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[Page 16]
any of the females we saw at the Marquisas; they have invariably a piece of Linen, reaching from the waist to the knees, and generally a Mantle, or something of that nature thrown loosely over the Shoulders, and hanging as low as the ancles; this however is frequently thrown aside, and as often entirely off, so that it is intended to shelter them more from the heat of the Sun or any Severity of Weather than for the Sake of modesty; for frequently the upper part of the body is entirely exposed, and it is not possible to behold finer forms.
Whilst speaking of their dress, one must not omit mentioning with what taste and quickness they form a bonnet of green leaves &c which they wear to keep the Sun from their eyes' I was a Witness to the making of one of these by one of the Young girls who was about to accompany us