SAMOA 
505 
is exceedingly limited. An indigenous rat of small size 
is said to exist, and there are four species of snakes. 
Among the birds is one most remarkable species— 
Didunculus strigirostris —a ground pigeon of metallic 
greenish-black colour, with bright chestnut back and 
wings, and a beak of extraordinary shape, which forms a 
link between the living African Treronince and the ex- 
tinct Dodo. It is now found only upon the island of 
DIDUXCULUS. 
Upolu, where it is very rare, and will probably soon 
become extinct. 
The Samoans are said to be the fairest of all the Poly¬ 
nesian races, and although not so much advanced in the 
arts and manufactures as some of their neighbours, 
surpass them all in many of the characteristics of a true 
civilisation. Captain Erskine remarks that they carry 
their habits of cleanliness and decency to a higher point 
than the most fastidious of civilised nations. Their 
public meetings and discussions are carried on with a 
dignity and forbearance which Europeans never equal, 
