Note 280 — CONTENTS. (continued 5)

When the taro-tops are set out and the patch is planted uniformly, the farmer then waits awhile. As the weeds spring up the planter proceeds with weeding, that method of cultivation being known as “he au loi,” burying the weeds under the surface. When three open leaves are seen on the taro-tops the taro is on a fair way. The man then plucks as many leaves as he can which he makes into a neat bundle, and lighting a fire he roasts that bundle of luau,280 and when cooked separates the part that may be burnt and throws it away. Uncovering the calabash he prays to the god thus: “Say, Kane of the water of life, here is the luau, the first leaves of our food. Say, Kane, return and eat; save me, thy offspring, your cultivator, to live to an old age in the everlasting world; the life is from you, my god. Amen, it is done; it flies.” When the prayer is ended then eat of the food till satisfied.