Sir

The following fact, which came under my own observation appears to me to illustrate some of your remarks in the “Descent”

Some time since I was on board a coasting steamer with some European ladies, and some Maoris, whom I knew well. I had with me some Eau de Cologne, which was highly appreciated by the lady passengers. The Maoris observed the process of damping foreheads and handkerchiefs with so much curiosity that I handed the bottle to the chief man. He had no sooner smelt it than his face assumed much the same expression as a European’s might if a piece of carrion were thrust under his nose. He firmly refused to repeat the experiment, and when I tried some of his companions, he poured forth a torrent of dissuasive eloquence, which made my best efforts vain. Can this strange want of appreciation of the agreeable in odour be in any way connected with the remarkable absence of sweet smelling plants in New Zealand?

A few days since I met the same Maori—a very intelligent man—and having lately read the “Descent,” I questioned him as to the estimation in which beards are held among Maoris, and especially by the ladies—¹ He assured me they were considered very attractive— He had never heard of the Proverb you quote vol: ii. p. 349.² He informed me however that “the old people” plucked out the hair which interfered with the pattern of the tattoo—the New Zealanders’ armorial bearings.

I happen to have a full and long beard myself and frequently when I have passed a number of Maoris, or when I have gone to a pah³ they have raised a sort of chorus of “Kapai te pahi”— good beard— Possibly it was ironical, and it may be my vanity which prevents me from thinking so.

I should not call the Maoris a beardless race, and D^r. Hector⁴ and others who have seen more of them than I are of the same opinion— Most of those whom I know are bearded—indeed I should call them quite as well bearded as Europeans, though their beards, which are generally thick, are seldom or never long. They are harsh, crisp, curly—like the stuffing of an old chair.

I am Sir | your obedient Servant | Frank C Simmons.