SOME RECORDS OF MALAY MAGIC 
BY AN EYE-WITNESS. : 
Introduction. 
In the present state of our knowledge of these tribes, 
it isnot conjecture, but rigid and accurate ee that is 
required. ; 
It must be recollected that : success in 1 important “discoveries 
often depends on the accuracy with which minor investigations 
have been conducted. ; 
In all these inquiries I do not hesitate to adopt the senti- 
ment of the learned Le Long, that ‘‘ truth is so interesting and 
satisfactory when perceived that no pains should be spared to 
discover it, even in the smallest matters.” Leyden. 
In the course of the ‘“‘ minor investigations” the result of 
which I am attempting to describe, I have confined myself almost 
entirely to describing things as they are, without attempting 
either conjecture or comparison. I have done so, not because 
this amassing of material for others to work up is the most 
pleasant or entertaining branch of research, but simply because 
I am convinced that much pioneer work will have to be done 
before we obtain really satisfactory results in Malay. 
My object, therefore, has simply been to collect every jot or 
tittle of information on the subjects written about that an un- 
wearying patience could procure. I have not merely been con- 
tent to describe the brush used in the tepong tawar ceremonies 
as made of the leaves of several plants, but I have obtained the 
names of the plants themselves; I have not been satisfied to 
describe the offerings to the spirits as consisting of various 
eatables, but have noted for myself the number and the contents 
of the dishes. And though I am only too sensible of having 
come far short of my object, yet at least I have spared no pains 
to “ascertain the truth, even in the smallest details.” 
I therefore hope that my labours will be of use to others 
