Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/37

20 CHAP. V.

this country is divided into small principalities, whose chieftains are almost constantly at war with each other, the wandering of the natives is prevented by its being rendered unsafe; a bond of society is therefore formed for the safety and protection of the members of each principality. This society is divided into classes, each distinguished by devices variously tattooed on their faces and persons. These classes consist in those educated for the priesthood, or the performance of their religious ceremonies; others to arms, by far the most Rh