Revised Jun 21 2021
With respect to the general appearance of the islanders, in their features and complexion, as well as their dress and manners, they resemble the people of one of our English villages of the better order. A few of them are, however, rather darker than the generality of Europeans, partaking more of their half-Otaheitan descent.
A few words about dress. The women wear a full petticoat, and above that a loose gown, with a handkerchief thrown over the shoulders. A wreath of flowers is often worn round the head. There are many large trees on the island, which produce small white flowers, much esteemed for their fragrance; and of the flowers of this tree (Morinda citrifolia), or a mixture of them with bright red flowers, the females make their wreaths. Their hair is worn in bands, and is brought up in a very becoming manner into a knot cleverly twisted behind.
The men wear short trousers, the legs of which are cut off two or three inches above the knee. A shirt, and a cap or hat, complete their costume. They seldom wear shoes or stockings, except on Sundays.
The people live principally on vegetables, having meat about once a-week; and each family gets fish once, and, occasionally, twice a-week. The fishing is difficult and precarious, as they have to seek the fish in very deep water, often at the depth of 150 or 200 fathoms.
At the commencement of the yam-digging season, in April, when there is much hard work in prospect, and they require better food, and more of it, each family, having a hog, kills it. This is the period for the people to indulge, beyond their usual custom, in animal food.
There are three burial-places on the island. The funerals are always attended by every member of the community, who is able to go out of doors, even if the deceased should be but an infant.