POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
13 
tion and its geographical extent, but on account of 
its identity, in tradition, with the origin of the peo¬ 
ple, and their preservation in the general deluge. It 
has been celebrated as the cradle of their mythology, 
the seat of their oracle, and the abode of those 
priests whose predictions for many generations regu¬ 
lated the expectations of the nation. It is also 
intimately connected with the most important matters 
in the traditionary history and ancient religion of 
the people. 
The inhabitants of the Georgian, Society, and 
adjacent isles, comprehended, according to the ideas 
they entertained prior to the arrival of foreign ves¬ 
sels, the whole of the human race. In the island 
of Raiatea, their traditions informed them, their 
species originated, and hither after death they re¬ 
paired. In connexion with my first voyages to the 
spot, which many have been accustomed to consider 
as the birth-place of mankind, and the region to 
which their disembodied spirits were supposed to 
resort, it may be proper to introduce the facts and 
observations, in reference to their origin, physical, 
intellectual, and moral character, which have resulted 
from subsequent visits to the island, and more exten¬ 
sive acquaintance with the people. 
The inhabitants of the South Sea Islands are gene¬ 
rally above the middle stature ; but their limbs are less 
muscular and firm than those of the Sandwich Is¬ 
landers, whom in many respects they resemble. 
They are, at the same time, more robust than 
the Marquesans, who are the most light and agile 
of the inhabitants of Eastern Polynesia. In size and 
physical power they are inferior to the New Zea- 
