348 THE SOOLOOS. 



looking about them, than is to be noticed among other 

 varieties of the Malay race. Their figures, moreover, are 

 taller, better proportioned, and of a bolder aspect than 

 those of the generality of Malays. Some of the young girls 

 are very nearly white, and many of them tolerably good- 

 looking ; though, as is most generally the case in these 

 countries, they lose their fair proportions, as they advance 

 in years. They manufacture a fine stuff" from the fibres 

 of the Plantain, in a very simple and primitive sort of 

 manner, their loom being composed of a few sticks, and 

 the woof being secured around their waists. With this 

 exception, they appear to do nothing but pound padi 

 for the use of their lords and masters. 



Near the city are numerous grassy plains, where 

 Water-Buffaloes, and a small, well-formed breed of horses 

 graze, in considerable numbers. In the huge, rudely- 

 constructed temple, where the followers of Mahomet 

 meet together, is a gigantic drum, like that one in the 

 city of Brunai, formed of the trunk of an enormous tree, 

 and covered with a buffalo's hide. This summons the 

 Mussulmans to daily prayers, in lieu of the call of the 

 Muezzin. During an audience with the Sultan, I could 

 not help admiring the gorgeous dresses and fine forms 

 of some of these Sooloo warriors, many among them 

 evincing much taste in the selection of their colours, &c. 

 The road to the " Hall of Audience " was rendered very 

 attractive by groves of Cocoa-nut trees, mingled with the 

 fragrant Tsjampaka (Michelia Champacd), that splendid 

 member of the Magnolia tribe, the flowers of which, 

 together with the Nyctafttlius, or Malati, and the Tanjung 

 (Mmtsops elengi }, are worn in the glossy hair of the 



