whales around. These "killers," as
they are called, are of a brownish colour on the back, and white on the
belly, with a long dorsal fin. Such was the turbulence with which they
passed, that a good view could not be had of them to make out more
nearly the description. These fish attack a whale in the same way as
dogs bait a bull, and worry him to death. They are armed with strong
sharp teeth, and generally seize the whale by the lower jaw. It is said
that the only part of them they eat is the tongue. The whalers give some
marvellous accounts of these killers, and of their immense strength;
among them, that they have been known to drag a whale away from several
boats which were towing it to the ship.

WAR DANCES OF THE NEW ZEALANDERS.

Wishing to see their war-dances, I requested the chief Pomare to gratify
us with an exhibition, which he consented to do. The ground chosen was
the hillside of Mr. Clendon, our consul's place, where between three and
four hundred natives, with their wives and children, assembled. Pomare
divided the men into three parties or squads, and stationed these at
some distance from each other. Shortly after this was done, I received a
message from him, to say that they were all hungry, and wanted me to
treat them to something to eat. This was refused until they had finished
their dance, and much delay took place in consequence. Pomare and his
warriors were at first immoveable; but they, in a short time, determined
they would unite on the hill-top, which was accordingly ordered,
although I was told they were too hungry to dance well. Here they
arranged themselves in a solid column, and began stamping, shouting,
jumping, and shaking their guns, clubs, and paddles in the air, with
violent gesticulations, to a sort of savage time. A more grotesque group
cannot well be imagined; dressed, half-dressed, or entirely naked. After
much preliminary action, they all set off, with a frantic shout, at full
speed in a war-charge, which not only put to flight all the animals that
were feeding in the neighbourhood, but startled the spectators. After
running about two hundred and fifty yards, they fired their guns and
halted, with another shout. They then returned in the same manner, and
stopped before us, a truly savage multitude, wrought up to apparent
frenzy, and exhibiting all the modes practised of maiming and killing
their enemies, until they became exhausted, and lay down on the ground
like tired dog