As to their customs, scholars say that among the Maoris the family existed, the tribe, and, in a certain rude sense, the nation. Under ordinary circumstances the people lived independent of one another. Upon great occasions the chief called together the tribes under his sway. He had, however, the power to declare war or peace, or to dispose of any question of interest to the public, only with the consent of his people. There was little distinction in regard to rank among them. The practice of tattooing themselves prevailed largely, especially among the warriors. They had a custom of flattening the noses of the boys and bandaging their knees and the lower part of the legs, in order to make them smaller. Thus they manifested the æsthetic sentiment. The hands of the girls were bound in such a way as to render them more skillful, in their estimation, in separating and weaving the fibers of the plant which affords the famous linen of New Zealand. Eight days after the birth of a child it underwent a sort of baptismal ceremony. The marriage relation was observed. At the death of an individual the whole tribe assembled, and from time to time uttered loud cries, expressive of their grief. The relatives cut off their hair. By their work the Maoris excited the surprise of their first civilized visitors. They displayed remarkably inventive minds, struggling under the most restricted resources. The necessary work was divided between the men and women very much after the manner of our times. The men built the houses, constructed canoes, cultivated the earth, carved their rude ornaments, and went hunting and fishing. The women prepared the food, spun the linen, and wove the cloth. Their language was well adapted to oratorical effects. There were fourteen letters in the alphabet; each syllable ended in a vowel, whence resulted a singularly harmonious speech. They had many proverbs bearing a striking analogy to many used throughout Europe. For instance, they said: “One may avoid the point of a lance, but not a slander;” also, “One may in time learn all the nooks and corners of any house, but never those of the heart.” In their assemblies the most eloquent exercised a great influence, and gave proofs of a remarkable memory in reciting with great effect proverbs, songs and poems, capable of producing a great impression upon their auditors.