Marsden states that the people in the neighbourhood of the Shukehanga
are much fairer than those on the east coast. It may also, perhaps, be
considered some confirmation of Crozet's opinion as to the origin of the
darkest coloured portion of the population, that those who come under
this description are asserted to be characterized, in addition, by the
other negro peculiarity of a diminutive stature.[AK]

In general, however, the New Zealanders are a tall race of men, many of
the individuals belonging to the upper classes being six feet high and
upwards. They are also described as strong, active, and almost uniformly
well-shaped. Their hair is commonly straight, but sometimes curly;
Crozet says he saw a few of them with red hair. Cook describes the
females as far from attractive; but other observers give a more
flattering account of them. Savage, for example, assures us that their
features are regular and pleasing; and he seems to have been much struck
by their "long black hair and dark penetrating eyes," as well as "their
well-formed figure, the interesting cast of their countenance, and the
sweet tone of their voice." Cruise's testimony is almost equally
favourable.

The dress of the two sexes is exactly the same, and consists of an inner
mat or tunic, fastened by a girdle round their waists, and an upper
cloak, which is made of very coarse materials for ordinary wear, but is
of a much finer fabric, and often, indeed, elaborately ornamented, when
intended for occasions of display. Both these articles of attire are
always made of the native flax. The New Zealanders wear no covering
either for the head or the feet, the feathers with which both sexes
ornament the head being excepted.

The food upon which they principally live is the root of the fern-plant,