TWO SEA-DYAK LEGENDS. 27 



and practical knowledge of the different stages of paddy grow- 

 ing. 



When the year was ended. Serag anting' 's mother took him 

 and Sin to see her father, Singalang Burong, so that they might 

 receive from him his advice, as well as such charms as he might 

 wish to give them before they left to return to the lower world 

 of mortals. 



Singalang Bur on g was sitting in his chair of state, and re- 

 ceived them most kindly when they came to him. He bade 

 them be seated on the mat at his feet, as he had many things to 

 say to them. Then he explained to Sin and his son who he was, 

 and the worship due to him, and they learnt also about the 

 observance of omens, both good and bad. 



" I am the Ruler of the Spirit World," said Singalang Bur- 

 ong, "and have the power to make men successful in all they 

 undertake. At all times, if you wish for my help, you must 

 call upon me and make offerings to me. Especially must 

 this be done before you go to fight against the enemy, for I am 

 the God of War and help those who pay me due respect." 



"You have learnt here how to plant paddy. I will give you 

 some paddy to take away with you, and when you get back to 

 your own country, you can teach men how to cultivate it. You 

 will find rice a much more strengthening article of food than 

 the yams and potatoes you used to live upon, and you will 

 became a strong and hardy race. 



"And to help you in your daily work, my sons-in-law will 

 aways tell you whether that you do is right or wrong. In 

 every work that you undertake, you must pay heed to the 

 voices of the sacred birds: — Katvpong,Beragai, Bejampong, Papau, 

 Nendak, Pangkas, and Embuas. These birds, named after my 

 sons-in-law, represent them and are the means by which I make 

 known my wishes to mankind. When you hear them, remember 

 it is myself speaking through my sons-in-law for encouragement 

 or for warning. Whatever work you may be engaged in — farm 

 work, house-building, fishing or hunting — wherever you may be 

 you must always do as these birds direct. Whenever you have 

 a feast, you must make an offering to me, and you must call 

 upon my sons-in-law to come and partake of the feast. If you 

 do not do these things, some evil is sure to happen to you. I 



R. A. Soc, No 41, 1908. 



