particularly in Taiarapu, the windward peninsula of Tahiti, where he lived.
I have heard from end to end two versions; and as many as five different
persons have helped me with details. There seems no reason why the tale
should not be true.

{1a} "The aito," quasi champion, or brave. One skilled in the use of some
weapon, who wandered the country challenging distinguished rivals and taking
part in local quarrels. It was in the natural course of his advancement to
be at last employed by a chief, or king; and it would then be a part of his
duties to purvey the victim for sacrifice. One of the doomed families was
indicated; the aito took his weapon and went forth alone; a little behind him
bearers followed with the sacrificial basket. Sometimes the victim showed
fight, sometimes prevailed; more often, without doubt, he fell. But whatever
body was found, the bearers indifferently took up.

{1b} "Pai," "Honoura," and "Ahupu." Legendary persons of Tahiti, all
natives of Taiarapu. Of the first two, I have collected singular although
imperfect legends, which I hope soon to lay before the public in another
place. Of Ahupu, except in snatches of song, little memory appears to
linger. She dwelt at least about Tepari,--"the sea-cliffs,"--the eastern
fastness of the isle; walked by paths known only to herself upon the
mountains; was courted by dangerous suitors who came swimming from adjacent
islands, and defended and rescued (as I gather) by the loyalty of native
fish. My anxiety to learn more of "Ahupu Vehine" became (during my stay in
Taiarapu) a cause of some diversion to that mirthful people, the inhabitants.

{1c} "Covered an oven." The cooking fire is made in a hole in the ground,
and is then buried.

{1d} "Flies." This is perhaps an anachronism. Even speaking of to-day in