The _differentiæ_, then, between Polynesia Proper and Micronesia are subject to criticism; so much so that instead of saying that a Polynesian custom is wanting in Micronesia (or _vice versâ_), we should rather say that the Polynesian habit takes a modified form. Above all, the criticism applicable to all _negative_ statements is preeminently applicable here. Facts of the same sort with the _kava_, and _tabu_ observations, are to be found in other matters, _e.g._ the Micronesian sails by the stars, the Polynesian by the flight of birds. The Micronesian canoe is an amphisbæna, _i.e._ it can be paddled either way, and it is generally simple. The Polynesian, on the other hand, is often double, and almost always an outrigger: so much so that the appearance of Cook's vessels, on the discovery of Tahiti, was hailed by the natives as a fulfilment of one of the prophecies of Mawi; which was to this effect:--That a canoe such as never had been seen by any native before--a canoe without out-riggers, should at some future time visit the island. Now so impossible a thing was a canoe without out-riggers in the eyes of the Tahitians, that the prophecy was laughed to scorn. So in order to gain credence, Mawi launched his wooden dish upon the waters, which swam as he said the strange canoe should swim. Afterwards, when Cook sailed towards the islands, his ship was held to be the prophesied canoe; and at the present moment English vessels have been called _Mawi's canoes_. The sum, perhaps, of all the distinctions of the sort already indicated, will give between Polynesia and Micronesia, the difference between a Dutchman and an Englishman; certainly not less--probably more. Probably more, because the very considerable difference in the details of the two mythologies has yet to be added. A brief notice of these may be found in Prichard's chapter on the Marianne Islanders; and this reference is all that our space allows. That the difference, however, of the superstitions is _not less_ (probably _greater_) than the difference between the languages is a safe conclusion. The differences in the general moral character of the two divisions lie within a small compass. Coldness of manner in general, less tendency to bloody warfare, less laxity amongst the female part of the population, and less cannibalism, are points wherein the Micronesian character has the advantage. The Micronesian domestic arts also, such as dyeing and weaving, are in advance of the Polynesians. 3. _Distribution of Protonesian characteristics._--Which of the two divisions has the most of these? This is partially answered by some of the observations which have just preceded: two other facts answer it more fully. _a._ The opinions of MM. Durville and Lesson, as to the connexion of the Micronesians with the Mongolians--without being evidence in favour of the Micronesian branch being the more _Protonesian_, of the two, this is, certainly, a fact in favour of its being the more _continental_.