and would scarcely deserve notice, if any thing were not important which seems to illustrate the history of so interesting a people.  A slight sketch of the subject, as given in that work, may suffice for the reader’s consideration.  The person next in rank to the king is his own father, if alive—­it being the invariable maxim of this government, though quite unexampled elsewhere, for a son to succeed to the title and dignity of king, immediately on his birth, and in prejudice of his own father, who, however, is usually, but not always, entrusted with the regency, till the young man have ability for the duties of his office.  The chiefs of the several districts are next in dignity; they exercise almost regal authority in their respective territories; they are notwithstanding subject to the sovereign, and liable to be called on by him for such assistance as circumstances may induce him to require.  Next to these, are the near relatives of the chiefs, called to-whas and tayos.  Then follows the rank of rattira or gentlemen, whose estates are called rahoe.  These two ranks have the power of laying a prohibition on their respective lands, or on particular sorts of provision, for the purpose of accumulating articles for their feasts, or after any great consumption of the necessaries of life.  The lowest class of society after the rattira, is the manahoune, which bears a resemblance to our cottagers.  They cultivate the lands, and are in a state of vassalage, but they are not compelled to constant service, and they are permitted both to change masters, and to migrate to other districts.  The servants in any class are called toutou; such as wait on the women, tuti, an occupation into which, it seems, for reasons best known to themselves, young men of the first families not unfrequently insinuate, though by so doing they are excluded from the solemnities of religion.  A detestable set of men named mahoos, and bearing a resemblance to the Catamites of old, deserve not to be mentioned in the list of the ranks in this society.  Birth has several distinctions in its favour among these people.  Thus, a chief is always a chief, notwithstanding his demerits or misdemeanours; and, on the contrary, nothing can raise a common man above the station of a towha or rattira.  The king allows perfect freedom of intercourse and communion with his subjects, treating them with the greatest freedom, and, indeed, scarcely preserving any appearance of distinction from them.  His household is often changed, as no one serves him longer than he likes, and it is not usual to engage for any stated time, or for any wages.  With these people it is not a reproach to be poor; but they freely express their contempt of those who are affluent, and at the same time covetous.  The dread of being thus despised is so great and prevalent among them, that a man would give the clothes off his body, rather than be called in their language peere peere, i.e. stingy.  The rights of property are sacredly respected, and though there be no records or writing in the island, are minutely ascertained, and carefully preserved by tradition.—­E.]