382 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
shipping, the case is very different. They have 
been taught the art of distillation; and foreign 
spirits in some places are so easily obtained, that 
inebriety, with all its demoralization and attend¬ 
ant misery, is ten times more prevalent than for¬ 
merly. This is a circumstance deeply to be de¬ 
plored, especially when we recollect the immediate 
cause of its prevalence. 
The chief's house was large, and one end of it 
was raised, by leaves and mats, about a foot higher 
than the rest of the floor, and partially screened 
from the other parts of the house. This was his 
own sleeping place, but he ordered a new mat to 
be spread, and obligingly requested us to occupy it. 
We did so, and enjoyed a comfortable night’s rest. 
After an early breakfast with Miomioi and his 
family, I embraced the opportunity of addressing 
his people on the subject of religion, before they 
separated to pursue their various occupations. 
About fifty were present, and listened with silent 
attention. 
Miomioi, though not so tall and stout in person 
as many of the chiefs, appeared a remarkably 
active man, and soon convinced us he bad been 
accustomed to delight in war. His military skill 
had probably recommended him to the notice and 
friendship of Tamehameha, and had secured for 
him the occupancy of the district of Halaua, the 
original patrimony of that prince. 
Every thing in his house seemed to be preserved 
with care, but particularly his implements of 
war. Spears, nearly twenty feet long, and highly 
polished, were suspended in several places, which 
he was very careful to shew us ; remarking, that 
Tamehameha always required every man to keep 
his weapons in order, so as to be ready for war at 
