Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/89

70 close according to the purpose for which the mat is intended.

Independently of the pattern formed in the weaving, by the difference of colour in the thread, their mats sometimes receive additional ornament from the needle.

The manufacture of their implements of war, their tools, and musical instruments, is carried on by the men; many of them are finished with a great degree of nicety, and on which, in some instances, much time and labor is bestowed in carving.

The implements of war have been spoken of, and of their musical instruments I shall speak hereafter; but in this place I shall say a few words respecting their common tools; these consist of adzes, chisels, small carving tools, and needles for working the ornamental parts of their mats.

The tools properly belonging to the natives, are all formed of the green talc before mentioned, and their names fender any particular description of them unne-