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 tin's 

 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, 



