1844.] DYAK HABITATIONS. 155 



rate with us in our laudable undertaking ; and one and 

 all were alike urgent that the government of their river 

 should be transferred to the English." 



This affair completed, we examined their habitations, 

 which although not projecting over the river, are con- 

 structed on piles in the Malay style, and evidently 

 adapted for defence as well as accomodation. The prin- 

 cipal residence which we visited was elevated about four- 

 teen feet above the ground, and consisted of a building 

 about 250 feet long by fifty wide. One third, running the 

 entire length, appeared to be devoted as a terrace, to general 

 convenience, upon which were noticed their nets and im- 

 plements, and many were seated at their occupations, 

 chiefly women, who were busy weaving their Sarongs. The 

 remaining two-thirds were devoted to their cabins, which 

 only the married are allowed to occupy. The ascent to this 

 stage, of what may be termed cages, is by a log, notched 

 deep enough for the foot to hold securely, when dry, but, 

 even to a seaman, does not afford a pleasant ascent. 

 The number of persons occupying one of these stages,, 

 was said to be three hundred. The whole space beneath 

 was a complete slough, and we were only able to approach 

 it by pieces of timber, laid in connection, and frequently 

 sinking far enough to place the walker ankle deep in 

 the mud. In this filth and mire revel the hogs and 

 ducks, which in some measure checked our anxiety to pur- 

 chase these species of stock. The dress of the Balow Dyaks 

 differs little from that of the Dyaks noticed at Serambo. 



During our detention here I witnessed the coming in 

 of the Bore. As it was just low water we drew up in line 

 within the entrance of the creek leading to Bunting, and 



