182 COMPENDIUM OF GEOGEAPHY AND TRAVEL 



there are a Mauis {M. javanicus), and a peculiar hare 

 {Leidus netscheri), the common Malayan deer, and the 

 muntjac. Between sixty and seventy mammals have 

 been described, and the total number is possibly in 

 excess of that of Borneo, for the numbers are about 

 equal, while Sumatra is certainly less explored. 



The avifauna of Sumatra is practically the same as 

 that of Borneo and the Malay Peninsula. Among the 

 most striking lairds are the great Argus pheasant and the 

 yet more showy Uiqjlocomus ; crimson-breasted Trogons ; 

 bush-shrikes of a glossy cobalt-blue {Irena) ; vivid green 

 gapers {Gcdyptomenci), and the curiously marked rain- 

 birds {Cymlorhynclms) ; the lovely rose-crested bee-eater 

 {Nydiornis amida), and the pheasant -cuckoos {Carpo- 

 coccyx), besides numerous woodpeckers, barbets, spider- 

 hunters, and brilliantly -coloured Pittas. The peacock 

 does not exist, but is found in Java. There are but few 

 peculiar species on the island, and the genus Fsilojjogon, 

 which was supposed to be confined to it, has lately been 

 discovered in the mountains of Perak. It is interesting 

 to note that, as in the case of the flora, there is an 

 occurrence of certain Himalayan forms in the high 

 mountain regions, such as Niltava, Sibia, etc., most, if 

 not all, of which are probably to be found in the elevated 

 chain of the interior of the Peninsula. About 330 

 different species of birds are now known from Sumatra. 



6. Inhabitants and Languages. 



Tlie natives of Sumatra, from Ache Heads to the 

 Straits of Sunda, are all of the great Malayan stock, 

 although the different triljes vary much in language, 

 customs, and social condition. ISTo dark and woolly- 



