THE PAPUAN RACE. 



163 



of the children ; towards whom, we often remarked various proofs of 

 strong attachment. Feejeean society is highly artificial ; and a more 

 intimate acquaintance with the people, will doubtless show less varia- 

 tion than at first appears, from the common attributes of the human 

 character. One piece of romance was hardly anticipated : according 

 to Veiudovi, " when two fall in love, and the young man, from poverty, 

 is unable to make the accustomed present to the parents of his inten- 

 ded bride, the lovers will run away;" an undertaking, which at the 

 Feejee Islands, is rather serious. 



Among the Polynesians we had been everywhere importuned by 

 individuals desiring to be taken on board, to go they knew not 

 whither ; but after entering the present group, we were entirely free 

 from such applications. On sometimes speaking with Feejeeans on 

 the subject, it did not appear to be an easy matter to persuade them 

 to leave their homes. Captain Vanderford stated, " that he never 

 knew one of them to become a sailor, and that he had invariably found 

 them useless on shipboard." In all which, there appears something 

 beyond the mere result of institutions. 



Another difference from the Polynesians, is found in the existence 

 of strong national pride. The Feejeeans are fully persuaded that their 

 own institutions are superior to those of other countries ; and are dis- 

 inclined to adopt foreign customs. 



On the 17th, Mr. Brackenridge and myself, set out on an excursion 

 to a ridije of mountains, about seven miles back of the waterinof 

 place. Tui Mora appointed two guides to accompany us ; the route 

 being through a district that was under his authority. At the base of 

 the mountains, we found scattered houses and plantations ; and other 

 unexpected indications of a peaceful neighbourhood. Half way up, 

 we came to a cluster of three or four houses, belonging apparently to 

 mountaineers; and after speaking to the chief, we went on, at first 

 through open grounds, which had been burned over, and completed 

 the ascent. The summit appeared to be about two thousand feet in 

 elevation ; but owing to the rainy weather, we were unable to get a 

 distant view in any direction. 



We descended by a more direct route; but before reaching the bay, 

 night came on, and we began to feel some anxiety about our situation. 

 Tui Mora, returning with his party from the watering place, re- 

 lieved us ; and we all took the path leading to a village that occupied 

 a strong military position ; being surrounded by a morass and deep 



