We occasionally saw pieces of a white soft papery cloth, apparently similar to the tapa of Polynesia, and like it made of the inner bark of some small tree, but it did not appear to be applied to much use.
(*Footnote.

Similar to that figured.) In the Louisiade we had not observed the betel pepper, but here it was found in common use--both the leaf and green fruit, especially the latter, being added to the lime and areca-nut.

Still betel chewing, although a very general habit, is by no means universally practised, for many elderly people retained the original whiteness of the teeth.

By the males it appears to be adopted only after attaining the state of manhood, and among the females is almost entirely confined to the old women.
The fondness of these people for flowers and strong-scented plants is remarkable--they wear them in their hair, thrust under the armlets and girdle, or as garlands round the neck.

Among the chief favourites may be mentioned an amaranth with purple leaves, giving out a very rich colour upon pressure being applied, and a species of mint-like herb which they dry in bunches, and carry about with them.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
In addition to the drum formerly mentioned, and large shells--Cassis or Triton--with a hole at one end, used as trumpets, we saw a small Pandean pipe made of portions of reed of different lengths, and a tube of bamboo, two feet long, which gives out a sound like a horn when blown into.
FOOD.
The staple article of food is the yam, which is produced here in great abundance, of large size, and excellent quality.