118 BORNEO. [chap. v. 



base to the apex five very faint lines may be traced, over 

 which the spines arch a little ; these are the sutures of 

 the carpels, and show where the fruit may be divided with 

 a heavy knife and a strong hand. The five cells are 

 satiny white within, and are each filled with an oval mass 

 of cream-coloured pulp, imbedded in which are two or 

 three seeds about the size of chestnuts. This pulp is the 

 eatable part, and its consistence and flavour are inde- 

 scribable. A rich butter-like custard highly flavoured 

 with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but inter- 

 mingled with it come wafts of flavour that call to mind 

 cream-cheese, onion-sauce, brown sherry, and other incon- 

 gruities. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in 

 the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds 

 to its delicacy. It is neither acid, nor sweet, nor juicy, 

 yet one feels the want of none of these qualities, for it is 

 perfect as it is. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, 

 and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to 

 stop. In fact to eat Durians is a new sensation, worth 

 a voyage to the East to experience. 



When the fruit is ripe it falls of itself, and the only 

 way to eat Durians in perfection is to get them as they 

 fall ; and the smell is then less overpowering. When un- 

 ripe, it makes a very good vegetable if cooked, and it is 

 also eaten by the Dyaks raw. In a good fruit season large 

 quantities are preserved salted, in jars and bamboos, and 



