xx] 



SHARKS AND RAYS IN THE RIVER 



species to which they belong. As I have already remarked, the 

 statement that they exist here, which at present rests entirely on 

 native authority, is not so strange, for it is well known that certain 

 sharks (Carcharias) and rays (Trygon) inhabit the Ganges and 

 other rivers in Southern Asia as well as tropical America. I am, 

 however, puzzled to explain how sharks big enough to seize 

 a man can live in the pools below the rapids, unless there is 

 an extraordinary abundance of other fishes there. It may be, 

 however, that the expedition of the Tuan Muda being a numerous 



••'W 



ft. 



Fig. 52. — TANJONG WOMEN WEAVING TAMBUKS WITH 

 STRIPS OF ROTANG. 



one, sharks had followed it, as they sometimes do, and had 

 remained in the deep pools below the rapids. 



After the three cataracts the river widens out considerably, 

 and forms a series of small rapids and shallows, dangerous 

 on account of rocks just awash, which are only avoided by using 

 great caution. Just as we were in the most difficult part of this 

 a sudden storm came upon us with torrential rain ; so, to avoid a 

 catastrophe, we beached our boat on a small island, and camped 

 there for the night. 



Next day we paddled away without stopping from 7 a.m. till 



315 



