ELLICE'S AND KINGSMILL GROUP. 



73 



island, a great difference was perceptible between them and those of 

 the other islands, as well in respect to their appearance, as in charac- 

 ter. Their features were regular, and by some thought handsome ; 

 they had fine teeth, with glossy black hair, flowing in ringlets about 

 their heads ; they were also of a lighter colour than the rest of the 

 natives with whom they are grouped; their figures are, for the most 

 part, rotund, and they seem to have an abundance of food to become 

 fat upon. In walking, they appeared like a moving mass of jelly ; 

 every laugh set not only their sides in motion, but their whole frame 

 and flesh. On being asked how these people became so fat, Wood 

 replied, they had plenty of food and " toddy" to fatten upon : this last 

 is a syrup, called by the natives " karaca," made from the sap of the 

 young cocoa-nut trees : of this they drink immoderately. They wear 

 mustaches and whiskers, which are highly prized and carefully nursed 

 among them. They had a good-humoured cast of countenance, and 

 seemed peaceable and full of kindness. No scars were seen on their 

 bodies, neither had they any warlike instruments with them. All the 

 little casualties which so often affected the harmony of the natives 

 before, here produced no sort of disturbance ; and each was inclined 

 to render the other assistance in repairing the accidents. 



NATIVE OF MAKIN ISLAND. 



The men are very handsomely tattooed, of which the above cut 

 will give a correct idea. On their reaching the ship, they appeared 

 vol. v. g 10 



