SAEAWAK. 



145 



the fishing of which is strictly regulated, and a close season enforced for the 

 collection of the eggs. 



East of Sarawak the broad and fertile Lupar valley, with its rich coalfields, has 

 probably the brightest future j)rospects, thanks to its easy natural communications 

 with the Kapuas basin and the interior of Borneo. Simangang, its capital, is a 

 large Malay village 80 miles above the estuary at the head of the fluvial navi- 

 gation. 



The Rejang basin, comprising the northern portion of Sarawak, has already 

 developed a considerable export trade, especially in sago and bilian (iron wood). 



Fig. 55.— Saeawak. 

 Scale 1 : 900 000 



Depths. 



to 16 

 Feet. 



16 to 32 

 Feet. 



32 Feet and 

 upwards. 



_ 18 Miles. 



This trade, carried on by Chinese junks, is centred chiefly in the port of Rejang, 

 on the southern branch of the delta. 8ibu, another Malay town at the head of 

 the delta, is the great market for the interior, and here the Government has built 

 a fort to overawe the surrounding Dayaks. The Milanos, one of their most numer- 

 ous tribes, have been partially converted to Islam. They are a repulsive race 

 with coarse limbs, uncouth carriage, and milky-white, unwholesome complexion. 

 The custom of treading out the sap of the sago-palm has given them broad, flat 

 feet, while the heads of their children are deformed by means of boards, like those 

 of the North American Flatheads. At the death of a rich Milano his sago plan- 

 tation is cut down, so that his estate may accompany him to the next world. 



The increasing trade of Sarawak is furthered by about a hundred European, 

 Chinese, and Malay vessels, besides a regular service of steamers ph'ing between 

 Kuching and Singapore. With the traffic the revenue also increases, leaving an 

 10— 



