A BREAKFAST SCENE. 
57 
made of baked taro, beat up and diluted with 
water, placed by the side of their plates, from 
which they frequently took very hearty draughts. 
Two favourite lap-dogs sat on the same sofa with 
the governor, one on his right hand and the other 
on his left, and occasionally received a bit from 
his hand, or the fragments of the plate from 
which he had eaten. A number of his punahele , 
favourite chiefs, and some occasional visitors, sat 
in circles on the floor, around large dishes of raw 
fish, baked hog, or dog, or goat, from which each 
helped himself without ceremony, while a huge 
calabash of poe passed rapidly round among them. 
They became exceedingly loquacious and cheerful 
during their meal; and several, who had been 
silent before, now laughed aloud, and joined 
with spirit in the mirth of their companions. 
Neat wooden dishes of water were handed to the 
governor and his friends, both before and after 
eating, in which they washed their hands. Un¬ 
civilized nations are seldom distinguished by 
habits of cleanliness; but this practice, we be¬ 
lieve, is an ancient custom, generally observed by 
the chiefs, and all the higher orders of the people, 
throughout the islands. 
Kairua, though healthy and populous, is desti¬ 
tute of fresh water, except what is found in pools, 
or small streams, in the mountains, four or five 
miles from the shore. An article so essential to 
the maintenance of a Missionary station, it was 
desirable to procure, if possible, nearer at hand.* 
* The late king Tameliameha used frequently to beg a 
cask of water from the captains of vessels touching at 
Kairua; and it is one of the most acceptable presents a 
captain going to this station could make, either to the 
chiefs ov Missionaries. 
