VI.] 



AN EASTERN VENICE. 



125 



have done far more swimming than walking, and their chief 

 amusement seems to be the capsizing of each other's boats. What 

 a Brunei man does when he is desirous of " running amok " I have 

 no idea. If practised in a canoe — which seems the only course 

 open — his opportunities must be restricted. In any case, however, 



A MALAY "MAX-CATCHER." 



there can be no need for peaceful householders to keep the in- 

 genious instrument used in securing individuals engaged in this 

 pastime which we found in Macassar. This article — as will be 

 seen from the annexed illustrations — is of most sunple construction, 

 and, no doubt, effective enough when once applied. But I should 

 imagine the adjustment of it a somewhat risky proceeding. 



We had anchored close to the wharf of the leading Chinese 

 merchant, the agent for the Xorth Borneo Company, and our first 

 visit was to his house. He had been made a Datu, and was a 



