THE PIGMIES. % JO 



that such a dress does exist and bears a particular name ( x ) and 

 that appearing without it is considered as indecent. ( 2 ) 



Though displayed otherwise than with us, modesty nevertheless 

 exists among the Andamanese. 



The history of a Mincopie, brought over to Europe, shows how 

 much this sentiment is developed among these islanders. When a 

 full length photograph was taken of Jack Andaman and " he 

 " was told to strip, it was by no means an easy matter to prevail 

 " upon him to take off his clothes, and, when he was dressed again, 

 " he manifested much joy at the restoration of his garments. This 

 " savage seemed utterly shocked at the very thought of being 

 " seen naked." ( 3 ) 



General Character.— It follows, from the various descriptions 

 given above, that the Negritos, who are the special subject of this 

 Part, are far from deserving the accusations which have been too 

 often brought against them. 



The Mincopies who have repeatedly been depicted as horrid can- 

 nibals, have been found, when more closely examined, to be spoilt, 

 capricious but good tempered children. (*) Mouat describes them 

 as a gay, laughter-loving population, fond of singing and dancing. 

 Far from being intractable and cruel, they have shown themselves 

 kind and hospitable when fear was banished from their hearts. 



The English traveller adds that they are courageous, hardwork- 

 ing, skilful and extremely active, and, that under the influence of 

 civilization, they would become intelligent and industrious. ( 5 ) 



M. Montano tells me in his notes : " Not only are the Negri- 

 " tos anything but ferocious, but they are really humane. They 

 " nurse the sick with much devotion, even when they do not 

 " belong to their own family." He adds again : " The Manthras 

 <: are not wanting in brain power but carelessness and laziness 



( 1 ) B6d-da. This girdle varying- in shape, is represented in the paper 

 quoted above. PI. XIII, fig 1 . 27 and 27 a. 



(2) Observations on Mr. Mail's collection, loc. cit. p. 410. 



(3) Mouat, loc. cit. 281. 

 (*) St. John, loc. cit. p. 45. 

 (*) Adventures, Preface p. XV. 



