oonoony smiled--the young fellow of fifteen, who permanently resided in
the house with her, was decidedly in her good graces. This too was a
mystery which, with others of the same kind, was afterwards satisfactorily
explained.

During the second day of the Feast of Calabashes, Kory-Kory--being
determined that I should have some understanding on these matters--had, in
the course of his explanations, directed my attention to a peculiarity I
had frequently marked among many of the females,--principally those of a
mature age and rather matronly appearance. This consisted in having the
right hand and the left foot most elaborately tattooed; while the rest of
the body was wholly free from the operation of the art, with the exception
of the minutely dotted lips and slight marks on the shoulders, to which I
have previously referred as comprising the sole tattooing exhibited by
Fayaway, in common with other young girls of her age. The hand and foot
thus embellished, were, according to Kory-Kory, the distinguishing badge
of wedlock, so far as that social and highly commendable institution is
known among these people. It answers, indeed, the same purpose as the
plain gold ring worn by our fairer spouses.

After Kory-Kory's explanation of the subject, I was for some time
studiously respectful in the presence of all females thus distinguished,
and never ventured to indulge in the slightest approach to flirtation with
any of their number.

A further insight, however, into the peculiar domestic customs of the
inmates of the valley did away in a measure with the severity of my
scruples, and convinced me that I was deceived in some at least of my
conclusions. A regular system of polygamy exists among the islanders, but
of a most extraordinary nature,--a plurality of husbands, instead of wives;
and this solitary fact speaks volumes for the gentle disposition of the
male population.

I was not able to learn what particular ceremony was observed in forming
the marriage contract, but am inclined to think that it must have been of
a very simple nature. Perhaps the mere "popping the question," as it is
termed with us, might have been followed by an immediate nuptial alliance.
At any rate, tedious courtships are unknown in the valley of Typee.

The males considerably outnumber the females. This holds true of many of
the islands of Polynesia, although the reverse of what is the case in most
civilized countries. The girls are first wooed and