flowers; berries of a bright orange colour, having a strong perfume; or of feathers, woven closely together, in alternate circles, of various colours. They also wear necklaces of shells, whales' teeth and coral; but the only bracelet worn, consists of two shells, fastened on the back of the wrists by a small cord. They have another ornament, which in dancing is worn upon the ankles, or about the arms, consisting of a piece of net-work, to which small shells, dogs' teeth, or something similar, are fastened, in order that, by striking against each other, they may produce a sound corresponding with the motions of the dancer.

The inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands, like those of most of the other islands of the Pacific, have the habit of tattooing or puncturing their skins; this is done in the following manner. The figure to be impressed is first slightly marked upon the flesh, in black lines; the skin upon these lines is then pricked with a sharply pointed instrument, which has previously been dipped in a black fluid. This instrument pierces so deeply as to cause the blood to flow, and the wounds are long in healing; but when perfectly healed, a black ridge is left, which ever after remains, though rendered less distinct by age. This operation is always performed with great exactness and regularity, sometimes covering a considerable part of the

body, and at others, only one or two limbs. This is the only people, excepting the New Zealanders, who tattoo the face.

It is difficult to determine from what this barbarous custom took its rise. It seems probable, however, that like the practice of pulling out the teeth, cutting the flesh, and mutilating the body, it was first done in commemoration of the death of near friends, or persons of distinction. It is used as a memorial of great events in the history of a nation, and serves as a badge to distinguish not only different chiefs, but all their slaves and dependants. You may form an idea of the strange effect of this practice, when applied to the face, by reading Mr. Ellis' description of the guide who accompanied him in his journey around Hawaii.

"He was," says Mr. Ellis, " rather a singular looking little man, between forty and fifty years of age. A thick bunch of long, black, curling hair shaded his wrinkled forehead; and another bunch of the same kind hung down behind each of his ears. The rest of his head was cropped as short as shears could make it. His small black eyes were ornamented with tattooed vandyke semicircles. Two goats, impressed in the same indelible manner, stood rampant over each brow; one, like the supporter of a coat of arms, stood on each side of his nose, and

two more guarded the corners of his mouth. The upper part of his beard was shaven close, but that which grew under his chin was drawn together, braided for an inch or two, and then tied in a knot, while the extremities below the knot spread out in curls like a tassel. A light kihei was carelessly thrown over one shoulder, and tied in a knot on the other, and a large fan, made of cocoanut leaves, in his hand, served to beat away the flies, or the boys, when either became too numerous or troublesome."

I have now, my dear L., mentioned some of the circumstances that affect particularly the personal comfort and convenience of these poor people. Comparing their situa tion with our own, how great is the contrast! How great are our privileges, and how great are our obligations to our common Father, who has secured to us these privileges! Let us be grateful for those blessings by which we are thus undeservedly distinguished; and above all, let us remember that for the manner in which we improve them, we must one day be called into judgment. Yours,

E. E.

MY DEAR L.

Before I go on to give you farther information as to the social and domestic