THE TONGA ISLANDS. 227 cle, among the common people ; for no two re- lations of different rank can sit in the same cir- cle together*. On this account, and out of respect to Finow, he being sovereign, Toe Oomoo did not make her appearance. Finow being seated, his men, as they came in, depo- sited their spears in the middle of the circle, to be afterwards shared out in the same manner as was done by the Vavaoo people at Neafoo the day before ; they then retired to the out- side of the circle, ready to wait upon the com- pany. A large root of cava was then split into pieces, and distributed to be chewed as usual. While the cava was preparing, the provisions were shared out, ready to be eaten after the cava was drunk. This being done, and the provisions consumed, a second course of cava was prepared and served out, of which Finow having drunk a small quantity, retired to pay a visit to his aunt. When he arrived in her pre- sence he went up to her, and, with great re- spect, kissed her hand, and she, in return, kissed his forehead t. He then sat down to
- An accurate and full description of the ceremonious re-
gulations of a cava party will be given in the second volume. f When a person salutes a superior relation, he kisses the hand of the party j if a very superior relation, he kisses the foot : the superior in return kisses the forehead. There may be some doubt as to the propriety of the term to kiss in this ceremony, for it is. not performed by the lips after our q2
