9

A.—3b

like manner do remarkably well, and are increasing rapidly. Neither in their case nor in that of the horse has the stock deteriorated from change of climate. As concerns the rearing of sheep, it does not appear that the experiment has been tried ; but goats do well. Swine are in great plenty; they are likewise wild in the forests, where they grow to a large size, and are exceedingly fierce. Dr. Seeman, in his valuable work upon Fiji, speaks of fever as "the curse of the Samoan group." Ho was quite mistaken, as one need not wonder at it, seeing that he had not been to Samoa, where they speak of fever and dysentery being the curse of Fiji. There are few diseases indigenous to Samoa, which is, without exception, one of the healthiest climates in the world. The European ladies, of whom there are seldom less than a dozen residing in the settlement of Apia, enjoy excellent health. Their children are robust, rosy, and vigorous. The only strictly indigenous disease with which lam acquainted is elephantiasis, which, although unsightly and troublesome, is not supposed to shorten a man's days, neither is it likely to do so, judging from the number of very aged persous who are to bo seen suffering from it. It is accompanied by intermittent fever on Samoa, as elsewhere. Its causes are unknown, but it is well understood to be aggravated by drinking kawa, to the use of which Europeans of long residence on Samoa are generally addicted. The truth is, that in the Navigator Islands, as in Fiji, disease of any kind (if we except elephantiasis and its incipient febrile symptoms) is to be attributed, not to the effects of climate, but to those of intoxicating drink. When one considers the astonishing quantity of alcoholic drink, chiefly " square gin," consumed during any one month in cither Apia or Levuka by so disproportionate a number of white settlers, one need not be surprised at hearing an outcry about disease. As concerns the mental capacity and disposition of the Samoans, little more need be said than I have already said with respect to the Tongese. They are, on the whole, possibly of a less energetic and more lazy disposition. Both tribes are originally from one stock, though long separated, aud now differing from each other in many social customs and habits of thought. Thus a system of religion, settled Government, or unity of action, which has for many generations characterized the Tongese, are unknown in Samoa. Frequent wars have taken place between them in past generations. The Tongese invaded Samoa from time to time, and settled considerable tracts of Upolu and Savaii. They left behind them evidences of their presence in huge fortifications and highways paved with stone. Whether they were finally expelled by force of arms or left of their own accord, is doubtful. The Samoans still greatly fear the Tongese. From the earliest times, the Samoans appear not to have advanced in any degree. They are well affected towards strangers, especially English, but do not exhibit any great anxiety to abandon their ancient usages. They are naturally of a simple mind, hospitable, peaceable, and generous. Though they have been for some time past at war among themselves, they do not love civil strife for its own sake, neither was the quarrel of their own seeking; it was thrust upon them by the intrigues of foreigners, who fomented mischief among them to serve their own purposes. It is in connection with these unhappy disturbances that they have shown almost the only signs of advancement which have become apparent in their condition since their first acquaintance with civilized man nearly half a century ago, inasmuch as they have invested largely in muskets and other weapons, and have devoted much attention to rendering themselves familiar with their use. As regards their mental disposition, they are the best of all the people of the Pacific, if u we except, perhaps, the islanders of the Hervey and. Austral Isles, or those of the Union group, who are, of course, quite exceptional, inasmuch as until visited by white men they were altogether destitute of weapons of offence. The Samoans respect the proprieties, and enforce a code of morals which, though not perhaps including every enactment desirable, has nevertheless operated to preserve their self-respect, and to render them immeasurably superior in the matter of good behaviour to tho Marquesans, Hawaiians, or natives of the Society Isles. They are not by disposition cruel, or prone to the shedding of blood; on the contrary, they had from old time many merciful and excellent laws, such as the providing of sanctuaries or places of refuge, where a man should be secure from the vengeance of those whom he might have offended, and an institution of public reconciliation, whereby the life of a man could be saved even when regarded as justly forfeited in consequence of some evil deed. Moreover, in all their wars they respected tho lives of non-combatants, such as infirm persons, children, and women. They were never cannibals, sacrificers, or idolators in any shape. Treachery is no part of their nature, nor is ingratitude : they treat their women with great respect, and their children with extravagant affection. In the matter of a bargain, their word is entirely to be depended upon ; they will never go back from a promise of which they have been truly made to comprehend the conditions. Thus, in all their land sale transactions—and they have sold very large areas, not in blocks but in small portions, a section of 100 acres frequently comprising twenty or more separate lots, the property of different members of a family —no disputes subsequent to the original transfer have ever been known to take place in cases where the conditions of the bargain had been truly interpreted to the vendors. They have been of late years very much addicted to thieving from plantations, and they have been known even to take hogs, Indian corn, and other produce, by force of arms; but they would protest, and with much show of reason, that they were compelled of necessity to support themselves in time of war, by taking what they might find to their hand. On the whole, throughout all their troubles, they showed great respect for the property of Europeans, and a very praiseworthy desire to bring to justice any of their own people who maliciously injured or annoyed them. War, which so demoralizes even tho most enlightened of Christian peoples, could not fail to bring out in high relief many dark traits in the character of these Samoan barbarians ; but when free from its evil influences, they have no sympathy with violence or dishonesty, and I believe that all British officers who in the discharge of duty have been brought into contact with them, have described them as courteous, right-minded, and open to conviction. The centre of commercial operations upon the Samoan group is situated at Apia, on the north coast of Upolu. Here is a large harbour, presenting accommodation for a very great number of ships. It is regarded as perfectly secure unless it might be in December, January, and February, when the north wind at times drives in the sea, though it has seldom happened that when proper care 2—A. 3b.