They are an humble, quiet, industrious set of men.

Although the fertile soil, resulting from the decomposition of the volcanic rocks, supports a rank vegetation, yet the climate is not favourable to any production which requires much sunshine to ripen it.

There is very little pasture for the larger quadrupeds; and in consequence, the staple articles of food are pigs, potatoes, and fish.

The people all dress in strong woollen garments, which each family makes for itself, and dyes with indigo of a dark blue colour.

The arts, however, are in the rudest state;--as may be seen in their strange fashion of ploughing, their method of spinning, grinding corn, and in the construction of their boats.