Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/53

34 CHAP. VII.

New Zealand, as in all uncivilized countries, the passions are the principal guide to the actions of its inhabitants: but in this island I conceive those actions are very much restrained, either by the superintendance and authority of their chiefs, or by a natural proneness to affection; or, perhaps, by a union of the two causes: certain it is, however, that a great degree of subordination and affection is observable among them upon all occasions.

The natives of this island have hitherto been considered cannibals of the worst de-