S O O L O O. 365 



plified by giving that of the Datu ; for all, whether free or slave, 

 endeavour to imitate the higher rank as far as is in their power. 

 The datus seldom rise before eleven o'clock, unless they have some 

 particular business ; and the Datu Mulu complained of being sleepy 

 in consequence of the early hour at which we had disturbed him. 



On rising, they have chocolate served in gilt glass-ware, with some 

 light biscuit, and sweetmeats imported from China or Manilla, of 

 which they informed me they laid in large supplies. They then 

 lounge about their houses, transacting a little business, and playing 

 at various games, or, in the trading season, go to the meeting of the 

 Rum a Bechara. 



At sunset they take their principal meal, consisting of stews of 

 fish, poultry, beef, eggs, and rice, prepared somewhat after the Chinese 

 and Spanish modes, mixed up with that of the Malay. Although 

 Moslems, they do not forego the use of wine, and some are said to 

 indulge in it to a great extent. After sunset, when the air has be- 

 come somewhat cooled by the refreshing breezes, they sally forth 

 attended by their retainers to take a walk, or proceed to the bazaars 

 to purchase goods, or to sell or to barter away their articles of pro- 

 duce. They then pay visits to their friends, when they are in the 

 habit of having frequent convivial parties, talking over their bargains, 

 smoking cigars, drinking wine and liquors, tea, coffee, and chocolate, 

 and indulging in their favourite pipe of opium. At times they are 

 entertained with music, both vocal and instrumental, by their de- 

 pendants. Of this art they appear to be very fond, and there are 

 many musical instruments among them. A datu, indeed, would be 

 looked upon as uneducated if he could not play on some instrument. 



It is considered polite that when refreshments are handed they 

 should be partaken of. Those offered us by the Datu were such as 

 are usual, but every thing was stale. Of fruit they are said to be 

 very fond, and can afford to indulge themselves in some kinds. 

 With all these articles to cloy the appetite, only one set meal a day 

 is taken ; though the poorer classes, fishermen and labourers, partake 

 of two. 



The government of the Sooloo Archipelago is a kind of oligarchy, 

 and the supreme authority is vested in the Sultan and the Rutna 

 Bechara or trading council. This consists of about twenty chiefs, 

 either datus, or their next in rank, called orangs, who are governors 

 of towns or detached provinces. The influence of the individual 

 chiefs depends chiefly upon the number of their retainers or slaves, 



vol. v. 9*2 



