Liquors.—­The young cocoa-nut contains about a tumblerful of a liquid something resembling water sweetened with lump-sugar, and very slightly acid.  This is the ordinary beverage of the Samoans.  A young cocoa-nut baked in the oven yields a hot draught, which is very pleasant to an invalid.  They had no fermented liquors; but they made an intoxicating draught from an infusion of the chewn root of the ’ava plant (Piper methysticum).  A bowl of this disgustingly-prepared stuff was made and served out when a party of chiefs sat down to a meal.  At their ordinary meals few partook of it but the father, or other senior members of the family.  It was always taken before, and not after the meal.  Among a formal party of chiefs it was handed round in a cocoa-nut shell cup with a good deal of ceremony.  When the cup was filled the name, or title rather, of the person for whom it was intended was called out; the cup-bearer took it to him, he received it, drank it off, and returned the cup to be filled again, as the “portion” of another chief.  The most important chiefs had the first cups, and, following the order of rank, all had a draught.  The liquor was much diluted; few drank to excess; and, upon the whole, the Samoans were perhaps among the most temperate ’ava drinkers in the South Seas.  The old men considered that a little of it strengthened them and prolonged life; and often they had a cup the first thing in the morning.

Hospitality.—­The Samoans were remarkable for hospitality.  Travelling parties never needed to take food for any place beyond the first stage of their journey.  Every village had its “large house,” kept in good order, and well spread with mats for the reception of strangers.  On the arrival of a party some of the members of every family in the village assembled and prepared food for them.  It was the province of the head of one particular family to decide, and send word to the rest, how much it would be necessary for each to provide.  After all was cooked, it was taken and laid down in front of the house, and, on presenting it, one of them would make a speech, welcoming them to their village; and, although a sumptuous repast had been provided, an apology would be made that there was nothing better.  The strangers replied, returned thanks, and exchanged kind words.  In the event of there being a chief of high rank among the party, it would probably be decided that every man, woman, and child of the place turn out, dress themselves in their best, walk in single file, each carrying a fish, a fowl, a lobster, a yam, or something else in the hand, and, singing some merry chant as they went along, proceed to the place, and there lay down in a heap what they had provided for their guests.  An evening ball or night-dance was also considered an indispensable accompaniment to the entertainment.  A travelling party rarely spent more than one night at a place.