66 Voyage of the Novara. 



be chiefly ascribed the fact that the natives are not so liberal 

 as at the last-named island. The Swedish naturalist, Dr. 

 Rink^ who has so largely and valuably added to our stock of 

 information respecting the Nicobar group, resided here for a 

 considerable time with some forty Chinese labourers, and, 

 with a view to ultimate colonization, had caused to be cut 

 through the forest several paths, by means of which this is- 

 land has been rendered much more permeable than any other 

 in the Archipelago. The selection was an extremely happy 

 one, and had the projected colonization of the island been 

 carried into effect, very different results would have 

 been obtained than tliose of poor Dr. Rosen in Nang- 

 kauri Harbour. Next to Kar-Nicobar, it has been clearly 

 decided that Pulo Milii is the most suitable spot for a first 

 settlement, in the event of any European power or any capi- 

 talist undertaking to solve the problem of colonizing this 

 Archipelago. 



In the cove at which we landed five huts stand upon the 

 beach, much similar to those at Nangkauri, and like them 

 having before them a number of lofty singularly ornamented 

 poles emerging from the water, called by the natives 

 Handscluiop, and intended to keep Davy Jones at a respect- 

 ful distance from the village, — not unlike the scarecrow with 

 which we at home seek to frighten from the ripening corn 

 the rapacious troop of feathered epicures. These banners for 

 scaring away the Eewees are erected within the sea limit by 

 the Manlu^na, or exorcist, who in these islands, like the 



