CHAPTER XXX 



AN EXPEDITION TO THE KATINGAN RIVER — TATUING OF 

 THE ENTIRE BODY — THE GATHERING OF HONEY — A 

 PLEASANT INTERMEZZO — AN UNUSUALLY ARTISTIC PRO- 

 DUCTION — UP THE SAMBA RIVER — WITH INCOMPETENT 

 BOATMEN 



Arrangements were at once begun for another ex- 

 pedition, this time to the west of Bandjermasin. I 

 planned to ascend the Mendawei, or Katingan River, as 

 it is also called, and, if circumstances permitted, cross 

 over to the headwaters of the Sampit, returning by that 

 stream. Through the kind efforts of the resident, Mr. 

 H. J. Grijson, arrangements were made that would en- 

 able me to use the government's steam-launch Selatan 

 as far up the river as it is navigable, to Kuala Samba, and 

 in case necessity arose, to have it wait for my return. 

 This arrangement would save much time. 



Accompanied by Mr. Loing, the surveyor, on the last 

 day of November I left Bandjermasin on the steamship 

 Janssens, which, en route for Singapore, was to call at 

 Sampit. There is always a large contingent of Malays 

 who with their families go on this steamer to and fro 

 between Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, where they 

 work on rubber and cocoanut plantations; out of their 

 earnings they buy the desires of their hearts — bicycles 

 and yellow shoes. Thus equipped they go back to Band- 

 jermasin to enjoy themselves a few weeks, after which 



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