THE PAPUAN RACE. 



151 



this did not appear to be the case with the species of commerce, the 

 ' biche-le-mar.' Fowls are abundant ; but pigs and turtle, are re- 

 served for feasts. In times of scarcity, recourse is had to the large 

 Arum (C. macrorhiza), which is cultivated in certain localities; and 

 even to the fruit of the Bruguiera, a species of mangrove. 



Dried squid (Octopus), were once met with ; but otherwise I saw 

 no cured meats. Salt is readily obtained from sea-water, but the 

 Feejeeans use very little ; and they uniformly manifested dislike on 

 tasting our salted provisions. Spirituous liquors do not meet with 

 more favour, although tobacco in one locality was making some slight 

 progress. 



Cooking is not, as with the Polynesians, conducted exclusively by 

 the use of heated stones, and in the open air ; but articles of food are 

 steamed rather than boiled, in earthen pots. Yams constitute the 

 principal support of the population; and are kept for months, in ele- 

 vated storehouses : a paste is likewise prepared from them, which re- 

 sembles the fermented bread-fruit of Taheiti, and in like manner " is 

 deposited in the ground." The Feejeeans have besides a variety of 

 compound dishes. They dwell in the midst of abundance ; and it 

 has been truly remarked of them, that "no people in the South Seas 

 could live more comfortably and happily, but for their continual trea- 

 chery towards each other." 



On the 12th, I witnessed the landing of Tanoa, of Mbau, the most 

 powerful of the Feejee chiefs. The Levuka chief with a party of 

 attendants, were on the beach to receive him, and remained squatting 

 close to the ground, until he had passed by. It is the rule, when two 

 canoes meet, for the person of inferior rank to have the outrigger in a 

 particular position : and indeed, it will be difficult to find another na- 

 tion so observant of etiquette, as the Feejeeans. 



On meeting with Captain Vanderford, Tanoa said, " that he himself 

 should not die while his old acquaintance was alive:" this supposed 

 union of destiny, being a common superstition with the Feejeeans. 

 Tanoa had formerly protected Captain Vanderford and his com- 

 panions, when wrecked at Mbau; but not to violate further the cus- 

 tom of the country, he connived at the robbery of all the property, 

 after it had been placed in his own house. 



For the particulars of the reception of Tanoa on board the Vin- 

 cennes, I must refer to the Narrative. I would add, however, that he 

 was at first disconcerted at the unusual display ; apparently dreading 

 some more substantial evil. He was also greatly astonished at the 



