82 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



enjoyed his hospitality on the way out, but the denouement was re- 

 served for my return, in the form of a sale. From other natives, I ex- 

 perienced some disinterested and deUcately-tendered acts of kindness, 

 that, considering the general character of the New Zealanders, were 

 quite unexpected. 



" I was assured, that every part of the Northern island is intersected 

 with paths; and that the Interior had all been traversed by Euro- 

 peans." Notwithstanding the introduction of new means of subsist- 

 ence (domestic animals, the common potato, maize, and peaches), 

 it was generally conceded, that the population around the Bay of 

 Islands had materially diminished. Children were unusually rare : 

 as is generally observed, wherever Polynesians have come much in 

 contact with Europeans. 



The New Zealanders are ready enough to enter into the European 

 system of civilization, and adopt the arts and fashions of the Whites; 

 but under the new order of things, they have been found to possess 

 the failing of extreme covetousness. They are besides, apt to be 

 morose and discontented, and not very scrupulous in adhering to 

 their bargains. They have not the amiable temperament of the Tro- 

 pical Polynesians ; who are more general favourites with European 

 residents. Sac, our sailor-chief, did not conceal his disgust at the 

 treatment he received from his former neighbours, and made up his 

 mind to spend his earnings within the Tropics. It was stated, also, 

 that a " party of New Zealanders, tired of the disturbances at home, 

 once entertained the idea of forming a colony in New South Wales ; 

 in order that they might enjoy the benefit of regular laws." 



It is usual to represent the New Zealanders with a peculiar cast 

 of countenance, and especially v/ith the nose more prominent than in 

 other Polynesians. It is true, the cheeks seemed in general thinner, 

 and the frame not so well filled out, (owing perhaps in some measure 

 to the scarcity and inferior quality of the food;) and I once met with 

 an assemblage of very rugged-looking men. On the whole, it ap- 

 peared to me, that there was some optical illusion arising from the 

 peculiar style of tattooing; for in the countenances that were mostly 

 free from these marks, I saw only the same series of expressions as at 

 Taheiti and Samoa. In stature, however, the New Zealanders were 

 inferior to the inhabitants of those places ; and they did not, on the 

 average, appear to exceed Europeans. 



The set of diseases previously noticed as prevailing among the Tro- 

 pical Polynesians, appeared to be now for the most part wanting. I 



