THE KINGSMILL ISLANDERS. 8J) 



of different sizes, the largest of which is about a mile long by half a 

 mile wide ; some of them exceed twenty-four feet in height above the 

 surrounding soil : with this altitude, these are very conspicuous on a 

 low coral island. Each of these mounds is supposed to be the place 

 for a Kainakaki, the great beauty of which is invisible to mortal eyes. 

 Here the spirits pass their time in feasting and dancing; and whatever 

 they delighted in on earth, is now enjoyed to the fullest extent. The 

 ground of the Kainakaki is considered sacred, and though overgrown 

 with trees, no native will venture to cut them down : when a tree falls, 

 it is taken away, and another planted in its place. 



The daily occupation of these natives will serve to give an estimate 

 of their character, and would seem to be necessary before speaking of 

 their customs. 



They rise at daylight, wash their face, hands, and teeth, with fresh 

 water, and afterwards anoint themselves with scented cocoanut-oil. 

 They then proceed to their work, and continue at it until the heat 

 becomes oppressive, which it does by nine or ten o'clock, when they 

 return to their houses, wash themselves again, and take their first 

 meal : all the middle of the day is passed in their houses, or in the 

 mariapa, in sleeping, or chatting with their neighbours. About four 

 o'clock in the afternoon they again resume their work, and continue 

 engaged at it until sunset, when they return, and wash themselves for 

 the third time. They then take their second meal, and shortly after 

 dark retire to sleep. They have no torches, (except for great occa- 

 sions,) or any other means of lighting their houses, and are thus 

 compelled to retire early, so that their amusements, as well as their 

 occupations, cease with the day. The character of these islanders 

 has many things in it to condemn : although they are deceitful and 

 dishonest in their dealings, yet they are, in their intercourse with each 

 other, hospitable and generous; they never buy or sell, but if anv 

 person desires an article which another has, he asks for it, and if not 

 too valuable and esteemed, is seldom refused : it is the general under- 

 standing that such favours are to be returned, and that the request 

 should only be made by persons who can afford to do so. They 

 always place food before a stranger, and any one who has not a suffi- 

 cient supply at home is at liberty to join the meals of a more fortunate 

 neighbour. According to Kirby, there are many who are desirous 

 of avoiding this tax upon them, and take their meals after dark, when 

 they are not so liable to be intruded upon by their hungry fellow- 

 townsmen. 



They are addicted to thieving, although they are severely punished 

 for it when detected. They are easily excited to anger, but are soon 



VOL. V. H2 12 



