152 GREAT NICOBAR— WEST COAST 



about at Pulo Milo — one platform above the other, respectively 

 3 and 7 feet above the ground, both partially protected by a 

 number of long palm leaves leaning butt downwards against the 

 structure. Continuing onward beyond this village we reached 

 the Dagmar River, and searched along the bank for further paths 

 without success. 



" By midday, having thoroughly explored the locality, we 

 returned to a tiffin of biscuits and sardines, with unlimited 

 numbers of young coconuts, which one of the men quickly 

 obtained from an adjacent tree. Then the boat was launched 

 and loaded, and with the wind helping for part of the distance 

 we travelled back to the Terrapin. 



" As we passed Kopenheat two men put out in a canoe with 

 palm-leaf sails to inform us that a party of Shom Pen was 

 then at their house. But it was now getting late, and the 

 plates for the camera had all been exposed, so, after arranging 

 for the aborigines to remain until next day, we parted from the 

 canoe and proceeded to the schooner." 



^^ March 22. — Off again by boat in the morning to K6penheat 

 and met the Shom Pen, who had remained overnight ; they 

 having come a distance variously estimated at from half a day 

 to two days' journey (!) down the Alexandra River in small 

 canoes of Nicobarese construction. 



" The headman, who was of the darkest complexion yet met 

 with — a dull chocolate — spoke a little Malay. All were clothed — 

 in far more garments than the Nicobarese — and generally very 

 dirty. 



" Most of these people were afflicted with elephantiasis in 

 various .stages — none seriously, however. Nicobar water is reported 

 to be bad ; but, considering the state of the water-holes that the 

 Shom Pen paths lead to, no surprise can be felt that those who 

 use such a supply should be suffering from this disease. Often 

 the water of the coast natives is unsatisfactory enough in 

 quality, but having plenty of coconuts, they hardly ever use it 

 for drinking purposes. 



"After we had finished with the people we gave them 



