386 



NEW ZEALAND. 



Pomare's house was about twenty feet long by twelve broad ; from 

 five to eight feet high. The mode of construction was the same as 

 above described, with the exception that the rafters were flat and 

 ornamented with arabesque work, drawn with soot or black pigment. 

 The posts were likewise carved ; but from the dirt and filth with which 

 they were covered, it was difficult, if not impossible, to decipher them. 

 It is said that the New Zealanders have improved in the art of building 

 since they were first visited, but they are still in this respect far behind 

 any of the islanders we have visited. 



Four of our gentlemen, before my arrival, had paid Pomare a visit, 

 and made him some presents, which, so far from satisfying his cupidity, 

 only made him more covetous. On receiving a watch-chain, he asked 

 for the watch ; and could not be induced to exhibit a dance, unless each 

 person presented him with a shilling. This exaction was submitted to, 

 though they were disgusted and disappointed with the greediness he 

 manifested. The dance proved very similar to those seen among the 

 Samoans and TaKitians, with the same tossing of the arms and legs, 



