Smithson has pencilled '28/5' next to the following notes: '54. The national drink is 'Kava' which is made from the root of a sort of pepper tree - its making and drinking are attended with a deal of ceremony for the Samoans are a very ceremonious people. The root is first pounded with stones and then mixed with water in the Kava bowl. This is formed out of a piece of solid wood. The duty of kava making always devolves on the young girls of the household who must hold themselves in readiness for any visitor, should no girl in the house the first young girl obtainable is pressed into the service. Before being drunk it is strained; when ready a bowl made from a cocoa nut is handed to each guest in turn according to their rank. Disputes as to the order of precedence give rise to more quarrels than anything else. I was told that it was likely [sic] drinking soapy water but I was agreeably disappointed, it has a slight astringent taste and is decidedly quenching to the thirst - it is non intoxicating in the ordinary way, but an over indulgence produces temporary paralysis of the legs. Kava bowl is one of the family treasures, with kind of enamel. After their feasting they generally have a wird [sic] or native dance'.