I believe the system, in its true and legitimate working, is considered both wise and good. It is apparently the only way to get a semi-civilised race to work well together for the good of the tribe; and it is a custom which, from time immemorial, has existed throughout the group, being the tribute rendered by the people at the bidding of their chief, to be repaid by protection and by a fair share of all goods acquired by the tribe. It applies to planting gardens, making roads, building houses and canoes, fishing for turtle, or any other work requiring combined action. People even from other districts may be summoned, and in return for their work receive daily food, and presents of cloth and whales’ teeth on their departure. Thus work is done quickly and well which would otherwise be impossible. Suppose a great canoe has to be built. All the best carpenters in the tribe are _lava’d_, and the fittings of the canoe are _lavaka’d_ from every village in the chief’s district. Each is required to furnish so many fathoms of narrow matting to make the great mat-sails. This is provided by the women of the village. Ropes, sails, tackling, and all the different fittings, are also thus provided. So is the food for the carpenters. Then when the new canoe is finished, the people must prepare a great feast at every place where it calls. When one great chief visits another, food is _lavaka’d_ for the entertainment of the strangers; and I am told that this occasions frightful waste, as each chief tries to outdo what others have done, that he may appear liberal before his guests. So these visits sometimes leave whole districts in a state of famine.