490 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
the priest of Oro walking by the side^ offering his prayer 
to the god, and watching the writhings and involuntary 
agitation of the dying man. If these agonies were deemed 
favourable, he pronounced victory as certain. Such 
indications were considered most encouraging, as earnests 
of the god’s co-operation. 
When a distinguished chief or warrior fell, the party, 
to which he belonged, retired a short distance, collected 
some of their bravest men, and then, in a body, with fury 
and revenge rushed upon their antagonists, to vare toto, 
clear away the blood. The shock was terrific when they 
met the opposing ranks, and numbers frequently fell on 
both sides. 
During the engagement, the parties often retreated, so 
that there was a considerable space between the ranks 
in these seasons, as when advancing to the onset. The 
slingers were then employed, and they often advanced in 
front of the ranks to which they belonged, and with boast¬ 
ing threats warned their enemies to fly or fall. The most 
dangerous missile was the uriti or stone, from the ma or 
sling. The latter was prepared with great care, and 
made with finely braided fibres of the cocoa-nut husk, or 
filaments of the native flax, having a loop to fasten it to 
the hand at one end, and a wide receptacle for the stone 
in the centre. The sling was held in the right hand, 
and, armed with the stone, was hung over the right 
shoulder, and caught by the left hand on the left side of 
the back. When thrown, the slings after being stretched 
across the back, was whirled round over the head, and 
the stone discharged with great force. 
The most expert slingers were celebrated through the 
islands, as well as the most renowned among the war¬ 
riors ; and when one of these presented himself, a cry ran 
