4 RUBBER 



*' This naked savage might be a cannibal !** 



Possibly, but not for that reason alone have we 

 slipped into a nook where we can watch him without 

 risk of being discovered. Primitive man is frequently 

 more shy than dangerous ; if this aboriginal caught 

 sight of us, perchance he would quickly plunge out of 

 sight. 



*' Why does he go about with a parrot perched on his 

 right forefinger ?" 



The bird is his favourite pet, and master and parrot 

 like to be together as much as do you and your 

 dog. 



"Why does he carry that very long bit of cane ? 

 And he doesn't seem to have a bow with him, so of 

 what use are those arrows in that pouch which is 

 strung round his waist ?" 



The long cane is a very simple weapon called a " blow^- 

 pipe " ; the arrows are the missiles for it. Whenever 

 yon savage sees anything he wants to kill, he loads his 

 pipe, puts it to his lips, blows, and out flies an arrow 

 with terrific force and deadly aim. 



Maybe this son of the wilds is out on a hunting jaunt 

 on behalf of his tribe. Just as likely he is taking a 

 walk ; for quite possibly he has been suffering of late 

 from an attack of wander-thirst — a common complaint 

 among barbarians, to whom freedom is one of the most 

 blessed possessions in life — so he has left the camp to 

 roam it off. Weeks, months even, may elapse before 

 he returns to his fellows. Meanwhile, he can easily 

 supply all his wants, for he can shoot his meat, trap 

 his fish, and gather an abundance of tasty and nutri- 

 tious nuts and roots. Also, he can amuse himself by 

 making a fine collection of pretty seeds and gay 



