28 
BOW DITCH ISLAND. 
fied that it will be a very desirable improvement, both for their comfort 
and health, if they can be induced to abandon their modes of sleeping 
on the damp ground ; and some endeavours have already been made to 
effect a change in this respect, as one of the best means to prevent the 
diseases of the climate, which are thought to arise principally from this 
cause. 
These gentlemen also visited Malietoa, who was still occupying the 
same small house, directly opposite to the fale-tele, in which I saw him 
during my visit. On entering, they were greeted by his two wives, the 
matronly Lauilupa, and Siona, the younger, both of whom still main¬ 
tained their fleshy appearance. They recognised Mr. Hale, and gave 
him a warm greeting. The old king, who had been sleeping on his 
divan or raised floor, now came forward. He appeared greatly 
changed, and was scarcely to be recognised as the same person. 
Instead of his dignified and upright carriage, which struck us all so 
much at our former visit, his form had become meagre and shrunken, 
and he was apparently bowed down with years, and trembling with 
infirmities. 
He saluted our gentlemen with his usual courtesy, and, after seating 
himself, listened to the account of their visit, and of the news at Apia. 
He still retained much of his former air of command and sternness, 
which caused him to be likened by Dr. Whittle to a sick lion. He was 
unable to sit up long, and was soon again asleep. Old Lauilupa now 
entertained them by complaining of her sufferings from rheumatism, 
which Dr. Whittle gave her directions how to treat. 
The two wives began, in a short time, to beg for presents—the elder 
one for needles and thread, the younger for jews-harps, rings, and look¬ 
ing-glasses. These were promised, on their sending to the ship for 
them. They supplied their guests with food, which was served on an 
eating-mat, and consisted of pork, fish, taro, and yams. The queens 
sat by, pointing out the choicest bits, and, had not our gentlemen 
declined the honour, seemed disposed to use their royal fingers for its 
conveyance to their mouths. 
In the evening, they took a stroll around the village, where every 
house was found lighted up with a cocoanut-oil lamp, or a torch of the 
candle-nut, strung upon a stick, and some with the fire of dry cocoa- 
nut leaves. In each house a family circle was usually seen, variously 
employed, some eating, some talking, others braiding sennit, but no 
amusements; for it was Saturday evening, and they were preparing for 
the Sabbath. Wherever they went, they were received with civility, 
and invited to eat. 
Returning to Malietoa, another meal was found provided for them, 
