POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
285 
cane formed one end of the flute 5 the aperture through 
which it was blown was close to the end; it seldom had 
more than four holes^ three in the upper side covered 
with the fingers, and one beneath, against which the 
thumb was placed. Sometimes, however, there were 
four holes on the upper side. It was occasionally plain, 
but more frequently ornamented, by being partially 
scorched or burnt with a hot stone, or having fine and 
beautifully plaited strings of human hair wound round 
it alternately with rings of neatly-braided cinet. It was 
not blown from the mouth, but the nostril. The per¬ 
former usually placed the thumb of the right hand upon 
the right nostril, applied the aperture of the flute, which 
he held with the fingers of his right hand, to the other 
nostril, and, moving his fingers on the holes, produced his 
music. The sound was soft, and not unpleasant, though 
the notes were few; it was generally played in a plain¬ 
tive strain, though frequently used as an accompaniment 
to their pehes, or songs. These were closely identified 
both with the music and the dances. The ihara, the 
drum and the flute, were generally accompanied by the 
song, as was also the native dance. 
Their songs were generally historical ballads, and 
varied in their nature with the subjects to which they 
referred. They were exceedingly numerous, and adapted 
to every depai’tment of society, and every period of life. 
The children were early taught these uhusy and took 
great delight in their recital. Many of their songs referred 
to the legends or achievements of the gods, some to the 
exploits of their distinguished heroes and chieftains | 
while others were of a more objectionable character.' 
They were often, when recited on public occasions^ 
accompanied with gestures and actions corresponding to 
