AMUSEMENTS. 
227 
fight ; and by this means acquire early that skill 
in the use of this weapon, for which, in after life, 
they are so much celebrated. At other times round 
pieces of bark are rolled along the ground, to repre- 
sent an animal in the act of running, at which the 
spears are thrown for the sake of practice. 
Another favourite amusement among the children, 
is to practise the dances and songs of the adults, 
and a boy is very proud if he attains sufficient skill 
in these, to be allowed to take part in the exhibitions 
that are made before other tribes. 
String puzzles are another species of amusement 
with them. In these a European would be surprised 
to see the ingenuity they display, and the varied and 
singular figures which they produce. Our juvenile 
attempts in this way, are very meagre and unin- 
teresting compared to them.* 
Other gratifications enjoyed by children, consist 
in learning the occupations and pursuits of after life, 
as to make twine, and weapons ; to ascend trees ; to 
procure food ; to guide the canoe, and many other 
things, which enter into the pursuits of a savage. 
The elder boys engage more extensively in similar 
occupations, as they are more particularly interested 
in them, and by their exertions have to provide 
chiefly for their own support. Mock combats 
frequently take place amongst them, in which they 
are encouraged by the adults, that they may acquire 
* An amusement of the New Zealand children.— Dieffenbacli, 
yoI. 2. p. 32. 
