Every one contributed something to the work; and by the united, but easy, and even indolent, labours of all, the entire work was completed before sunset.

The islanders, while employed in erecting this tenement, reminded me of a colony of beavers at work.

To be sure, they were hardly as silent and demure as those wonderful creatures, nor were they by any means as diligent.

To tell the truth they were somewhat inclined to be lazy, but a perfect tumult of hilarity prevailed; and they worked together so unitedly, and seemed actuated by such an instinct of friendliness, that it was truly beautiful to behold.
Not a single female took part in this employment: and if the degree of consideration in which the ever-adorable sex is held by the men be--as the philosophers affirm--a just criterion of the degree of refinement among a people, then I may truly pronounce the Typees to be as polished a community as ever the sun shone upon.

The religious restrictions of the taboo alone excepted, the women of the valley were allowed every possible indulgence.