The slings have nothing singular about them; and in no respect differ from
our common slings, except that the stone is lodged on a piece of matting
instead of leather.


[5] The nice and highly interesting subject now adverted to, it is evident,
will require a very extensive and cautious enquiry, and cannot
possibly be discussed in the small compass allotted to notes. See
Forster's Observations. But additional information has been obtained
since the time of that author.--E.

[6] There is good reason to imagine that most of the early voyagers into
the South Sea, have exaggerated the numbers of the inhabitants in the
various groups of islands they met with. The present calculation, most
readers will believe, is beyond the truth. Certain however it is, that
almost all the recent accounts are at variance with such astonishing
estimates as were formerly made. But, on the other hand, Mr.
Pinkerton's assertion, that "it is probable there are not above
300,000 souls in all Australasia and Polynesia," (Geog. 3d ed. 2d vol.
p. 172,) must appear so extraordinary when considered in opposition to
them, as at once to convey the notion of a bold adventure. Yet even
this admits of some degree of probability, from the account formerly
given, of the immense decrease in the population of Otaheite.
Altogether the subject is imperfectly understood, and labours under
peculiar difficulties; we ought to listen with some hesitation,
therefore, to all assertions respecting it.--E.

[7] We have elsewhere had occasion to take notice of the fact of human
sacrifices and cannibalism, forming an essential particular in the