Series 03: Joseph Banks - Endeavour journal, 25 August 1768 - 12 July 1771 (vol. 2) - No. 0479
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[Page 479]
375
Some account of Savu
is now killd & the feast lasts a longer or shorter number of weeks or months according to the stock of Provisions the Kingdom happens to be furnished with at the time the stones serving for tables on which the whole Buffaloes &c, are servd up after this madness is over the whole Kingdom is obligd to fast & live upon syrup & water till the next crop nor are they able to eat any flesh meat till some years after when the few animals that escapd the general slaughter were preserv'd by policy or acquird from the Neighbouring kingdoms have sufficiently Increasd their species
[Margin note] Peace
The five Kingdoms say'd Mr Lange of which this Island consists have been for time immemorial not only at peace but in strict alliance with each other notwithstanding which they are of a warlike disposition Constant freinds but implacable Enemies & have always courageously defended themselves against foreign invaders they are able to raise on a very short notice 7300 men armd with musquets Lances spears & Targets
[Margin note] Force
of these the different Kingdoms bear their different proportions Laai 2600. Seba. 2000. Regëeuä 1500