ONIN, 
m 
their asserted practice of cannibalism, which last Is dis- 
tinctly denied by many of the better-informed native 
traders. All the authentic infonnation obtained by the 
writer, concurred in representing the moat numerous and 
powerful tribes as dwelling near the head waters of 
streams which were inaccessible to the prahua of the 
traders, although navigable by their own hght vessela. 
The people of Onin, who have been considered from time 
immemoriul as the most numerous and best organised of 
the New Guinea tribeSj and whose country has never yet 
been visited either by Em'opeaiis or by native traders, are 
paid to occupy an elevated table -land, of an open cha- 
racter, which is penetrated by MacCluci'^s Inlet. They 
hold intercourse with two or three traders from Ceram- 
Lautj with whom they have established au intimacy, and 
from whom they expect au annual visit at certain spots 
on the shores of the inlet, which have been fixed upon as 
trading- stations ; and where houses are erected, as at the 
Outanata, for the accommodation of traders during their 
stay. Their occasional outbreaks on the neighboming 
waters are said to be the result of a spirit of restlessness, 
which finds vent whenever a young chief desires to sig- 
nalise himself by making a raid on his neighbours. Their 
conduct towards the traders with whom they are well 
acquainted, is described by the latter as being very exem- 
plary ; and their testimony upon this point does them the 
greater credit, as their mterests would lead them to re- 
present the Papuans of Ouin in au unfavourable ligbt, 
with the view of deterring others from interfurmg with 
the lucrative traffic which they now engross. Among the 
articles taken to Onin by the traders from Ceram-Laut 
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