94 MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF 



fresh water, and afterwards anoint themselves with scented cocoanut- 

 oil. They then proceed to their work, and continue at it until the 

 heat becomes oppressive, which it does by nine or ten o'clock, when 

 they return to their houses, wash themselves again, and take their 

 first meal : all the middle of the day is passed in their houses, or in 

 the mariapa, in sleeping, or chatting with their neighbours. About 

 four o'clock in the afternoon they again resume their work, and 

 continue engaged at it until sunset, when they return, and wash 

 themselves for the third time. They then take their second meal, 

 and shortly after dark retire to sleep. They have no torches, (except 

 for great occasions,) or any other means of lighting their houses, and 

 are thus compelled to retire early, so that their amusements, as well 

 as their occupations, cease with the day. The character of these 

 islanders has many things in it to condemn : although they are de- 

 ceitful and dishonest in their dealings, yet they are, in their inter- 

 course with each other, hospitable and generous ; they never buy or 

 sell, but if any person desires an article which another has, he asks 

 for it, and if not too valuable and esteemed, is seldom refused : it is the 

 general understanding that such favours are to be returned, and that 

 the request should only be made by persons who can afford to do so. 

 They always place food before a stranger, and any one who has not a 

 sufficient supply at home is at liberty to join the meals of a more 

 fortunate neighbour. According to Kirby, there are many who are 

 desirous of avoiding this tax upon them, and take their meals after 

 dark, when they are not so liable to be intruded upon by their 

 hungry fellow-townsmen. 



They are addicted to thieving, although they are severely punished 

 for it when detected. They are easily excited to anger, but are soon 

 appeased, nor is the occasion of offence remembered with any feelings 

 of rancour. The women seem to possess stronger passions than the 

 men, and more enduring wrath ; jealousy is the principal exciting 

 cause with them, and they will sometimes carry a small weapon, made 

 of a shark's tooth, concealed for months, watching an opportunity of 

 making an attack ; desperate fights are the consequence of this, and 

 so much injury is done before these ferocious combatants can be 

 parted, that they often suffer from terrible wounds. Yet Kirby says, 

 he found in other respects than this the women always more humane 

 and gentle than the men. 



Like all savages, they are treacherous and cruel to the last degree ; 

 although they seem less prone to fighting than other natives whom 



