6 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
the lake itself, have been the scene of some of the 
most sanguinary battles that have been fought be¬ 
tween rival parties on the island, or the people of 
Huahine and those of Raiatea and Borabora. Near 
its margin, on a rising ground, one of the largest 
artificial fortifications in the group still remains in a 
state of nearly entire preservation. 
But it is not so distinguished by any of these as 
by the vestiges of the ancient superstition of the 
island, which everywhere abound. Temples to the 
gods of the water were erected on every point of 
land, and family maraes in almost every grove, 
while the extensive national temple of Tane stood 
near the northern extremity of the lake, where the 
greater number of human sacrifices were offered, 
where the idols were usually kept, and the national 
religious assemblies convened. 
Every object around the lake, and every monu¬ 
ment of art or labour, in the district of Maeva, 
bore marks of its connexion with their ancient 
religion. I have often visited the ruins of the 
large national temple of Tane, and the site of the 
house of Oro, and in my intercourse with the 
people of Maeva, at the meeting for inquiries, these 
were frequent topics of conversation, as well as 
those matters more immediately connected with the 
introduction of Christianity, and the advancement 
of education. 
The multiplication of schools soon increased the 
demand for books ; and though a number printed 
in Eimeo had been distributed, they were soon found 
inadequate to the necessities of the people. The great 
desire of all classes for books, hastened the comple¬ 
tion of the spelling-book already in the press. 
I have often been amused with the ingenuity 
and perseverance manifested by the natives in 
