THE PUNANS AND BUKATS 217 



are more attractive on account of their superior physique, 

 their candid manners, and somewhat higher intellect. 

 The natural food of both peoples is serpents, lizards, 

 and all kinds of animals and birds, the crocodile and omen 

 birds excepted. With the Bukats, rusa must not be 

 eaten unless one has a child, but with the Punans it is per- 

 missible in any case. The meat of pig is often eaten 

 when ten days old, and is preferred to that which is fresh. 

 In this they share the taste of the Dayak tribes I have 

 met, with the exception of the Long-Glats. I have known 

 the odour from putrefying pork to be quite overpowering 

 in a kampong, and still this meat is eaten without any 

 ill effect. Salt is not used unless introduced by Malay 

 traders. And evidently it was formerly not known to 

 the Dayaks. 



None of these jungle people steal and they do not 

 lie, although children may do either. They were much 

 afraid of being photographed and most of the Bukats 

 declined. A Bukat woman had tears in her eyes as she 

 stepped forward to be measured, but smiled happily 

 when receiving her rewards of salt, tobacco, and a red 

 handkerchief. It had been worth while to submit to 

 the strange ways of the foreigner. 



Both tribes are strictly monogamous and distinguished 

 by the severe view they take of adultery, which, however, 

 seldom occurs. While it is regarded as absolutely no det- 

 riment to a young girl to sleep with a young man, mat- 

 rimonial unfaithfulness is relentlessly punished. Pay- 

 ment of damages is impossible. The injured Punan 

 husband cuts the head from both wife and corespondent 



