Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/64

Rh are totally unrestrained by cloathing, or bandage, which must undoubtedly lay the foundation of their future hardihood and healthy constitution.

The mode of carrying the children, if not the most graceful, is certainly not the most inconvenient. The child is placed astride on the shoulder of the nurse, who secures it in this posture by one of its arms; the other being left at liberty, it employs it in playing with the ornaments on the head of its mother; and as these are sometimes numerous, consisting of feathers, shells, buttons, and sharks teeth, the child is provided with an ample source of amusement.

In early infancy the child's ears are pierced, and the puncture gradually dilated by various soft substances, until an aperture is formed capable of receiving two or three fingers: This is considered a beauty; it is certainly a convenience, for not only are a variety of ornaments suspended from this loop-hole, but their smaller tools, needles, &c. bear them company.