442 



CHARLES DARWIN 



was soon stopped by salt-water creeks and deep brooks. The 

 communication between the inhabitants of the different 

 parts of the bay, is (as in Chiloe) almost entirely kept up 

 by boats. I was surprised to find that almost every hill which 

 I ascended, had been at some former time more or less 

 fortified. The summits were cut into steps or successive 

 terraces, and frequently they had been protected by deep 

 trenches. I afterwards observed that the principal hills in- 

 land in like manner showed an artificial outline. These are 

 the Pas, so frequently mentioned by Captain Cook under the 

 name of " hippah ; " the difference of -sound being owing to 

 the prefixed article. 



That the Pas had formerly been much used, was evident 

 from the piles of shells, and the pits in which, as I was 

 informed, sweet potatoes used to be kept as a reserve. As 

 there was no water on these hills, the defenders could never 

 have anticipated a long siege, but only a hurried attack for 

 plunder, against which the successive terraces would have 

 afforded good protection. The general introduction of fire- 

 arms has changed the whole system of warfare; and an ex- 

 posed situation on the top of a hill is now worse than useless. 

 The Pas in consequence are, at the present day, always built 

 on a level piece of ground. They consist of a double stockade 

 of thick and tall posts, placed in a zigzag line, so that every 

 part can be flanked. Within the stockade a mound of earth is 

 thrown up, behind which the defenders can rest in safety, or 

 use their fire-arms over it. On the level of the ground 

 little archways sometimes pass through this breastwork, 

 by which means the defenders can crawl out to the stockade 

 and reconnoitre their enemies. The Rev. W. Williams, who 

 gave me this account, added, that in one Pas he had noticed 

 spurs or buttresses projecting on the inner and protected 

 side of the mound of earth. On asking the chief the use 

 of them, he replied, that if two or three of his men were 

 shot, their neighbours would not see the bodies, and so be 

 discouraged. 



These Pas are considered by the New Zealanders as very 

 perfect means of defence: for the attacking force is never 

 so well disciplined as to rush in a body to the stockade, cut 

 it down, and effect their entry. W'hen a tribe goes to war, 



