CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 95 



This oracle is covered with scarlet and white seeds, about the size 

 of a large pea, which are stuck upon it in fantastic figures with gum. 

 To the priest this is a labour-saving machine ; for, on ordinary occa- 

 sions, instead of going through the performance we have described, he 

 merely whispers in the ear of the model, and pretends to receive an 

 answer by applying his own ear to its mouth. 



The occasions on which the priests are required to shake, are 

 usually of the following kinds : to implore good crops of yams and 

 taro ; on going to battle ; for propitious voyages ; for rain ; for storms, to 

 drive boats and ships ashore, in order that the natives may seize the 

 property they are freighted with ; and for the destruction of their 

 enemies. 



When the prayers offered are for a deliverance from famine, the 

 priest directs the people to return to their houses, in the name of 

 Ndengei, who then at his instance is expected to turn himself over, in 

 which case an earthquake ensues, which is to be followed by a season 

 of fertility. 



When it is determined to offer a sacrifice, the people are assembled 

 and addressed by a chief. A time is then fixed for the ceremony, 

 until which time a taboo is laid upon pigs, turtles, &c. On the ap- 

 pointed day, each man brings his quota of provisions, and a whale's 

 tooth if he have one. The chief, accompanied by the others, ap- 

 proaches the mbure, and while he offers up his prayers, the people 

 present their gifts. The latter then return to their houses, and the 

 offering is distributed by the priest. 



When a chief wishes to supplicate a god for the recovery of a sick 

 friend, the return of a canoe, or any other desired object, he takes a 

 root of ava and a whale's tooth to the mbure, and offers them to the 

 priest. The latter takes the whale's tooth in his hands, and then goes 

 through the operation of shaking, &c, as has already been described. 



Besides the occasional consultation of the gods through the ambati, 

 there are stated religious festivals. One of these, which is said to be 

 only practised in districts subject to Tui Levuka, takes place in the 

 month of November, and lasts four days. At its commencement an 

 influential matanivanua (landholder) proceeds just at sunset to the 

 outside of the koro or town, where, in a loud voice, he invokes the 

 spirit of the sky, praying for good crops and other blessings. This is 

 followed by a general beating of sticks and drums, and blowing of 

 conchs, which lasts for half an hour. During the four days, the men 



