152 SAMOAN GROUP. 



sion, by bringing loads of stones, fire-wood, and green boughs, and to 

 bow down very abjectly in the presence of the chief. They were 

 also required to pay a large amount of tapa, mats, and other property. 



The government of the Samoans is more refined in principle than 

 could well be expected. The rule of hereditary chiefs is acknow- 

 ledged, and the distinction of the several classes well defined. Great 

 respect is paid to the chiefs, and particularly to the "Tupu," or highest 

 class. To this belong Malietoa, Pea of Manono, &c. The second 

 class consists of the near relatives of the first, and of others who have 

 large possessions ; the third, of the petty chiefs of villages ; next 

 come the tulafales, who are a well-defined class between the chiefs 

 (alii) and common people. These tulafales are proprietors of the soil, 

 and householders; they possess considerable influence, and act as 

 advisers of the chiefs, and the executors of their orders. Like the 

 chiefs, they derive their rank from descent. There is no distinct 

 name for the common people as a class, but the chiefs in speaking of 

 them always apply some opprobrious epithet. The son of a low-born 

 woman by a chief ranks as a chief, although he has no authority, and 

 the son of a noble woman by a man of mean birth, may be either a 

 chief or a commoner. 



The lands are allotted and distinguished by known boundaries. 

 The natural heir of the former owner succeeds, and is the feudal 

 chief or leader in war, but all his dependants are free to cultivate it. 

 Lands may be sold, which is done at public meetings, and the bargain 

 is made binding by sticking their staves into the ground, or digging a 

 portion of it up. 



The whole power lies in the high chiefs of the " Malo" or con- 

 quering party. They assemble in fono, and determine the general 

 laws and rules of action. At the head of this is Malietoa, who is now 

 considered the head chief of Atua, and is supposed will shortly 

 acquire that of Tui of Aana. Each of these districts formerly had a 

 separate chief, bearing the same title of Tui, but in their wars with 

 Manono, nearly all the descendants of these princes were killed off. 

 To obtain this title requires the consent of the chiefs of Manono, and 

 part of Savaii, which belongs to the ruling party. 



The fono may levy what contributions it pleases, particularly on 

 those they have conquered. The present " Malo" or government is 

 designated " Malo-to-toa" — the gentle government. 



Although there is no supreme authority acknowledged in any one 

 individual, yet there are instances of chiefs of districts assuming and 

 maintaining it. The late Tamafago, of whom some account has already 



