Gilbert Islands, Or Kingsmill Group, a cluster of coral islands in the Pacific, on both sides of the equator, between Ion. 172° and 174° 30' E.; pop. estimated at 60,000. The largest are Taputeouea or Drummond, and Tarawa or Cook islands, the former 30 m. long by about 1/2 or 3/4 m. wide, and the latter 20 m. long. Almost the only cultivated products are the cocoanut and pandanus, which form the staples of food, and a species of taro {arum cordi-folium), highly prized by the natives. The breadfruit is found on the northern, though not on the southern islands. The climate is equable, and though warm is not very oppressive. The inhabitants resemble the Malays. The people are divided into three classes, chiefs, landholders, and slaves. There is no general authority recognized throughout the group, but there are several king3, one of whom rules over three of the islands, while others are scarcely respected in any. In some places the government is administered by public assemblies. The islanders are fond of war and prone to suicide, but they are kind to their children, generous, hospitable, and more considerate of women than is usual among savages. They are said to eat human flesh occasionally, but are not habitual cannibals.

Their clothing is made of the leaves of the pandanus; their houses and canoes, though constructed of rude materials, are superior in size, strength, and elegance to any others in the Pacific. The islands have several good harbors, but are seldom visited by vessels.