1846.] Notice of the Nicobar Islands. 363 



Chowry Island, seen from the east, presents a rugged and abrupt 

 rock, resembling the walls of a citadel or old castle. The other part of 

 the island is flat. Although cocoanut trees grow well there, the 

 quantity is not sufficient for the support of the inhabitants ; in conse- 

 quence of which, many are obliged to proceed to other islands. The 

 emigrants being generally men, it follows, that the female sex are more 

 numerous ; I suppose this is the cause why the privilege of having 

 several wives is allowed in that island. No fresh water is to be had 

 at Chowry ; the inhabitants therefore have no other drink but cocoanut- 

 water. Vessels or boats touch seldom at Chowry, because there is 

 no safe place of anchorage ; in consequence of which the natives are 

 the poorest among the Nicobarians ; and when they have to buy or sell 

 any articles, they go to the other islands where the vessels are lying. 



In all the group of the Nicobars are found, more or less, birds' nests, 

 trepan, ambergris, and tortoise-shells. The first vessel that touches 

 there, when the SW. monsoon is over, might make good bargains with 

 the natives, provided the purchasers be well acquainted with the quality 

 of the articles brought to them. 



The Collocalia fuciphaga is smaller than the common Swallow, brown 

 above, and whitish below. The nest is a whitish gelatinous substance, 

 arranged in layers and secreted by the salivary glands of that species of 

 Swift. These birds, common in the Archipelago of Mergui, the Nico- 

 bars, &c. build their nests in the cavity of the rocks, where it is most 

 difficult and perilous to have access. The nests are of six qualities ; 

 the first, of a fine whitish colour, is obtained by taking the nest before 

 the Swift has layed its eggs. This quality is sold at Penang from 

 forty to fifty dollars the katee. The second quality of a brownish 

 colour, is obtained by taking the nest when the bird has layed her eggs. 

 It is sold at Penang at from twenty to thirty dollars the katee. The 

 third quality is of a dark colour, mixed with blood and feathers, it is ob- 

 tained by taking the nest when the young birds have flown ; the price 

 of this sort is very low. The Chinese say, that when the nest is taken 

 before it is completed, the Swift makes another but of an inferior qua- 

 lity : and it appears that the bird exhausts itself in building the second ; 

 the next being spotted with blood. The manner in which the Chinese 

 prepare the nest is to steep it in water during one night ; then with great 

 trouble they clean it ; this being done, they boil it in water to which 



3 c 



