SPRING FIGUIES IN OCEANIA.—Mr. J. Hornell has published as Buletin 39 of the Bernice P. Biithop Museum of, a record of string figures col1ected, in Fiji and in the Marquesas, the Society Islands, and Samoa and Tonga. Although these figures had not hitherto been recorded in Samoa, is probable that further research would produce numerous examples. Tonga proved a rich field for study, but the largest number, 58, was obtained from Fiji. Most Fijian figures are named after the object they are supposed to represent, the owl, the caterpillar, the butterfly, and so on; others represent trees or the leaves of the pandanus. In a few the Fijians see a resemblance to the sun and his rays, and one is named “The” Star. The figures showed no mythological significance, but this may have been lost under missionary influence. A large number were originally worked to the accompaniment of chant, some of which must have been of great antiquity, as the significance of the words has been lost. The geographical distribution of the figures suggests certain ethnological affinities. Of these the most striking is the predominance of Melanesian influence in Fiji. Of 30 figures and series of figures, 12 occur in New Caledonia, Torres Straits, Fly River, New Guinea, Loyalty Islands, and DEntrecasteaux. Next in importance is relationship with Tonga, 7 figures being in common. Six of the Fijian games are Polynesian, being found in the Marquesas and Society Islands. Of these one is the most widely spread of any string game in Oceania. The Tongan games are wholly Polynesian if Fiji be excluded.