78 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
CHAP. IV. 
Inhabitants of the islands of the Pacific—Oceanic ne¬ 
groes—Eastern Polynesians—General account of the 
South Sea Islanders—Physical character—Expression 
of countenance—Stature, colour, &c.—Mental capa¬ 
city—Ancient division and computation of time—Tahi¬ 
tian numerals — Extended calculations — Aptness in 
receiving instruction—Moral character—Hospitality— 
Extensive and affecting moral degradation—Its ener¬ 
vating influence—Former longevity of the islanders. 
The islands of the Pacific are inhabited by two 
tribes of men totally distinct, and in some respects 
entirely different from each other. The most 
ancient tribe is composed of what are designated 
Oceanic negroes, who are distinguished by the 
darkness of the skin, smallness of stature, and 
particularly by their black woolly or crisped hair. 
The other tribe exhibits many of the distinguishing 
features which belong to the physical character of 
the Malayan and aboriginal American tribes. The 
former race more properly belong to Australasia, as 
by them New Holland, New Guinea, New Britain, 
New Caledonia, and the New Hebrides, are peopled, 
while on one of the islands, still farther to the west¬ 
ward, both tribes take up their abode, and yet 
remain distinct; the Oceanic negroes dwelling in 
the interior, and among the mountain fastnesses, 
while those of a fairer complexion form their settle¬ 
ments along the shore. In the vicinity of the 
Friendly Islands they appear to be blended. The 
greater part of Polynesia appears to be inhabited 
