84 CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 



In the flag of the vunivalu the black and white stripes are hori- 

 zontal. 



The flag of the Kai Rewa is all white. 



The Kai Ratu use, as flags, merely strips of tapa, or array them- 

 selves under the flag of a chief. Each of the first three bands is kept 

 distinct, and fights under its own flag, in the place which the com- 

 mander appoints. The flag of the latter is always longest, and is 

 raised highest, whether he be king or only vunivalu. To carry a 

 flag is considered as a post of the greatest distinction, and is confined 

 to the bravest and most active of the tribe. 



A town, when besieged, has also its signal of pride. This consists 

 of a sort of kite, of a circular shape, made of palm-leaves, and deco- 

 rated with ribands of white and coloured tapa. When an enemy 

 approaches the town, if the wind be favourable, the kite is raised by 

 means of a very long cord. The cord is passed through a hole made 

 near the top of a pole thirty or forty feet in height, which is erected 

 in a conspicuous part of the town. The cord is then drawn back- 

 wards and forwards through the hole, in such a manner as to be kept 

 floating as a signal of defiance, immediately over the approaching 

 enemy. The attacking party, excited by this, rush forward with their 

 flag, and plant it as near the walls as possible. If the garrison be 

 sufficiently strong they will sally out and endeavour to take the flag; 

 for it is considered as a great triumph to capture a flag, and a foul 

 disgrace to lose one. 



When flags are taken, they are always hung up as trophies in the 

 mbure; and in that of Levuka I saw many small ones suspended, 

 which, as I was informed by Whippy, had been taken from moun- 

 taineers of the interior of the island. 



The towns are usually fortified with a strong palisade, made of 

 bread-fruit or cocoa-nut trees, around which is a ditch partly filled 

 with water. There are usually two entrances, in which are gates, 

 so narrow as to admit only one person at a time. The village of 

 Waitora, about two miles to the north of Levuka, is justly considered 

 by the natives as a place of great strength. This was visited by 

 Messrs. Hale and Sandford, who give the following description of it. 

 It is situated upon a hill, and can be approached only by a narrow 

 path along the sloping edge of a rocky ridge. At the extremity of this 

 path is a level space of about an acre in extent, which is surrounded 

 by a stone wall, and filled with houses. In the centre is a rock, about 



