THROUGH HAWAII. 
133 
or interests often interfered, and almost every dispute 
terminated in an appeal to arms. Indeed, a pretext 
for war was seldom wanting, when one party thought 
themselves sufficiently powerful to invade with success 
the territories of their neighbours, and plunder their 
property. Their modes of warfare must, therefore, 
necessarily exhibit much of their national character; 
and having in the course of the narrative 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 achieve¬ 
ments ; and there are many now living, who distin¬ 
guished 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 agricul¬ 
turalists or fishermen, to follow his fortunes in the 
field, and resumed their former pursuits on the cessa¬ 
tion of hostilities. 
Before the introduction of fire-arms and gunpowder, 
almost all the men were taught to use the various wea¬ 
pons 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’ distance, four times out 
of five. They also practised throwing the javelin, and 
