140 SAMOANGROUP. 



heathen villages are as different as their appearance. In the latter 

 no schools are seen, nor any of the incipient marks of civilization. 

 Their reception of strangers in the Christian villages is always kind 

 and hospitable, although, as has been stated, a return is looked for. 

 Among the heathen, the manner of reception cannot be counted upon 

 with certainty, for they at one time welcome their visiters with cor- 

 diality, and at another are rude, insolent, and anxious to obtain all the 

 strangers possess. When in good humour, they entertain their guests 

 with the lascivious dances we have described, performed by native 

 girls. Their whole manner and conduct are so different from those 

 of villages within a short distance of them, that the effect produced 

 on the latter by the instruction of the missionaries, appears almost 

 miraculous. 



In the heathen villages the dress of the Samoans is to be seen in 

 its primitive simplicity. It is no more than the titi, which is a short 

 apron and girdle of the leaves of the ti (Dracsena), tied around the 

 loins and falling down to the thighs. The women besmear themselves 

 with cocoa-nut oil mixed with turmeric, which gives them a shining 

 yellow tint, that is considered as a beauty ; on each breast is a spot of 

 reddish brown, of a singular shape, and of various sizes, from that of 

 a dollar to that of a dessert-plate. They do not show the least sign of 

 feminine bashfulness, while those of the Christian villages cover their 

 bosoms, and exhibit as much modesty as those of any country. 



SAMOAN GIRL. 



During the last ten years the dress of the natives has undergone 

 much change; the titi has been increased in length, and extends all 

 round the body ; it has a neat and pretty effect when first put on, but 

 requires renewing often, as the leaves wilt in a few days ; this garment 



