THE MALAY RACE. 



89 



a liberal supply of mental nurture, in translations of a variety of 

 useful books : these amounted to quite a library, and yet difficulty was 

 experienced in keeping up with the demand. 



It appeared, notwithstanding, that no native had hitherto been 

 found to possess all the qualifications requisite to take charge of a 

 shop, or to conduct any mercantile business. The missionaries re- 

 garded as one main obstacle to improvement, the extremely limited 

 views of the natives in respect to style of living : " a little fish 

 and a little poi, and they were content." By adopting the use of 

 coin, they had placed themselves in many respects in the condition 

 of indigence ; and in conformity with the new standard of value, a 

 native, I was assured, " could be supported for less than two cents a 

 day." 



Innovations were also going on in political institutions : and during 

 our stay, the first public execution took place ; the prerogative of a 

 chief, being at the same time infringed. Much interest was indi- 

 rectly excited, by the discovery of the meaning of the word ' con- 

 science,' for which, there is no corresponding expression in the Ha- 

 waiian language : and one of the natives explained the new idea, as 

 'a magistrate within.' For several years, the Hawaiians had been 

 in a state of virtual, though peaceful revolution ; and one, it may 

 readily be supposed, having a depressing influence on the spirit of 

 the nation. 



Among other consequences, the natives, supposing that the con- 

 version involved the abandonment of all ancient usages, voluntarily 

 left off many useful customs; and, on the other hand, adopted some 

 that seem unsuited to the climate and circumstances of the country. 

 It is true, the practical utility, in some instances was directly " con- 

 nected or associated with former religious observances." One fact 

 may be noted, in relation to the establishment of the new order of 

 things; the efficient agency of a Taheitian. 



Even the canoes had not escaped the general change; and the 

 "representations given by the first visiters, would now be recognised 

 only by old people. The model had been altered," and the trian- 

 gular Feejeean sail had been abandoned. The canoes seen, were 

 excavated from single logs. In addition, vessels of European con- 

 struction had been purchased, both by the government and by indi- 

 viduals, and were employed between the diffi;rent islands of the 

 group. And some of the native commanders had acquired the gene- 



