201 
their stature, their manners and habits they are more akin to the 
Malay race than to the real Polynesians. The latter, compared 
with the Mikronesians, are a separate, far more characteristic , and 
exclusive family of their own. 
Notwithstanding the great distance separating the several tribes, 
they speak essentially the same tongue , although divided into many 
dialects. They have all one and the same legend concerning the 
creation of the world by Maui; and the same system of Tapu 
(or Tabu), the custom of canonizing persons and things, and de- 
claring it sacrilege to touch them; they are also alike in com- 
plexion and structure of the body. The representatives of this race 
on Society Islands (Tahiti), and Friendly Islands (Tongatabu) are 
noted for their handsome exterior as well as engaging manners. 
They bear a striking resemblance to the Caucasian race in features 
Natives'of New Zealand. 
and mental endowments; they entertain commercial intercourse with 
Europeans, they easily and readily adopt European manners, and 
consequently rank much higher in civilization than the Melanesians 
and Mikronesians. 
To these Polynesians proper the natives of New Zealand be- 
long; they are moreover the most important family of the Polyne- 
sian race both as to number, and mental and physical faculties 
