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Johore O. 

 History of the Ming dynasty (1368 -1643). Book 325. 



Johore is situated near Pahang and is also called U-tang-ta-lim ( 2 ). 

 In the beginning of the 15th century, when Chêng Ho visited the different 

 countries of the west, the name Johore did not exist, but it is said that 

 he passed the island Tong-si-tiok ( 3 ) , and as this island is situated exactly 

 where Johore is, it may be supposed to be the same country. 



Between the years 1573 and 1619 their chief was very warlike and 

 his neighbours Indragiri and Pahang had much to suffer from hirn. 



Chinese who trade to foreign countries often visit this place and are 

 even invited to do so. 



In this country they cover their houses with grass and make fortifica- 

 tions of palissades , which they surround with a ditch ; in times of peace the 

 people go trading to other countries, but when there is war all are called 

 to be soldiers and their country is considered to be very strong. 



The land produces no rice, which they always buy from other coun- 

 tries. 



The men shave their heads, go barefooted and have a sword at their 

 side; the women wear their hair in a knot. Their chief carries two swords. 



They write on kadjang-leaves , tracing the letters with a knife. When 

 they marry they always take a wife of their own rank. 



The king uses golden and silver eating utensils and the other people 

 use earthenware; they have no spoons or chopsticks. They are much given 

 to fasting and on those occassions they do not eat before they see the stars. 

 The fourth month is the beginning of their year. 



When they are in mourning the women cut their hair and the men 

 shave their heads repeatedly; the dead are all burned. 



Products of this country are rhinoceros-horns , ivory , tortoise-shell , 

 camphor-baros , myrrh , dragonsblood , tin , wax , fine mats, cotton, areca-nuts, 

 agar-agar, birdsnests, sago, mangoustines , etc. 



Pormerly a man called Ki-ling-jin ( 4 ) was treasurer in this country 



C) ^£ j$k Djiu-kut according to Amoy pronunciation. 



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o je m ^ iü. 



