THE PAPUAN RACE. 



153 



The ' taboo' is recognised ; but I did not meet with any outward 

 tokens of its being in force. Indeed, from the settled character of the 

 Feejee institutions, and some difference in the division of landed pro- 

 perty, there would seem to be fewer occasions for its exercise than 

 among the Polynesians. 



Everything relating to the procuring and preparing of food, except 

 in part the taking of fish, appeared to devolve upon the women ; 

 and I often met them bearing (on the back) enonnous loads of fire- 

 wood and yams. On the other hand, I do not remember to have seen 

 the men carrying burdens, unless when hired (through the chiefs) to 

 bring supplies of wood, water, and provisions, for trading vessels. 

 The men, however, exclusively manage the canoes, which, as well as 

 the houses, they also build ; they construct the terraces for taro culti- 

 vation ; and engage in other details of agricultural industry. These 

 occupations, however, take up a comparatively small portion of their 

 time ; and in reference to the prevalence of polygamy, I heard a resi- 

 dent declare, that the care of a Feejee household was " too much 

 hard work for one woman." This custom of the country may not be 

 so easily avoided : for as gifts when refused are destroyed, in the case 

 of the present of a wife, considerations of humanity will place a resi- 

 dent stranger in a dilemma. 



European ideas of 'loyalty' make but a slight approach to the deep 

 feeling entertained by the Feejeeans towards their chiefs. In this, the 

 women appear even to exceed the men; and their devotion to the 

 chiefs was said to be so entire, " that they regard it as an honour to 

 receive death from their hands." No point of difference from the 

 Polynesians, was so striking as this political change. 



Leaving the Vincennes at Ovolau, the Peacock sailed for the island 

 of Vrn-LEVu; and on the 16th, reached the anchorage about six miles 

 below the town of Rewa. 



Some English missionaries were established near Rewa. But the 

 ladies could never have anticipated the terrible sights they had been 

 compelled to witness at the Feejee Islands. Contrary to what takes 

 place in the other countries I have visited, the most experienced resi- 

 dents at these islands, invariably entertain the worst opinion of the 

 native character. 



The missionaries were assisted, and to some extent protected, by 

 a body of converted Tonga men. The field was mo.st unpromising; 

 and I saw but one converted Feejeean ; whose motives, as he was 



