THE VOYAGE OF THE FLYING BIRD

The settlement of Hawaii by Polynesians from Tahiti cannot be described with any great exactitude, so long ago did it takes, place. The story of how it probably happened can, of course, be deduced from archaeological and anthropological studies probably made in recent times. With an innocent simplicity of style quite appropriate to the primitive subject, Margaret Titcomb has romantically re-created events as they have occurred. The journey of the Flying Bird originated as a diversionary expedition to relieve the sorrow of a Tahitian chieftain over the seduction of his sister by the warlike ruler of some neighboring islands. Once the party had landed on Hawaii, the decision to colonize it followed quite naturally, and, in the best South Seas tradition, trials were met, obstacles overcome, and the new inhabitants of the smiling island lived happily ever after.