THE MALAY RACE. 



91 



in fresh water, where they acquire superior size and flavour. In the 

 ponds nearest the coast, I have seen two other kinds of sea-fish, the 

 Butirinus and the Dules. Fish-ponds appear to be unknown at the 

 southern Polynesian groups. 



The most approved delicacy of the Hawaiian Islands, consists of a 

 particular breed of dog, which is fed exclusively on ' poi' (fermented 

 taro-paste), and is not allowed to taste animal food. Salt had been 

 always used "to cure pork and fish;" in which business, in a small 

 way, the Hawaiians rather excel : and it was observed, that they did 

 not manifest aversion to our salted provisions, like the other Polyne- 

 sians and the Feejeeans. Another novelty occurred, in the profession 

 of the fowler; and numbers of small birds were offered for sale alive, 

 which had been captured with a species of birdlime. 



The houses are of medium size, compared with others among the 

 Polynesians, and are closely built ; having the walls and roof usually 

 thatched with dried grass. In this climate, a covering is necessary at 

 night ; and layers of ' tapa' serve for a blanket, and are even preferred 

 for this purpose, by many European residents. The bed consists of 

 a layer of mats : and we were shown some specimens of matting of fine 

 texture, that had required the labour of years. A string of tutui-nuts 

 forms a candle ; in the same manner as castor beans (Ricinus) are 

 sometimes employed at the Feejee Islands. 



Among the other Feejeean analogies, it appears that whale-teeth 

 were " highly prized in former times, and were cut into various orna- 

 ments :" I observed also the nose-flute, as throughout Tropical Poly- 

 nesia. It is no longer easy to procure specimens of Hawaiian 

 weapons of war; and in general, the aboriginal arts and manufactures 

 are rapidly disappearing, with the prospect of there being little left of 

 them after a few years, except what may be contained in museums. 



An estimable and highly intelligent Hawaiian lady, gave me the 

 following particulars respecting former customs. She had never seen 

 a mask, such as are represented in published works; but she had 

 heard "that they were formerly used in battle." The 'ape' (or large 

 Arum) served as a safeguard against famine, as now at the Feejee 

 Islands. " Money was certainly known ; for with a string of cowries 

 (Cyprea monetas), it was po.ssible to buy any article wanted. Speci- 

 mens of the same shell that were finer than usual, having a high 

 polish and deep yellow colour, were extravagantly valued, and could 

 only be worn by the highest chiefs: who also, exclusively possessed 



