THE OMA-SULINGS 221 



behind and two hours later we passed Long Blu, the great 

 Kayan kampong. The weather was superb and the 

 current carried us swiftly along. The great Mahakam 

 River presented several fine, extensive views, with hills 

 on either side, thick white clouds moving slowly over the 

 blue sky. As soon as we entered the country of the Oma- 

 Suling it was pleasant to observe that the humble cot- 

 tages of the ladangs had finely carved wooden ornaments 

 standing out from each gable. 



We arrived at Long Pahangei {h pronounced as Span- 

 ish jota) early in the afternoon. Gongs were sound- 

 ing, but very few people were there, and no visitors at 

 all, although this was the first day of the feast. This is 

 a large kampong lying at the mouth of a tributary of the 

 same name, and is the residence of a native district 

 kapala. After I had searched everywhere for a quiet 

 spot he showed me a location in a clump of jungle along 

 the river bank which, when cleared, made a suitable 

 place for my tent. Our Penihings were all eager to help, 

 some clearing the jungle, others bringing up the goods 

 as well as cutting poles and bamboo sticks. Evidently 

 they enjoyed the work, pitching into it with much gusto 

 and interest. The result was a nice though limited 

 camping place on a narrow ridge, and I gave each man one 

 stick of tobacco as extra payment. 



During our stay here much rain fell in steady down- 

 pours lasting a night or half a day. As the same condi- 

 tion existed higher up the river, at times the water rose 

 menacingly near my tent, and for one night I had to move 

 away. But rain in these tropics is never merciless, it 



