194 THROUGH CENTRAL BORNEO 



convenient place. The elevation above sea level, taken 

 April 2, by boiling point thermometer, was 425 metres 

 (1,394.38 feet), and the ridge seemed to run t-venly to 

 either side. The space for a camp was somewhat 

 cramped, and the small yellow bees that are so persistent 

 in clinging to one's face and hands were very numerous; 

 they will sting if irritated. Even the lieutenant, or- 

 dinarily impervious to that kind of annoyance, sought the 

 protection of his mosquito net. 



The calls of argus pheasant and wah-wah next morn- 

 ing sounded familiar. The north side of the Bukit, 

 or mountain (the name applied by the natives to the 

 ridge), is steeper and rougher than the south side, but the 

 descent presents no difficulties. We followed the small 

 river Brani, most of the time wading it. The distance 

 to the junction of the Brani with the Kasao River * is 

 hardly five hours' walking, but copious showers, which at 

 times changed the river to a torrential stream, interfered 

 with the transportation of our goods, which required five 

 days. 



Our friend, the Saputan chief, had materially assisted 

 us, and he was desired to walk down to his kampong — 

 by boat only an hour's journey on the swift current — and 

 bring men and prahus to take us away. He was very 

 willing and exceedingly efficient, but he was also, in his 

 childish way, intent on making as much out of us as 

 possible. He wanted to bring too many prahus and 

 men, for all the male population of the kampong were 

 anxious to get this job, he said. 1 iniidi' hiin a fair offer, 



* Kasao is the Malay name. The Saputans call the river Katju. 



