172 



PHYSICAL HISTORY OF MAN. 



behaviour of the people of Malikolo, (a third island of the same 

 group) ; and it will appear the more extraordinary to one familiar 

 with the usual deportment of the islanders of the Pacific. " They 

 came on board, and climbed up the rigging to the mast-head. And 

 at dark, they procured torches, and continued about the ship till mid- 

 night. They were the most intelligent people we had seen in the 

 South Seas. They coveted everything, but did not repine at a re- 

 fusal. They liad curiosity enough to learn our language, which they 

 pronounced with great accuracy ; and set about teaching us their 

 own." True, however, to the character of the race elsewhere, they 

 expressed unwillingness for the continuance of the acquaintance. 

 From the remainder of Forster's account it may be inferred, tliat the 

 island is thickly peopled, like others in the vicinity; and that the in- 

 habitants cultivate the soil, dwell in cabins, have the same useful 

 plants and animals as the Polynesians, and construct canoes, though 

 of indifferent workmanship. 



NITENDI GROUP. 



Of all writers, D'Urville appears to have enjoyed the best opportu- 

 nities for becoming acquainted with the Negrilloes of the Pacific ; 

 and principally at Vanikoro, the scene of the shipwreck of La 

 Perouse. I must refer to his account, published in the Voyage of 

 the Astrolabe; citing only one remarkable peculiarity, that of "wars 

 being carried on by the people of different districts, while the chiefs 

 remain friends." 



SOLOMON ISLANDS. 



This group, which is sometimes called New Georgia, was visited 

 by D'Urville, in his recent voyage; and he ascertained, that the prin- 

 cipal island is inhabited by the race under consideration. The bows 

 and arrows from New Georgia, presented to our Expedition, are 

 scarcely distinguishable from those of the Feejee Islands. 



