POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
493 
the whole of the book^ without being able to read 
a single line. When they took the book^ it was 
only necessary for them to be told the first word 
or sentence in a chapter, in order to their repeat¬ 
ing the whole correctly, even though the book 
should be open at some other part, or the page be 
placed bottom upwards. Such individuals did not 
always like to go back to the lowest classes, and 
begin to learn the simplest words; yet it was ne¬ 
cessary. In order to convince them of the propriety 
of this, they were told we could not distribute 
copies of the Scriptures to any but those who could 
read any part on looking at it, without pronoun¬ 
cing the words merely from memory. The native 
teachers had fallen into this practice, from the in¬ 
fluence of former habits. All their knowledge, tradi¬ 
tions, songs, &c. were preserved by memory; and the 
preceptor recited them to his pupil, till the latter 
could repeat them correctly. The matter of the 
lessons, they also thought was the great thing to be 
remembered; and this, together with a desire to faci¬ 
litate the advancement of those under their care, led 
them to adopt the method of teaching the scholars 
to repeat lessons without due attention to the words 
of the book. It has been, however, discontinued. 
After the conclusion of the usual school exercises, 
Mr. Barff appropriated half an hour to the instruction 
of the natives in the art of singing. The islanders 
in general are remarkably fond of singing, and 
always ready to learn. They have not such sweet 
melodious voices as the natives of Africa have, yet 
learn to sing, considering their circumstances, remark¬ 
ably well. Many of the female voices are clear and 
