Nicholas once saw an instrument like a flute, made of bone, very ingeniously carved, hanging at the breast of one of the natives; and when he asked what bone it was formed from, the pos sessor immediately told him that it was the bone of a man. It was a larger bone than any of the native animals could have supplied. Vocal music is one of the favourite amuse ments of the New Zealanders. Destitute as they are of the art of writing, they have, nevertheless, their song poetry, part of which is traditionary, and part the produce of such passing events as strongly excite their feelings, and prompt their fancy to this only work of composition of which they have any knowledge. Certain individuals among them are distin guished for their success in these effusions; but the people inhabiting the vicinity of the East Cape seem generally to enjoy the highest repu tation for this species of talent. These tribes, indeed, are described as in many other respects decidedly superior to the rest of their country men. It is among them that all the arts known in New Zealand flourish in the greatest perfec tion; as, for example, the working of mats, and the making and polishing of the different instruments used in war. Yet, although very numerous, they are them selves of a peaceful disposition. Their houses are said to be both larger and better built than those in any other part of the island; and their