DISUSE OF TATTOOING. 
150 
the body, where tattooing is customary, before 
he has passed the meridian of life. When once 
this operation has been performed, it is not pos- 
sible to erase it ; not sickness, nor even death it- 
self, has the power of destroying it ; for when a 
liead is preserved, every line retains its distinct- 
ness, and appears almost more distinct than when 
subject to alterations from the muscular motions 
of the living man. 
In all the Mission Stations, tattooing has been 
forbidden ; and it is a matter generally under- 
stood, that any person coming to live with us is 
no more to submit himself to such a savage and 
debasing performance. No doubt, as the Gospel 
shall spread among the people, and as better 
principles shall be implanted in their hearts, the 
practice of this ancient custom will be laid aside, 
and in time totally forgotten : it will become a 
matter of history, that the New Zealanders en- 
graved and painted their bodies : and the New 
Zealanders of another generation will no more 
think of practising the customs of their forefathers, 
than we should think of following the Ancient 
Britons in all their rude and savage manners ; or 
than we should paint our bodies blue and red, 
because the Druids did so before us*. 
* In Criisie’s Ten Months’ Residence in New Zealand,” 
is an excellent specimen of a fully-tattooed face, in the likeness 
given of Te-toru. It is admirably done; and the features are 
so strikingly portrayed, that, even at this distance of time, it is 
easily recognised by any one who has seen the original. With 
respect to all fully-marked faces, there is in the marks a great 
similarity ; 
