Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/86

Rh

They have no shield, the war-mat answering all the purposes of one.

The purposes for which the instruments of war are formed in New Zealand, I believe seldom fail of being accomplished. In Europe the musket, even during a war between two nations, may in many instances only be used in firing harmlessly at a review, or exultingly in vollies or feux de joye; the sword may slumber peaceably in its scabbard, except when its dazzling brightness is displayed upon the same occasions; but I believe the instruments of destruction of New Zealand are rarely formed without their subsequent performance of some death-doing deed, either in the service of the chief, or to execute the vengeance of its owner in cases of individual animosity.

There is an exercise peculiar to all their instruments of war, and their youths have much time and attention bestowed to render them expert in their various uses.

An essential part of their warlike operations is their grimace, gestures, and shout- Rh