I36 ON THE ISLANDS 



off the festering flesh, and laves it plentifully with the 

 milk of fresh cocoa-nuts, supplied by the bystanders ; 

 after which she rubs it over with an infusion of saffron, 

 and wraps it carefully in a piece of new cloth. It is 

 then deposited again in the earth, and covered up; 

 the stake is replanted, and hung with the various trap- 

 pings and implements belonging to the deceased, 

 They proceed then to the other graves ; and the whole 

 night is spent in repetitions of these dismal and dis- 

 gustful rites. 



On the morning following, the ceremony is con- 

 cluded by an offering of many fat swine - y when the sa- 

 crifice made to the dead affords an ample feast, to the 

 living : they besmear themselves with the blood of the 

 slaughtered hogs, and some, more voracious than 

 others, eat the flesh raw. ■ They have various ways 

 however of dressing their meat, but always eat it with- 

 out salt. A kind of paste made of the melori, serves 

 them for bread ; and they finish their repast with co- 

 pious potations of tunry. 



The Nicobarcans are hospitable and honest, and 

 are remarkable for a strict observance of truth, and 

 for punctuality in adhering to their engagements. 

 Such crimes as theft, robbery, and murder, are un- 

 known in these islands ; but they do not want spirit 

 to revenge their injuries, and will fight resolutely and 

 slay their enemies, if attacked or unjustly dealt wish.;? 



* We were informed, that a party of Malays had once landed at 

 Nancozvry, to commit depredations, and were cut off to a man by 

 the enraged inhabitants. A similar instance of their vengeance is 

 said to have happened at the island Camicohar, when they put to 

 death ?ome sailors who were plundcringtheir houses, and probably- 

 attempting to violate their women, 



Their 



