THE NETHERLANDS-EAST-INDIES. 19 



them antagonistic against you by doing so, but also the authorities, 

 if it becomes known to them (which is highly probable) will be 

 most offended at it. Inquire beforehand what the population has 

 for sale and make your selections accordingly. Salt and tobacco 

 for cigarettes are two articles much in demand in return for which 

 is often more to be had than for money. Bring therefore a 

 quantity of them along with you. 



In most cases it will be necessary to carry on conversations with 

 the population by means of an interpreter. We must advise ethno- 

 logists not to try to penetrate into the spiritual life of the natives 

 by asking a few questions. They are very particular and mysterious 

 in this respect. What you get as an answer is as a rule untrue or 

 gives rise to wrong notions. Even the attempts of the local authorities 

 and missionaries, who are in constant touch with the population 

 and who have a perfect knowledge of their language, often meet 

 with little success. 



c. with the chiefs. There is of course a great difference between 

 the chiefs of Bataks, Dajaks, Papoeas and those in Java and Mid- 

 Sumatra, who generally represent their real native aristocracy and 

 have attained a fairly high degree of civilization. Hence these 

 latter ought to be treated with due respect for their accomplishments 

 and position. 



A chief of the first category is often outwardly but little or not 

 at all distinguishable from the rest of the population. This however 

 should not deceive us: for frequently they have much influence, 

 especially the older ones, for influence increases with age. The rule 

 is: win their good will by polite treatment. If you expect to need 

 some chiefs particularly for your work, try to find out what you 

 can most please them with, and if it is in your power, satisfy 

 their wishes. Never bully them in the presence of others they will 

 never forgive you that. 



6. CURRENCY. 



Though officially the East-Indian coins pass everywhere, in some 

 parts but little can be done with them among the population. To 

 be sure the number and extent of these parts diminishes gradually, 

 but it is advisable to thoroughly inquire about the conditions in 

 the country to be traversed. One thing should be particularly looked 

 to, in parts where money is accepted, viz. to have a sufficient 

 quantity of small money, for food and also for the payment of wages. 

 The native hardly ever has got change and if he has he pretends 

 to be stupid. 



