344 THE BADJUS OR SEA-GIPSIES. 



regular piratical establishments, fleets are annually 

 equipped at them for the purposes of this illegal practice. 

 The whole of the east coast, as far south as Coti, is 

 divided amongst these people, all of whom are, more or 

 less, under the influence of the Soolu Rajahs, though 

 many of their chiefs arrogate to themselves the title of 

 Sultan. They are said to treat their prisoners with much 

 cruelty, and head-hunting is carried on amongst them 

 to the same extent as amongst the worst of the Dyak and 

 Kyan tribes. Their boats appear to be built on the 

 principle of those of Sakarran and Sarebas, being easily 

 taken to pieces and put together again as occasion may 

 require. 



The Badjus, or as they are commonly called, Sea- 

 Gipsies, are found in considerable numbers in the sea 

 which lies between the east coast of Borneo, and the 

 west coast of Celebes. These curious people are said to 

 have come originally from Johore, in the Malayan penin- 

 sula, the inhabitants of which they much resemble in 

 features and habits. Many of them are settled in per- 

 manent villages on the east coast of the island, but the 

 greater number live in their boats, which are from five 

 vO ten tons' burden; during the whole year, and shift 

 their position with the changing monsoon, so as always 

 to keep on the lee side of the island, and, consequently, 

 in fine weather. They all profess the Mahometan 

 religion, and differ but little, except in their maritime 

 habits, from the Malays, though they are said to 

 adhere less strictly to the tenets of Islamism : the men 

 are employed in fishing for the trepang, or sea-slug, (a 



