1844.] COAL SHAFT. 181 



ugly, but want that agreeable embonpoint, and volup- 

 tuous grace of outline that characterize many of the Dyak 

 women. 



" In the course of our progress we had to wade across 

 a rapid stream, which was effected by our seizing on a 

 long pole, held above the steep banks of the rushing 

 rivulet by the Rajah's attendants, in order to prevent 

 our being carried away by the force of the current. After 

 threading several shady woods, and meeting here and 

 there with traces of coal, we came at length to a cavity 

 hollowed out in the banks of the Kianggi stream, where 

 the natives had formed a rude shaft. A diver went into 

 the water and brought up large masses of excellent, 

 though somewhat bituminous, coal from the river's bed, 

 and the ground was strewn with the same mineral in all 

 directions. Dripping wet, and somewhat weary, we again 

 retraced our steps, well pleased with the success of our 

 expedition. In returning to Rajah Brooke's house, we 

 passed through the middle of the floating market, and 

 had a capital opportunity of seeing the flower of Brunese 

 beauty. The young girls are plump and well-formed, 

 with rather agreeable features, and beautifully long 

 black, though somewhat coarse hair, hanging down their 

 backs. 



" Among the curiosities noticed on this excursion may 

 be mentioned an isolated Upas tree (Antiaris toxicarid). 

 It is situated at the bend of the river near the watering- 

 place, and stands nearly forty feet high, its trunk is almost 

 straight, and covered with a somewhat smooth bark, of a 

 reddish tan colour, and its head consists of a dense mass 

 of dark green, glossy foliage. There are numerous inci- 



