CHAPTER XXII

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THE PAPUANS AND POLYNESIANS.

The Papuans--Their Physical and Moral Characteristics--Their Artistic Tastes--Their Dwellings--Their Primitive Political Institutions--Their Weapons and Mode of Fighting--The Polynesians--Their Manners and Customs when first visited by Europeans--Tattooing--The Tapa Cloth--Their Canoes--Swimming Feats--Aristocratic Forms of Government--The Tabu--Religion-- Superstitious Observances--Human Sacrifices--Infanticide--Low Condition of the Coral Islanders 276

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