WARLIKE GAMES. 
149 
already had occasion to describe two of their 
battles, some account of their system of war will 
probably be acceptable in this place. 
Their armies were composed of individuals from 
every rank in society. There was no distinct class 
of men trained exclusively to the use of arms, and 
warriors by profession, yet there have always been 
men celebrated for their courage and martial 
achievements; and there are many now living, 
who distinguished themselves by deeds of valour 
and strength in the frequent wars which were 
carried on during the former part of the late 
Tamehameha’s reign; men who left their peaceful 
home and employment, as agriculturists or fisher¬ 
men, to follow his fortunes in the field, and re¬ 
sumed their former pursuits on the cessation of 
hostilities. 
Before the introduction of fire-arms and gun¬ 
powder, almost all the men were taught to use 
the various weapons employed in battle, and 
frequently engaged in martial exercises or warlike 
games. 
One of the exercises consisted in slinging stones 
at a mark. They threw their stones with great 
force and precision, and are supposed to have 
been able to strike a small stick at fifty yards 9 
distance, four times out of five. They also prac¬ 
tised throwing the javelin, and catching and re¬ 
turning those thrown at them, or warding them off, 
so as to avoid receiving any injury. In this 
latter exercise, they excelled to an astonishing 
degree. We know some men who have stood, and 
allowed six men to throw their javelins at them, 
which they would either catch, and return on their 
assailants, or so dexterously turn aside, that they 
fell harmless to the ground. 
