141 Barbarous Customs of the Islanders of Tongataboo. the light of civilization and of the gos- "Moomōoe, (an aged chief,) was now "The unhappy youth, who thus fell Upon the arrival of Colelallo, for that was his name, he was saluted in a cordial manner by his elder brother Toogahowe, and soon after went to see his father, whose attendants seized him with a view to strangle him instantly; when he, guessing their intention, said, if they would use gentler means he would submit to his father's will; but they continuing their violence, he by great exertions beat then off. Three feejee men were then called, and these being joined by a sister of the unfortunate Colelalio, they accomplished his death." But these inhumanities were found insufficient to prolong the life of the dying chief, or to avert that destiny to which both civilized and savage must inevitably submit. His death took place a few days afterward, which was attended with the following barbarous ceremonies, connected with his funeral solemnities. April 29th 1797.-Foonogge paid us a visit this morning, and after him 142 came our friend Mytyle, who informed us that Moomooe had departed this life about four o'clock this morning. The people who passed from Noogollifva, with their faces bruised, and blood running down their cheeks, were numerous: instead of cloth they wore matting round them, and a twig of the chesnut-tree about their necks: this, it seems, is their mourning dress. About one o'clock Toogahowe arrived; and soon after Ambler, accompanied by brother Bowel, went to see him. He was sitting in a small neat house, giving orders to several chiefs who sat around him, concerning the procuring the vast supplies of hogs, &c. that will be consumed at the funeral. About three o'clock the body of the deceased king was carried past our house, at a small distance from the beach; it was laid on a kind of bier made of the boughs of trees, and supported by about twenty men: several relatives of the deceased preceded the corpse in their mourning dresses, as above; some of them had cut their heads with shark's teeth, and the blood was running in streams down their faces. Behind the corpse was a multitude of people of both sexes. was "A female chief called Fefene Duatonga, who is very corpulent, was carried on a kind of frame made of two long bamboos, between which she sat on a piece of matting, and was borne by four men. Near her Futtafaihe walked; and next them two women, who were devoted to be strangled at the funeral: one weeping, but the other appeared little concerned; they both were wives of the deceased. Some of us followed them to the fiatooka, near which they deposited the body for the present, in a house carried thither for the purpose, and which was hung round with black cloth. This fiatooka is situated on a spot of ground about four acres. mount rises with a gentle slope about seven feet, and is about one hundred and twenty yards in circumference at the base: upon the top stands a house neatly made, which is about thirty feet long, and half that in width. The roof is thatched, and the sides and ends left open. In the middle of this house is the grave, the sides, ends, and bottom of which, are of coral stone, with a cover of the same: the floor of the house is of small stones. The etoa and other trees grow round the fiatooka. A 143 Barbarous Customs of the Islanders of Tongataboo. 144 "To the left of the tomb, and with- | down, beat their faces with their fists, out the enclosure, sat about four hun- and then retired. A second party dred people: the major part of them went through the same cruelties; and were men, for whom yava was brew- after them a third entered, shouting ing. Opposite to these were placed and blowing the shells: four of the five large roasted hogs, twenty baskets foremost held stones which they used of roasted yams, and about one hun- to knock out their teeth; those who dred pieces of mai (or mahie,) the blew the shells cut their heads with sour paste. A few paces from the them in a shocking manner. A man provisions sat seven or eight men, who that had a spear run it through his who were tabooed, and exempt from arm just above the elbow, and with it cutting themselves. One of these gave sticking fast ran about the area for orders concerning the disposal of the some time. Another, who seemed to hogs, yams, and yava; all that drank be a principal chief, acted as if quite of the latter were mentioned by name, bereft of his senses; he ran to every by a person appointed to that office by corner of the area, and at each station Fefene Duatonga, who now seemed to beat his head with a club till the blood have the management of the funeral. flowed down his shoulders. After this They did not forget us; but in dealing | brother Bowell, shocked, and unable out the liquor sent us each a part, to bear the scene any longer, returned which we gave to the natives that sat home. Futtafaihe also came to our by us. Persons of both sexes seated dwelling and stayed about two hours. themselves in different parts of the ground, beating their faces dreadfully; and after having emptied two bowls of yava, dispersed. May 2d.-The crowd in our neigh-gling themselves. We had not been bourhood is prodigious, and alarming to us; and we are informed they are likely to make a stay of two or three months, in which time He alone who reigns on high knows what excesses they may run into towards us. 66 As the funeral was to take place to-day, brother Bowel went with Ambler to Bunghye to see the ceremony, and found about four thousand persons sitting round the place were the fiatooka stands. A few minutes after our arrival we heard a great shouting and blowing of conch-shells at a small distance; soon after about an hundred men appeared, armed with clubs and spears, and rushing into the area, began to cut and mangle themselves in a most dreadful manner: many struck their heads violently with their clubs; and the blows, which might be heard thirty or forty yards off, they repeated till the blood ran down in streams. Others who had spears, thrust them through their thighs, arms, and cheeks, all the while calling on the deceased in á most affecting manner, "A native of Feejee, who had been a servant of the deceased, appeared quite frantic; he entered the area with fire in his hand, and having previously oiled his hair, set it on fire, and ran about with it all on flame. When they had satisfied themselves with this manner of torment, they sat "At two o'clock in the afternoon four of us went to the fiatooka, where the natives of both sexes were still at the dreadful work of cutting and man long there before we heard at a distance, low but expressive sounds of the deepest sorrow and lamentation: this was a party of about one hundred and forty women marching in single file, bearing each a basket of sand; eighty men followed in the same manner, with each two baskets of coral sand, and sung, as they marched, words importing, "This is a blessing to the dead;" and were answered in responses by the women. Another company of women brought a large quantity of cloth, and answered in their turn to the above responses. Thus these three bands walked towards the tomb, filling or covering that part of the mount between the house and the place where the corpse lay, and the grave, with fine mats and cloth; after which, seven men blew conch-shells, while others sung in a doleful strain, expressive of the most heart-felt grief. The corpse was now conveyed to the grave upon a large bale of black cloth, with which, and fine mats, they covered it. The bearers, as they went, walked stooping low, and carrying the bale in their hands. "Whilst these services were performing, a company of men and women came into the area, and cut themselves dreadfully. After them another file of females, nineteen in number, brought 145 Historical Observations respecting Liverpool. 146 We have already noticed, that at a very early period a communication was opened between Liverpool and Ireland. This circumstance induced many industrious adventurers to quit their native country, and take up their residence in this rising town. This gave an extension to the general commercial plans that had been concerted, and laid the foundation of several mercantile houses of great respectability, while the intercourse held with strangers contributed much to form the local character and manners of the inhabitants. each a bag of their most valuable arti- | On this extensive subject our observacles; and twenty-one more had each tions must be confined to a few proa fine mat in their hands, all of which minent particulars. they deposited in the tomb, being, as they call it, a present for the dead; and immediately after came a present from Toogahowe, consisting of thirtyfive bales of cloth, each bale carried by four men on a frame. After the presents, another party of mourners entered the area, sixteen of whom had recently cut their little fingers off: these were followed by another party with clubs and spears, who beat themselves as before described, and disfigured their faces with cocoa-nut husks fixed on the knuckles of both hands. We noticed that those who had held offices, or were related to the Speculative men, prepared for every deceased, were the most cruel to them- enterprise, were not inattentive to the selves; some of whom thrust two, trade by which Bristol had been enthree, and even four spears into their riched; and although they were not in arms, and so danced round the area, a capacity to become its rival, they and some broke the ends of the spears knew how to share in the advantages in their flesh. The grave was covered of commerce, by following an example with a hewn stone about eight feet which it was honourable to imitate. long, four broad, and one thick: this Availing themselves of the facilities stone they had suspended with two which their port afforded, they freightlarge ropes, which went round two ed their vessels with such articles as strong piles drove into the ground at were constantly in demand in the West the end of the house, and thence led to Indies, and success crowning their exthe area, where about two hundred men ertions, urged them to undertake new held by them; and whilst they lower-adventures, and inspired them with ed it slowly, women and children wept perseverance. aloud, or sung words importing, "My father, my father! the best of chiefs," &c. More cloth was then brought to be put into the tomb; and another party entered, and abused themselves as before. After these paroxysms of grief they sat awhile in silence; and when they had pulled the rope clear off the stone which covered the grave, those on the mount gave a great shout, which was answered by a general tearing of the leaves from the necks of all present; after which they dispersed." OBSERVATIONS HISTORICAL AND DE- [Continued from col. 60.] COMMERCE. THE Commerce of Liverpool is too vast and complicated to admit of particular detail in this general sketch; nor can we presume to trace its progressive movements from the commencement that we have noticed, to its present state of unrivalled prosperity. The vicinity of Liverpool to the flourishing town of Manchester, secured to its harbour those advantages which from its geographical situation it had a right to claim; and the improvements which were constantly making in the manufactures of Manchester, enabled them to extend their commercial connections, and to hold a respectable rank in the foreign markets to which their merchandise was consigned. Prior to this period, the Liverpool merchants had procured from Scotland a variety of articles, which the manufacturers of Manchester thought they could render equal in quality and at a reduced price. A trial was made, and the experiment succeeded; nor was it long before the checks, stripes, osnaburghs, and handkerchiefs of Manchester, obtained such a decided preference as to gain for the merchants of Liverpool a monopoly of coarse goods in the markets of the West Indies. Hence in the short space of fourteen years, from 1709 to 1723, the number of ships belonging to this port had increased from 84 to 131. In 1720 its 147 Historical Observations respecting Liverpool. population amounted to about 10,440. -Another circumstance which tended to promote its prosperity, was an act which passed in the latter year for making the rivers Mersey and Irwell navigable as far as Manchester, and for opening a communication with Northwich and Winsford bridge by means of the Weaver. But these advantages were inconsiderable when compared with the benefits resulting from a contraband trade that was opened with Spanish America. 148 trade; one sixth part of her general commerce; and one half of the trade of the city of London. In the slave trade, prior to its abolition, it is said to have had five eighths of the African trade of Britain, and three sevenths of all the African trade of Europe. The increase of population in Liverpool kept pace with its increasing commerce. We have already noticed, that in 1720, the inhabitants were estimated at 10,440. In 1773 they were augmented to 34,407: in 1790, to 55,732: in 1810, to 77,653: in 1812, to 94,376: and at present the total amount of population is estimated by some at 110,000, and by others at 120,000 souls. As the inhabitants advanced in wealth and power, their habitations in spectability. From the year 1680 to 1765, the area of the town was enlarged 770,000 square yards; and from 1765 to 1790, 2,816,000 additional square yards augmented its dimensions. Of these square yards, some portions still remain unoccupied, but a considerable extent is covered with buildings. The goods exported from Old Spain on their arrival at Vera Cruz, Porto Bello, Mexico, Lima, and Quito, by means of a privileged company, were charged three hundred per cent. upon the inhabitants more than they had been accustomed to pay. The complaints of the oppressed were heard increased also both in number and reour West India islands, and vast quantities of Manchester goods were smuggled from Jamaica by Spanish merchants to such ports as they found accessible. This branch of commerce was carried on to such an extent, that according to B. Edwards, in his history of the West Indies, British manufactured goods, to the amount of a million and a half annually, found a market in the It is impossible to form any just Spanish territories. This trade con- conception of a large seaport, famous tinued in full vigour from 1722 to 1740, throughout the world for its shipwhen the vigilance of the Spanish ping and commerce, without turning cruisers rendered the advantages preour attention to its Docks and Harcarious; and after suffering a gradual bours. The tides which wash the decline, this trade was totally abolished wharfs and quays of Liverpool that by the British legislature. are erected near the shores, flow with Scarcely had this trade begun to de-a considerable degree of rapidity; and cline, before Liverpool engaged, on the coast of Africa, in a traffic which is a dishonour to human nature, and put into her treasury the price of blood. London, Bristol, and other seaports, participated in the same nefarious commerce; but this, instead of furnishing any palliative of the enormity, only serves to discover the extent and magnitude of an evil, which seemed to appeal to heaven for vengeance. În 1764 Liverpool cleared out 74 ships for the African trade; and to such a height had this traffic advanced, that upwards of one fourth of all the shipping belonging to the port, sailed for the Coast, "To buy the muscles and the bones of man." It has been estimated that one twelfth part of all the shipping of Britain is at present navigated by Liverpool; that it has one fourth of her foreign sometimes, with particular winds, the force of the tempest is but too conspicuous on the surface of the agitated waves. On occasions like these, the harbour would afford to the numerous ships which frequent the port, a very doubtful security. A commercial navy thus crowded thickly together, must have been exposed to imminent hazards, and wrecks and damage must have been the inevitable consequence. In addition to this, as the ground near the shore is always dry when the tide retires, numerous vessels must every day have lain on the sands, if no other place of security had been provided for their reception. The Docks therefore, which are open with every tide, for the entrance and departure of vessels, have been erected both from necessity and expediency. So early as the reign of Elizabeth, a mole had been constructed for the lay 149 Historical Observations respecting Liverpool. ing up of vessels during the inclemencies of winter, and a quay had also been found for the shipping and unshipping of their cargoes. The increase of trade, however, rendered this mole and this quay insufficient for all the purposes of commerce. An act was therefore procured in 1710, empowering the inhabitants to construct a wet dock, in which vessels might enter, and lie continually afloat. This was at a time when all the shipping belonging to the port amounted only to eighty-four sail, averaging less than 70 tons each, and navigated by no more than eleven men at a medium. The dock thus provided, and which from the period of its construction, is denominated the Old Dock, runs in an eastwardly direction, considerably into the town. It is surrounded with houses, shops, and merchant's warehouses; and several of the most populous and busy streets open immediately on its wharfs. The customhouse stands at its eastern extremity. This dock is 195 yards long; in its broadest part it is 92 yards, and in its narrowest 78. The whole area is 17,070 square yards, and the extent of the quay with which it is encircled is 652 yards. The gates are 33 feet wide, and 25 feet deep. A handsome castiron bridge is thrown over the entrance, which opens as necessity requires. West India ships, Irish traders, and vessels from the Mediterranean, generally frequent this dock. The site which it occupies, is that where the Pool originally stood; and it is worthy of remark, that in the act which was granted for its formation, the land is described as being" in or near a certain Pool, on the south side of the said town of Liverpool." Without the gates is a dry Dock, in which sloops from various parts of the coast,importing corn, provisions,slates, and other articles of a similar description, generally lie. These having discharged their respective cargoes, take back West India produce, and goods that had been imported from the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The quays which surround this Dock, occupy an extent of about 360 yards. 150 the water being retained by the gates during the recess of the tides. The dry Docks are those into which the water flows, and from which it retires without any obstruction. The graving Docks are those into which the tide is permitted to enter, or from which it is excluded, as conveniency requires: in these docks the ships enter for the purpose of caulking, or to undergo repairs. These are connected with the other docks, and there is an entrance into three from the dry Dock, which we noticed in the preceding paragraph. The second wet dock that was constructed in Liverpool, is denominated Salthouse Dock, from its being contiguous to a salt work formerly established there, but which has since been removed up the river to Garston. The form of this dock is not quite regular. Its area includes 22,420 square yards, and its quay nearly 640. Its gates are 34 feet wide, and 35 feet deep. The upper end is chiefly occupied by ships that are laid up, and the lower by corn and timber vessels. George's Dock extends from the corner of St. Nicholas's church-yard, to Moor-street. It was completed at an expense of £21,000. The act for its construction was obtained in the 11th of George II. Its dimensions are 246 yards in length, and 100 in breadth, enclosing an area of 26,068 square yards. The gates are 38 feet wide, and 26 deep. Ships from the West Indies generally frequent this dock, the quay of which is about 700 square yards. The Old Dock, Salthouse Dock, and George's Dock, have a communication with each other, so that vessels can remove from one to the other, or to the graving docks, without being exposed to the inconvenience of going into the river. A small dock belonging to the Duke of Bridgewater, and thence denominated The Duke's Dock, lies between Salthouse Dock, and the King's Dock. This is chiefly appropriated to the accommodation of his flats and barges, but many other vessels arriving from the neighbouring coasts, occasionally enter, and find security. This also is a wet dock. An extensive warehouse stands on the margin, in which are deThe Docks of Liverpool are of three posited the various kinds of merchankinds; the wet, the dry, and the grav-dise, with which these vessels are ing Docks. The wet Docks are those freighted. in which ships are continually afloat, The King's Dock lies at the south |