134 THE SUMPITAN. [1846. 



fixed in the object which it pierces, whilst the arrow falls 

 away. The inner end of the arrow is inserted through a 

 small cone, formed of the pith of the Nibon, which is 

 compressible, like cork ; as the pith closes the aperture of 

 the tube, and does not offer the resistance which a harder 

 body would, it confines the air sufficiently to prevent any 

 escape, until the arrow has run the length of the tube, 

 and a sufficient impetus is thus acquired to project it with 

 effect to the distance of 1 50 yards. The force is such as to 

 enter a fir plank to the extent of an inch. The effect of 

 the poisoned arrow, as described by the Malays, is to 

 cause an instant numbness of the limb, depriving the 

 victim of further, power, until death ensues. From the 

 very great fear they entertain, even of the tube pointed at 

 them, there may be some foundation for this assertion, 

 but it is highly probable that in this, as in many other 

 instances, the fatal result is in great measure hastened 

 by fear. 



The next direct line of coast is that from Ant Islands 

 to the outer peak of the Island of Oosookan, within 

 which distance great caution should be observed ; although 

 but two patches of rock above water are visible, I have 

 strong suspicions, owing to the general range of small 

 water, to suspect that others will hereafter be met with. 

 I would therefore advise persons not having special pur- 

 suits in the bay, not to go into less than fourteen fathoms. 

 Midway between these points is the river Tampassook, 

 which although it ran strong, and forced its fresh water 

 over the salt for nearly half a mile from its embouchure, in 

 1844, was now quiet, and salt, within. The season has 

 been peculiarly dry throughout the coast. As no persons 



