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S O O L O O. 



our intentions had become too evident to admit of a doubt, the Sultan 

 graciously sent off a message giving us permission to enter his port. 



Lieutenant Budd was immediately despatched with the interpreter 

 to call upon the Datu Mulu or governor, and to learn at what hour 

 we could see the Sultan. When that officer reached the town, all 

 were found asleep ; and after remaining four hours waiting, the only 

 answer he could get out of the Datu Mulu was, that he supposed 

 that the Sultan would be awake at three o'clock, when he thought I 

 could see him. 



During this time the boats had been prepared for surveying ; and 

 after landing the naturalists, they began the work. 



At the appointed time, Captain Hudson and myself went on shore 

 to wait upon the Sultan. On our approach to the town, we found 

 that a great proportion of it was built over the water on piles, and 

 only connected with the shore by narrow bridges of bamboo. The 

 style of building in Sooloo does not differ materially from that of the 

 Malays. The houses are rather larger, and they surpass the others 

 in filth. 



HOUSES AT SOU.VU. 



We passed for some distance between the bridges to the landing, 

 and on our way saw several piratical prahus apparently laid up. 

 Twenty of these were counted, of about thirty tons burden, evidently 

 built for sea-vessels, and capable of mounting one or two long guns. 

 We landed at a small streamlet, and walked a short distance to 

 the Datu's house, which is of large dimensions and rudely built 

 on piles, which raise it about six feet above the ground, and into 

 which we were invited. The house of the Datu contains one room, 

 part of which is screened off to form the apartment of his wife. 

 Nearly in the centre is a raised dais, eight or ten feet square, under 

 which are stowed all his valuables, packed in chests and Chinese 

 trunks. Upon this dais are placed mats for sleeping, with cushions, 

 pillows, &c. ; and over it is a sort of canopy, hung round with fine 

 chintz or muslin. 



