DYAK AGRICULTURE. 225 



their ignorant minds immediately to attribute to 

 superhuman influence, the results which the most 

 common prudence must foresee will attend their op- 

 posing the regular force of a civilized enemy. The 

 cognomen of this chief, Gila Beranhi, may be literally 

 translated, " the madly brave," in allusion to the 

 ferocious courage displayed in his wars with the 

 enemies of his tribe. 



Though agriculture is so generally practised by the 

 Dyaks, they have not made in it so much progress 

 as, from its necessity to their existence, might have 

 been expected. The cause of their never having at- 

 tained to greater perfection in this art is probably te 

 be found in the immense productiveness of the soil 

 they cultivate, which, with little care beyond the 

 planting of the seed, yields such heavy crops, that 

 the most moderate skill and attention are repaid so 

 amply, that the inducements to improvement, which 

 excite more civilized, but less favoured nations, have 

 no existence here. 



In July and August the Dyak, having previously fixed 

 upon a spot convenient for a farm, begins the labour of 

 felling the forests ; in this he is assisted by the females 

 of his family, who clear away the brushwood; slaves and 

 male children fell the larger trees. The extent cultivated 

 by each head of a family depends upon his industry, 

 and the wants of his household : an industrious per- 

 son always prepares more than will be necessary for the 

 supply of his household, so that, with the surplus, he 



