320 
MISSIONARY TOUR 
however, they took their meals in the more luxurious 
manner of some of the eastern nations, lying nearly in 
a horizontal posture, and resting on one arm, or reclin¬ 
ing on a large cushion or pillow placed under the 
breast for that purpose; in this manner the late king, 
with the members of his family, and many of the prin¬ 
cipal chiefs, were accustomed frequently to take their 
evening meal. Their intercourse with foreigners of 
late years has taught many of the chiefs to prefer a 
bedstead to the ground, and a mattress to a mat, to 
sit on a chair, eat at a table, use a knife and fork, &c. 
This we think advantageous, not only to those who 
visit them for purposes of commerce, but to the natives 
themselves, as it increases their wants, and conse¬ 
quently stimulates to habits of industry. 
