492 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
CHAP. XVII. 
Singular custom of the chiefs in marching to battle—Sanguinary and 
exterminating character of their engagements—Desolation of the country 
—Estimation in which fighting men were held—Weapons—Dress—Or¬ 
naments—Various kinds of helmet, &c.—Ancient arms, &c. superseded 
by the introduction of fire-arms—Former ideas respecting the musket, 
&c.—Divination or augury—Savage and merciless conduct of the victors 
—Existence of wild men in the mountains—Account of one at Bunaau'ia 
who had fled from the field of battle—Treatment of the captives and the 
slain—Division of the spoil, and appropriation of the country—Mari¬ 
time warfare—Encampments—Fortifications—Instance of patriotism— 
Methods of concluding peace—Religious ceremonies and festivities that 
followed—Present sentiments of the people in reference to war— 
Triumph of the principles of peace—Incident at Rurutu. 
The custom of the warriors sitting on the ground to 
wait for the combat, was not the only singular practice 
of the Tahitians in proceeding to battle. There was 
another, which they called 'pito. When two leading 
chiefs marched together to the onset, they not only 
walked side by side, but arm in arm. In this manner, 
Pomare-vahine, and Mahine, the chiefs of Huahine and 
Eimeo, marched to the battle of Narii. This was de¬ 
signed to shew their union, and that they would conquer 
or fall together. When a single chief led on his own 
men, he also walked in pito with his principal aito or 
warriors, two on each side, the nearest to him having 
hold of his arms. On approaching the enemy they 
separated, but fought near the person of their chieftain. 
