But owing to the clumsiness of the instrument employed--a flinty, serrated shell--the operation has been known to last several days.

Nor will they suffer any friend to help them; maintaining, that a matter so nearly concerning a warrior is far better attended to by himself.

Hence it may be said, that they amputate themselves at their leisure, and hang up their tools when tired.

But, though thus beholden to no one for aught connected with the practice of surgery, they never cut off their own heads, that ever I heard; a species of amputation to which, metaphorically speaking, many would-be independent sort of people in civilized lands are addicted.
Samoa's operation was very summary.

A fire was kindled in the little caboose, or cook-house, and so made as to produce much smoke.