The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-22

dew or dust This covering, which has. the
look of turban, is called saa, and none but chiefs
are allowed to wear it; any attempt to assume this
head-dress by kal-sl, or common person, would be
Immediately punished with death. The sala, when,
taken care Of will last three weeks or month, and
the HAIR is not dressed except when II Is removed;
but the high chiefs and handles seldom allow day
to pass without changing the sala and having their
hair put in order.
The Feejeeans are extremely changeable in their
disposition. They are fond Of Joking, indulge In
laughter, and will at one moment appear 70 give
themselves up to merriment, from which they IN an
instant pass to demon-ke anger, which they evlnce
by looks which cannot be misunderstood by those
who are the subjects Of it, and particularly If IN the
finds vent in WORDS but has the character of suen-
ness A chief, when offended. seldom speaks a
word but puts sticks in the ground to keep the cause
of his anger constantly in his recollection. The OBJ
him by propiatory offerings, if they would avoid the
bad consequences. When these have been rendered
the satisfaction Of the offended dlgnitary, he pulls
up the sticks as signal that he is pacified.
portunty Of Judging he Feejeeans are addicted to
stealing are treacherous in the extreme, and with
all their ferocity, towards. The most universal
trait OF their character is their inclination to lying
would better their purpose and, in CONVEX
sing with them, the truth can be only obtained, by
cautioning them not to talk like Feeee man, or, in
other words, not to tell any lies
and one who Is expert at it is sure of a comfortable
subsistence and friendly reception wherever he
goes. Their own weakness in this respect does not
render them suspicious, and nothing but what IS
greatly exaggerated is likely to be believed. In IL
lustraton Of the latter trait was told by Paddy Con-
mel that he never told them the truth when he wished
to be believed, for Of it they were always incredu-
lous. He maintained that 1t was absolutely neces-
sary to tell them hes in order to receive credencc.
The religion of the Feejeeans, and the practices
which are founded upon it, differ materially from
those Of the lehter-co!ored Poynesian. people.
The tradition given by the natives of the origin OF
to themselves. All are said to have been born Of
one pair Of first parents. The Feejee was first born
but acted wckedly and was black; he therefore re-
ceived but little. clothing. Tonga was next born;
clothes given him. White men, orPapalan %, came
last; they acted we'll welle white, and had plenty OF
clothes.
They have tradition a great flood or deluge,
which they call Walavu-evu. Their account OF IT
is as follows. after the islands had been peopled by
the first man and woman, great rain took place,
BY which they were finally submerged; but, before
the highest places were covered by the waters, two
large double canoes made their appearance; in one
Of these was Rokora, the god OF carpenters IN the
other Rokola, his head workman, who picked up
some of the people, and kept them on board until the
waters had subsidized, after which they were again
landed the island. 1t is reported that IN former
times canoes were always kept in readiness against
another inundation.
The persons thus saved, eight in number, were
landed At Mbenga, where the highest OF their gods
10 said to have made his first appearance. BY vir
tue OF this tradition, the chiefs OF Mbcnga take rank
before all others, and have always acted consp
cuous part among the Feejees They style them
selves Ngali-duva-kangi (subject to heaven alone)
The Pantheon Of the Feejec Group contains many
deites. The first Of these in rank is Ndenei. He
is worshpped in the form large serpent, alleged to
dwell in district under the authority of Ambau,
which is called Nakauvaudra, and is situated near
the western end Of vitlevu. To this deity thew
believe that the spirit goes Immediately after death.
for publication or to receive sentence. From his
about the mbure or temple Of its former abode
All spirits, however, are not believed to be per-
mitted to reach the Judgment seat Of Ndengei. FOR,
upon the road il is supposed that enormous giant,
armed with large axe, stands constantly on the