together its various parts. The sides of the house were
similarly built; thus presenting three quarters for the
circulation of the air, while the whole was impervious to the
rain.

In length this picturesque building was perhaps twelve yards,
while in breadth it could not have exceeded as many feet. So
much for the exterior; which, with its wire-like reed-twisted
sides, not a little reminded me of an immense aviary.

Stooping a little, you passed through a narrow aperture in its
front; and facing you, on entering, lay two long, perfectly
straight, and well-polished trunks of the cocoanut tree,
extending the full length of the dwelling; one of them placed
closely against the rear, and the other lying parallel with it
some two yards distant, the interval between them being spread
with a multitude of gaily-worked mats, nearly all of a different
pattern. This space formed the common couch and lounging place
of the natives, answering the purpose of a divan in Oriental
countries. Here would they slumber through the hours of the
night, and recline luxuriously during the greater part of the
day. The remainder of the floor presented only the cool shining
surfaces of the large stones of which the 'pi-pi' was composed.

From the ridge-pole of the house hung suspended a number of large
packages enveloped in coarse tappa; some of which contained
festival dresses, and various other matters of the wardrobe, held
in high estimation. These were easily accessible by means of a
line, which, passing over the ridge-pole, had one end attached to
a bundle, while with the other, which led to the side of the