Another Diversion is with Bows Made of Poorow and Arrows of Bamboo pointed with Toa. With these they shoot for Distance, or up the side of a hill without any Mark. After this Game they have also a Feast made as before — The Weomen shoot as well as the Men but by themselves and those who follow it must have Clothing sacred to the Game which must not be worn at any other time — for which reason it is left Chiefly for those of rank who can pay the proper attention to it these Bows are for Diversion only. They practice the quarter staff from their youth and are well versed in the Use of it and defend themselves amazing well it being no honor to receive a wound in War except from a spear and even them they hide as much as possible.

They also Practice the Sling and will throw a stone with some exactness and great force, the sling is made of Cocoanut fibers platted, having a broad part wove in the Center to contain the stone (which is Mostly of the size of a hens egg) and a loop at one end to put over their wrist to keep it from flying away when they let go the other end; when they throw a stone they keep the Sling a Cross their Shoulders and with their thumb keep the stone in its place, when by a quick Motion let go the stone Jumping at the same time off their feet and grasping the right Wrist in the left hand swing the stone three times round their head before they discharge it, when it flys with such force as to break the Bark of a Tree at 200 Yards distance, keeping in a Horizontal direction nearly the whole way.

Heiva is the General Name of Diversion, whether Music, Dance, Song &c. — The Dance Calld Heovra is performed by two, four, Six or More Young Weomen neatly dressd and any Convenient Number of Men, with one who is prompter or director having Drums & flutes playing through the whole performance the Weomen beating regular time with Various Motions of the Hands as well as feet. This dance is generally performd on Matts spread for the Purpose and at Night it is always under Cover of an Open house or Shed build for tlie purpose with torch and other lights. The Dress of the Weomen in these Dances is elegant and their figure Graceful. It Consists of a Turban of Tamow or Platted hair of several Hundered fathoms long, decorated with Sharks Teeth, Pearls & flowers, their arms and shoulders are bare and a kind of

Indigenous Histories