FEEJEE GROUP. 351 
or soup, in which they have been boiled, which is drunk out of cups 
made of cocoa-nut shells; the third, or principal course, is the better 
portion of the turtle, baked and served up smoking, in its own shell. 
Over this the priest pronounces a short prayer; after which two of 
the company proceed to carve it with knives of bamboo. Pieces are 
often cut off to be sent to the king’s wives, who are not allowed to be 
present. After the third course, ava is served, and the feast breaks up 
with the retiring of the king. 
The mode in which they sit at feasts, and, indeed upon almost all 
occasions, is peculiar. The annexed figure will give a better idea than 
any description. 
MODE OF SITTING. 
The mbure being used for such purposes, is furnished much after 
the manner of their dwellings, except that a portion of it is screened 
off for the spirit and the priest. The mbure is also used for the re- 
ception of visiters. The coming of these is generally announced 
beforehand, and preparations made for their reception. 
As soon as the canoes heave in sight, the whole population of the 
town go down on the beach to meet them. The strangers land in 
silence, and proceed to where the villagers are assembled, where both 
parties squat down. The chief of the visiting party then tells all the 
news and incidents of the voyage, which done, the chief of the town 
gives a narrative of events since they last met. All then join in a kind 
of song of praise, or thanks to their spirit for his protection, containing 
also a welcome to the strangers. They then unite in hauling up their 
canoes; and when this is done, the strangers are taken to the mbure 
and feasted. Dancing, stories, and ava-drinking succeed. 
