80 CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 



of an immense wig. When this has been finished, a piece of tapa, 

 so fine as to resemble tissue-paper, is wound in light folds around it, 

 to protect the hair from dew or dust. This covering, which has the 

 look of a turban, is called sala. and none but chiefs are allowed to 

 wear it; any attempt to assume this head-dress by a kai-si, or common 

 person, would be immediately punished with death. The sala, when 

 taken care of, will last three weeks or a month, and the hair is not 

 dressed except when it is removed ; but the high chiefs and dandies 

 seldom allow a day to pass without changing the sala, and having 

 their hair put in order. 



The Feejeeansare extremely changeable in their disposition. They 

 are fond of joking, indulge in laughter, and will at one moment 

 appear to give themselves up to merriment, from which they in an 

 instant pass to demon-like anger, which they evince by looks which 

 cannot be misunderstood by those who are the subjects of it, and par- 

 ticularly if in the power of the enraged native. Their anger seldom 

 finds vent in words, but has the character of sullenness. A chief, 

 when offended, seldom speaks a word, but puts sticks in the ground, 

 to keep the cause of his anger constantly in his recollection. The 

 objects of it now understand that it is time to appease him by pro- 

 pitiatory offerings, if they would avoid the bad consequences. When 

 these have been tendered to the satisfaction of the offended dignitary, 

 he pulls up the sticks as a signal that he is pacified. 



According to Whippy, who had an excellent opportunity of 

 judging, the Feejeeans are addicted to stealing, are treacherous in the 

 extreme, and, with all their ferocity, cowards. The most universal 

 trait of their character, is their inclination to lying. They tell a 

 falsehood in preference, when the truth would better answer their 

 purpose ; and, in conversing with them, the truth can be only 

 obtained, by cautioning them not to talk like a Feejee man, or, in 

 other words, not to tell any lies. 



Adroit lying is regarded as an accomplishment, and one who is 

 expert at it is sure of a comfortable subsistence and a friendly recep- 

 tion wherever he goes. Their own weakness in this respect does not 

 render them suspicious, and nothing but what is greatly exaggerated 

 is likely to be believed. In illustration of the latter trait, I was told 

 by Paddy Connel, that he never told them the truth when he wished 

 to be believed, for of it they were always incredulous. He main- 

 tained that it was absolutely necessary to tell them lies in order to 

 receive credence. 



Covetousness is probably one of the strongest features of the Fee- 



