IN BORNE AN FORESTS [chap, xx 



are larger than those of a common orange, which they resemble in 

 shape and colour, but not in taste, for they are very bitter, quite as 

 much so, indeed, as the so-called Seville oranges. The rind is 

 very thick. The Malays call the plant " Limau antu," which means 

 " Spirit's lemon," but in a truer sense signifies " Devil's lemon," 

 an appellation better suited to its flavour. This Citrus formed 

 little groups by itself in the forest, in places where the ground was 

 evidently liable to frequent inundation, and where few other species 

 of plants grew. Amongst scientifically interesting forms I found 

 in tolerable abundance, and growing nearly above ground, a 

 Hymenogastraea (Clathrogaster Beccarii, Petri), one of those fungi 

 which live in the ground like truffles, and have been rarely met 

 with in tropical countries. 



Mr. Cruikshank, being aware of my wish to cross from the 

 basin of the Rejang to the Sakarrang, had, before leaving Sibu, 

 asked Mr. Skelton to get me some trustworthy Dyaks to accompany 

 me as far as Simanggan. Meanwhile, I had furnished afresh my 

 scanty and dilapidated wardrobe, and had procured the necessary 

 supplies of rice and dried fish for the journey. I had also bought 

 from Chinese traders various indispensable articles to be used as 

 presents or for barter, such as tobacco, thick brass wire, glass 

 beads, and cotton cloth. I consigned to Mr. Skelton my limited 

 but precious collections, which he had kindly offered to send on to 

 Kuching by the first safe conveyance. 



My Baloi Kayans, well satisfied with what I had given them, 

 took their leave, and returned to their own country. 



324 



