288 SMITHSONIAN MISCELLANEOUS COLLECTIONS VOL. 52 



as well as upon the opportunities they have had for communica- 

 tion with the outside world. The work of civilizing these tribes 

 was begun during the Chinese administration in Formosa, but their 

 present state of civilization is the result of the assiduous efiforts of 

 the Japanese. 



The Yaami and Saiset groups are made up of a very small popu- 

 lation. The former group is gentle in nature and dwells upon an 

 isolated island. The latter dwells within the savage guard line, and 

 is quite as civilized as the former. The tribes of the Saiset group 

 are in constant intercourse with native Chinese, whose customs and 

 habits they have adopted to such an extent as to make them quite 

 like the natives. In the near future they will be placed under the 

 regular administration. There is no necessity to enter at length 

 into the descriptions of these two races or groups, and the descrip- 

 tions which follow will not apply to them. 



The Amis and Puyuma groups and a portion of the Paiwan 

 group (about 8,000), living in Koshun Prefecture (the southern- 

 most on the island), have already emerged from a condition of 

 casual cultivation, and now cultivate permanent fields. They are 

 in possession of rice fields and employ plows, hoes," and cattle. 

 Chickens and pigs are also raised by these groups. In their manner 

 of living and in dress they are not very dififerent from the native- 

 Chinese, with whom they associate. They willingly send their chil- 

 dren to the schools provided for savage children. Up to the pres- 

 ent, more than one hundred children have graduated from these 

 schools, and a number of these graduates are holding positions as 

 assistant police, assistant teachers in savage schools, and govern- 

 ment interpreters. Postal communications have been established in 

 these districts, which are easy of access, and native postmen deliver 

 the mails. 



Next in order of civilization is the Tsou group ; then follow the 

 remainder of the Paiwan group and the Tsarisen group. As to 

 agricultural pursuits, manner of living and schooling, the tribes of 

 these groups are not so far advanced as those above mentioned. 

 They are, however, gradually emerging from a state of savagery to 

 one of civilization, and within a short time it is hoped to have them 

 on an equal footing with their semi-civilized neighbors. 



The tribes of the Vonuum group dwell in the central range of 

 mountains. Since their contact with civilized people has been very 

 slight, they still retain their savage manners and customs. More- 

 over, the lands surrounding their houses are poor. By them, head- 

 hunting has been considered the highest achievement. They are 



