PREPARATION FOR THE SABBATH. 407 
Along the coast, many were unlading their 
canoes, or drawing them upon the beach for 
security. 
The shore presented a scene of activity. The 
crackling fire or the light column of smoke might 
be seen rising through the district, and the 
natives busily engaged in cooking their victuals for 
the Sabbath. On account of their food being 
dressed for the Sabbath on the Saturday, that 
day is called mahana maa , food-day. As the 
evening approached, multitudes were met return¬ 
ing from the inland streams, whither they had 
repaired, to bathe after the occupations of the 
day; the men bringing home their calabashes of 
water for drinking, or their aanos of water for 
washing the feet; while the females were carrying 
home bundles of the broad leaves of the hibiscus, 
which they had gathered, to serve instead of plates 
for Sabbath meals. On entering the dwellings on 
the Saturday evening, every thing would appear 
remarkably neat, orderly, and clean—their food in 
baskets—their calabashes filled with fresh water— 
their fruit gathered—and broad hibiscus leaves 
plucked and carefully piled up for use—their clean 
garments were also laid out ready for the next day. 
The hours of the evening, instead of being a season 
of the greatest care and hurry, are, I believe, 
often seasons of preparation—“ prelude to hours 
of holy rest.” 
The sacred day was not only distinguished by a 
total cessation from labour, trade or barter, amuse¬ 
ments, and worldly pleasure—but no visits were 
made, no parties of company entertained, no fire 
lighted, nor food cooked, except in cases of illness. 
This strict observance of the Sabbath, especially 
in regard to the latter points, whereby the Tahitian 
