which exhibited strongly the great difference
there is in the nature of the two classes Of
savages we now had such opportunities of
observing. I had brought my violin from
Sydney, on which I used to play occasionally.
The New Zealanders generally expressed the
greatest dislike to it ; and my companions
used to rally me much on the subject, saying
it was not that the savages did not like music,
but it was my discordant playing that frightened
them away; which might be true. It
was, however, a useful discovery for us all ;
as I often took that method of civilly driving
them out of our house when we grew
tired of their company.' But when I began
to play before the Tucopeans, the effect it
had instantly upon them was ludicrous in the
extreme. They sprang up, and began dancing
most furiously; at the same time, so
waving their heads about as to keep their
long hair extended at its fullest length : as I
played faster, they quickened their pace. A
lively Scotch reel seemed to render them
neaily frantic; and when I ceased playing,
they threw themselves down on the floor
quite exhausted, and unable to articulate a
word. I have observed (generally speaking)
that savages are not much affected by music;
but these two Tucopeans were excited to a
most extraordinary degree.
We at length received authentic intelligence
of the death of the celebrated Shun-
ghie. Finding his dissolution fast approaching,
he convened a meeting of all the
neighbouring chiefs; and as many as could
reach the spot in time attended. The
wounded warrior expired, surrounded by the
men he had so frequently led to battle and
conquest. After the numerous and desperate
risks he had run, the many encounters he
had sustained with various enemies, it appeared
extraordinary to us Europeans that he
should die quietly in his hut. It is the custom
to keep a guarded and mysterious silence
relating to the subjects which are spoken of
by a dying chief. I questioned several who
had attended Shunghie: all spoke with the
greatest solemnity of his last moments. One
sentence (uttered by him) was all I could