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SAMOAN GROUP. 



ridge-pole, and is worked downwards. The cross-beams are lashed in 

 at different heights, connecting the centre portions of the roof together, 

 and are fastened to the upright centre posts. The rafters are made of 

 short pieces, placed at equal distances apart, and form the curve that 

 is required to construct the roof. Between the largest rafters are 

 smaller ones, about one foot apart. Across the rafters are placed and 

 fastened many small rods, about an inch in diameter. The whole is 

 neatly thatched with the sugar-cane or pandanus-leaves, and the 

 rafters are terminated by a wall-piece, made of short pieces of wood, 

 fastened together and to the rafters, so as to form the ellipse required 

 for the roof. The end portions, of similar small pieces, are made to 

 correspond to the required curvature of the roof and the ellipse of the 

 wall-plate. Posts are now placed in the ground, about three feet 

 apart, to receive the wall-piece, which is fastened to their tops. There 

 is no fastening used but sennit, made of cocoa-nut fibres. The rafters 

 are generally made of the hibiscus, which is light and strong. The 

 eaves extend about a foot beyond the posts. The smaller houses 

 generally have permanent sides ; the larger ones are open all around, 

 but mats are hung up as curtains by the occupants, and any part may 

 be used as a door. 



SAMOAN FALE-TELE. 



After the whole is finished, the interior has the appearance of an 

 extensive framework, from the number of cross-beams, which are used 

 as depositories for their property, tapas, mats, &c. ; and in some cases 

 the favourite canoe of the chiefs is placed on them. After a full 

 inspection of one of these fabrics, one cannot but view these natives 

 not only as industrious, but as possessing great skill and ingenuity. 

 The thatching lasts- four or five years. There is no floor to the house, 

 but the ground is covered with stones about the size of a small egg. 

 There is usually a paved platform on the outside, about three feet wide. 

 In some cases this is raised a foot, and serves to keep the house dry, 



