chap, v.] VILLAGE OF HILL DYAKS. 103 



isolated mountain which had been visible from the mouth 

 of the Simunjon Biver. Beyond here the tides are not 

 felt, and we now entered upon a district of elevated forest, 

 with a finer vegetation. Large trees stretch out their 

 arms across the stream, and the steep, earthy banks are 

 clothed with ferns and zingiberaceous plants. 



Early in the afternoon we arrived at Tabokan, the first 

 village of the Hill Dyaks. On an open space near the 

 river about twenty boys were playing at a game something 

 like what we call "prisoner's base;" their ornaments of 

 beads and brass wire and their gay-coloured kerchiefs ami 

 waist-cloths showing to much advantage, and forming a 

 very pleasing sight, On being called by Bujon, they imme- 

 diately left their game to carry my things up to the " head- 

 house,"— a circular building attached to most Dyak 

 villages, and serving as a lodging for strangers, the place 

 for trade, the sleeping-room of the unmarried youths, and 

 the general council-chamber. It is elevated on lofty posts, 

 has a large fireplace in the middle and windows in the 

 roof all round, and forms a very pleasant and comfortable 

 abode. In the evening it was crowded with young men 

 and boys, who came to look at me. They were mostly fine 

 young fellows, and I could not help admiring the simplicity 

 and elegance of their costume. Their only dress is the 

 long " chawat," or waist-cloth, which hangs down before 

 and behind. It is generally of blue cotton, ending in 



