresses and superintending their 

 wants : all this is done gratuitously, and I think seems little esteemed, 

 however strange it may seem, by the natives. I very much doubt 

 the policy of giving their services and medicines free of charge, for 

 the natives are abundantly able to pay, and I make no doubt would 

 do so if they felt they could thus command the services of the physi- 

 cian whenever needed. 



This is a part of the organization of the American Mission that is 

 highly commendable : in no other mission is it found. It not only 



