IN BORNEAN FORESTS [chap*, xiv 



of dark complexion may have fair children, and vice versa, accord- 

 ing to the influence of dark or fair ancestors in the family tree 

 of the two families. I, therefore, hold that only one species of 

 orang-utan really exists — the Simia satyrus ; of which I distinguish 

 two main varieties, retaining for them the native names of 

 "Tjaping" and " Kassa." 



Orang-utans are tolerably common in the southern parts of 

 Borneo, especially in the districts of Bandjarmasin, Pontianak, 

 and Sambas. In Sarawak they are common on certain rivers, 

 especially in the districts of the Sadong and the Batang Lupar. On 

 the Sarawak river, as I have said before, they are very rare ; it 

 has even been stated that they are non-existent, but this is not 

 so, and I have heard of an orang-utan killed at Singhin, not far from 

 Kuching. On Gunong Bungo it appears that they are always to be 

 found. I may add that the Dyaks of the Upper Sarawak have 

 special names for the orang-utans, and call the Mayas Kassa 

 " Sekao " and the Mayas Tjaping, "Mara." According to Mr. 

 St. John (Op. cit. ii. p. 156), orangs are also found in the Muput 

 country on the Limbang. 



The orang-utan inhabits the hills and plains alike ; but does 

 not care to climb very high up the mountains, cold not being at all 

 to its liking. On the Marop hills, at an altitude of from 300 to 500 

 feet or so, it is very frequent ; but it loves also the lowlands and 

 marshes along the Lingga and Sadong rivers, especially where 

 pandani grow, for it delights in the " cabbages " of these plants, 

 as well as those of various palms. 



In captivity, orangs are generally badly kept, being overfed 

 with sweet fruits, especially bananas. In a wild state they feed 

 largely on leaves and buds, and sour, astringent, and, to our 

 taste, wholly unpalatable fruits, very often unripe. They like padi 

 (unhusked rice), and I believe this, with acorns, chestnuts, bread, and 

 potatoes, would be the most wholesome food we can give them in 

 our own climate. The creatures often do great damage to the rice 

 fields, when the rice is ripe. Usually strictly arboreal, they descend 

 at such times to the ground, and, on reaching the padi fields, collect 

 a big sheaf of rice with the heavy ripe ears, and, holding it under 

 the arm, get back to their tree, up which they climb, and enjoy their 

 plunder in peace and comfort on their nests. They do much injury 

 to the fruit-trees, and are especially fond of durians, committing; 

 great ravages among them even when unripe. The Dyaks were, 

 therefore, much delighted when we killed them, though theBanteng 

 Dyaks are an exception. They venerate the animal for a singular 

 reason. Once upon a time, the legend runs, enemies came to attack 

 their village, but the orang-utans, moved by curiosity, showed them- 

 selves in large numbers, and the enemy, mistaking them for men, 

 were frightened and took to their heels. 



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