xvm] CAMPHOR AND ITS EXTRACTION 



dition they hold a meeting, and begin by seeking an omen through 

 birds. This being good they start; and if in the forest one of their num- 

 ber dreams of women, rice, fish, and various other things in accordance 

 with their fancies, they feel sure of good luck. The fortunate one 

 who has dreamt the dream of good omen begins to tap the chosen 

 trunk, notching it deeply just above the foot. But it appears that 



Fig. 47. ORANG-KAYA TUMANGGONG (PROFILE). 



the dreams for camphor successes are very like those for a lucky 

 number in a lottery, for both in the plains and on the hills I met with 

 many a notched camphor tree — a certain proof of negative results. 

 The first notch is usually cut at about five feet from the ground, 

 and experienced searchers can tell from the smell of the wood if 

 there is or is not any camphor worth the getting. Trees which have 



273 T 



