58 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



The array of thoughtful and venerable countenances bore some 

 whimsical analogy to the leading members of a civilized village-com- 

 munity ; and I could not avoid mentally selecting the corresponding 

 dignitaries, with their sphere of action, however, ridiculously limited. 



We did not learn the precise relations between the people of the 

 two islands. They did not appear to be altogether on a friendly foot- 

 ing; though from the number of old men, we supposed that wars 

 were not common. The beard was universal; but I observed no 

 marks of tattooing. 



Among the articles procured at the larger island, were oar-shaped 

 clubs, six or eight feet long (their javelins they would not part with) ; 

 pearl shells; adzes, the handles made of kneed roots, and the cutting 

 portion, of shell, either the Tridacna or Cassis. There being no produc- 

 tion of the coral islands harder than shell or coral, a pointed instru- 

 ment of bone was regarded by the crew with some curiosity; and was 

 thought to be connected with the manufacture of pearl-shell fish- 

 hooks. The bone was evidently that of some large land animal, and 

 there bein^ but one kind on the island, it seemed to throw new li^ht 

 on the enticements in similar situations, sometimes held out to visiters. 



The wood-work was rasped; probably with the skin of the Sha- 

 green-ray, which is used at other coral islands. The jaw of the toothed 

 bonito (Sarda?), was sometimes fastened to a stick, for some purpose 

 not ascertained. Mats principally, were used for clothing; but ' tapa' 

 or bark cloth (probably from the wild Procris), was not altogether 

 wanting. Heaps of coral-blocks, like monuments, long baskets set up 

 in various places, and a stick of timber resting on two posts, were 

 seen from the boat. Mr. Agate was of the party that landed on the 

 larger island; and he remarked "that the huts were very low, afford- 

 ing only room to creep under, and that water was kept in cocoa-nut 

 shells," as afterwards observed at Raraka and the Union Group. 



In all my subsequent experience, I have not found elsewhere any- 

 thing that looked like a relapse from a more improved condition of 

 society; and in this case, from the surrounding circumstances, it 

 seems unavoidable. If we examine the handiwork, we shall perceive 

 an apparent aiming at former arts, as though the knowledge were 

 present, and the materials only wanting. 



From various points of difference observed (as in respect to wearing 

 the beard), I have thought these people should have a separate place 

 from the islanders first visited. Perhaps some connexion, notwith- 



