THE TONGANS. 
185 
occasion their Majesties were got up in regal attire : 
George I., in naval uniform coat, with four gold lace 
stripes surmounted with a crown, and laced trousers ; 
while Queen Charlotte was attired in a light muslin 
costume of European make. 
His Majesty is a tall, hale old gentleman, at least 
eighty years of age, who doubtless during his early 
days saw much fighting, and was probably mixed up 
with most stirring affairs in his native land ; for, 
in a conversation with his secretary, or Prime 
Minister (who is an American gentlemen), we were 
informed that during his younger days he had the 
reputation of being a distinguished warrior. But 
since embracing Christianity, he has continued to 
devote himself to the business of State and the 
mprovement of his subjects. 
The Tongans have by some travellers been styled 
the Anglo-Saxons of the South Seas. They are 
a fine race, tall, robust, and of a lighter com- 
plexion than the inhabitants of the adjacent isles ; 
they have little or no beard, their noses are some- 
what flat with wide nostrils, yet many of the men 
and women might pass for handsome types. The 
women follow the fashion of the men, cutting their 
hair very short, and staining it with chinam, which 
gives it a reddish tinge. 
The dress of both sexes is made of similar material, 
but is differently arranged. The fabric (tapa) is made 
from the bark of a tree extensively cultivated through- 
