308 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
On another occasion, some people from Bunaauia 
saw a large party, four or five, with two women 
and some children. These, the persons who saw 
them thought it most prudent to leave unmo- 
lested, and, though a large party have since 
sought them, I have not heard of their bemg met 
with. It is reported by the natives, that others have 
been seen, and that some of the inhabitants of the 
lowlands have been in danger of losing their lives 
from coming in contact with them. After the 
evidence of the facts above mentioned, we cannot 
doubt the existence of such unhappy victims; but 
at the same time, the circumstance of their being 
so seldom seen, warrants the hope that they are 
not numerous. 
The captives taken in war, called zvz or téz, 
were murdered on the spot, or shortly afterwards, 
unless reserved for slaves to the victors. The 
bodies of the slain were treated im a most savage 
manner; they were pierced with their spears; 
and at times the conduct of the victors towards 
their lifeless remains was inconceivably barbarous. 
They were regarded as belonging to the king, and 
were disposed of according to his direction, and 
either left on the field, or taken to the places 
appropriated to the bodies of the slain. 
On the day following the battle, the bure taata 
was performed. This consisted in collecting the 
bodies of the slain, and offerimg them to Oro, as 
trophies of his prowess, and in acknowledgment of 
their dependence upon his aid. Prayers were 
preferred, imploring a continuance of his assist- 
ance. : : 
The bodies were usually left exposed to the 
elements, and to the hogs or wild dogs, and the 
crab? that preyed upon them.—The victors took 
