The inhabitants of the Marshall group show less admixture of Polynesian blood than the Gilbertese, whilst their social structure and mode of life is more nearly related to the Caroline peoples, a dolichocephalic race. Both groups are composed of a great number of small islands, wherein individual differences exist ; in addition a marked contrast is found between the eastern and western portions. The inhabitants of the last offer peculiar fea tures, due to Malay, or even Chinese influence. Two excellent accounts of the Pelew Islands at the western end are accessible. That of the wreck of the "Antelope" in 1783 and the narrative of one Amasa Delano, an American ship's captain, in 1791. The Carolines were known to the Portuguese in 1526, being named in 1686 after Carlos II. of Spain. They remained under nominal Spanish control down to 1899, when the group was purchased by Germany. In the island of Ponape remain great stone enclosures and remains of artificial islands constructed in the quiet waters of the lagoons, evidence of a numerous and energetic population, since formerly these islands were the stepping stones of the early Polynesian immigrants. The investigations of Hambruch in 191o, following those of Christian, show that formerly a vast area of artificially formed land, reclaimed from the shallow water, was occupied by temples, palaces, and burying places. An elaborate social organization was in force, whilst the king was the embodi ment of the gods. To-day, the whole area is congested with ruins and abandoned by the few remaining natives. The people are now divided into numerous clans, each having its chief ; next, prior to the nominal conversion to Christianity, came the priests, who exercised considerable power and combined the functions of doctors. The chiefs retain to this day considerable power and
have great hold on their followers. Little is known of the former religion, which was of an animistic character, and even now certain recognized natural objects are venerated. The Melanesian system of "club houses" for the males is in full force and afford the most elaborate structures in the villages. On the island of Yap this custom is particularly prevalent, and the stone money discs peculiar to this island are disposed round these "club houses" as evidence of wealth. These discs reach a diameter of 12 feet and represent the communal wealth. This stone currency, being the ownership of the community, is an object of pride to the natives, and the Germans, when in possession, enforced local laws by the simple expedient of painting the German arms on the most valued till such time as the village had carried out the Gov ernment requisitions. The institution of these "club houses" forms an important part of the social life of the men, the females being excluded, and it is the custom for the young men to reside therein at an early age.
The occurrence of pottery vessels for domestic purposes af fords another peculiarity of the western Carolines, where also the betel nut (Areca cathecu) is chewed extensively, whilst the natives of the eastern portion are addicted to the use of kava, a true Polynesian custom.
Weaving with the loom is common to both divisions and sexes indifferently; the material used is either fine fibres from the ba nana, or the hibiscus; elaborate and effective patterns in colour are produced with pleasing effect.