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TRANSACTIONS AT

mantic procession, bringing with them abund-ance of gnatoo, yams, &c. as presents to theirrelations. In this way they entered the fortressof Finow, and came into the king’s presence onthe malai, where he was seated with his chiefs

and matabooles. The Vavaoo people then laiddown their spears, which were afterwards sharedout to three of Finow’s principal chiefs, whoagain shared them out to all those below themin rank*. They seated themselves round the fmalai, and cava was prepared, the young chiefs |and warriors of Felletoa waiting on the com- $panyf. All this time Finow’s men were un- |armed J, (agreeably to the custom on such oc- |casions) but by his orders the greater part re- Imained at their houses where their arms were |deposited, for he was upon his guard lest his iguests had some stratagem to play : but he had jmerely signified to his men, that it would be ibetter for them to remain at their houses, as it |

* Mr. Mariner believes this to be always the case on suchoccasions; but this was the only instance of a peace formallyestablished, that ever happened while he was there.

t It is an honourable office to assist at cava parties, it istherefore generally filled by young chiefs.

J The visitors come armed for the sake of parade, givingup their arms afterwards as presents ; those that receivethem must be unarmed as a proof of their amicable disposi-tion, and that they do not mean to get them in their powerby stratagem.