36 WILD TRIBES OF PERAK. 
a blank space between each; then take another and do the same, but 
arrange the four spots in a different pattern. It is an object to have 
as many arrangements of each number as possible, otherwise the pattern 
is recognised ‘and the number of dots inferred though they cannot be 
individually counted. A few examples of these spots are given in this 
paper. 
The way to use these cards is to take a measuring tape, a hundred- 
foot one if possible, and lay it out on the ground, put a peg into the 
ground at the one-foot end and place the person whose sight is to be 
tested at the peg, then go to (say) the 50-feet mark and hold up a card. 
If the man can count the spots correctly, go five or six feet further and 
try again, until a point is arrived at where he can no longer make them 
out ; then try back again, going only six inches at a time, until the exact 
distance is determined. It will be found that a foot, or even half that 
distance, will make all the difference between being able to count them 
correctly and hopelessly failing. 
These details are given here in the hope that others who have the 
opportunity may be able to take tests, not only of the wild tribes but of 
other races as well. These observations, if made with the standard test- 
spots, are always comparable with the large mass of statistics which have 
been accumulated by English observers in all parts of the world, and are 
always of interest. 
Sakats.—Considerable difficulty was experienced with some of the 
Sakais, particularly the women, owing to their being unable to count 
above three or four. This was overcome by the use of matches, a bundle 
of which were given to the person under observation, who was requested 
to give one match for each spot on the card held up. This was quite 
successful, except in the instance of one old woman, who had to be given 
up as perfectly hopeless. With this one exception, every individual 
whose sight was tested has been recorded here. 
Distance at which 
Sakai of Sex. Age. | test-spots were 
counted. 
gt feet 
88 
coun 
” 
) 
oe) 
(oe) 
yy Cres ) 
Kuala Dipang ~ oe ... | Female 
Batang Padang... at i Male 
conwm oe UM 
OS 
se) 
b&w we NYG A RW SD 
oO Oo 
D oO 
OD OV 
Kuala Dipang _... ue 2 |hemale 
_ 
(ove) 
[@>) 
_ 
yy eee eee eae yy 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
