were surprised to see their houses built on the highest tree-tops they
could find on the top of the ridge. One of the teachers remarked, "Queer
fellows these; not only do they live on the mountain tops, but they must
select the highest trees they can find for their houses." We were very
soon friends; they seemed at ease, some smoking tobacco, others chewing
betel-nuts. I changed my shirt, and when those near me saw my white skin
they raised a shout that soon brought the others round. Bartering soon
began--taro, sugar-cane, sweet yams, and water were got in exchange for
tobacco, beads, and cloth.

After resting about two hours, we proceeded to the next village, five
miles further along the ridge. Some of our party were too tired to
accompany us; they remained where we expected to camp for the night.
After walking some miles, we came unexpectedly on some natives. As soon
as they saw us they rushed for their spears, and seemed determined to
dispute our way. By a number of signs--touching our chins with our right
hands, etc.--they understood we were not foes, so they soon became
friendly. They had their faces blackened with soot, plumbago, and gum,
and then sprinkled over with white; their mouths and teeth were in a
terrible mess from chewing the betel-nut. On our leaving them, they
shouted on to the next village. An old man lay outside on the platform
of the next house we came to; he looked terribly frightened as we
approached him, but as, instead of injuring him, we gave him a present,
he soon rallied, and got us water to drink. By-and-by a few gathered
round. We understood them to say the most of the people were away on the
plains hunting for wallabies. One young woman had a net over her
shoulders and covering her breasts, as a token of mourning--an
improvement on their ordinary attire, which is simply a short grass
petticoat--the men _nil_.