1870.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 157 



They are by no means deficient in acuteness, and appear to have 

 good memories, thus they soon discovered that they were called by 

 the newcomers by names anything but complimentary, and as 

 every race has such epithets at their disposal, which they freely 

 employ, the Andamanese (who like a joke) recognise each race 

 by the several terms of abuse which were used in addressing 

 them. 



On first seeing writing employed, they laughed at it, protesting 

 the impossibility of making out what had been committed to paper, 

 and now they look upon it with great curiosity. 



Crying signifies with them reconciliation with enemies, or joy at 

 meeting old friends or acquaintances from whom they have been 

 long parted. When two tribes meet, the newcomers have to com- 

 mence, and the women have the priority in weeping ; subsequently 

 the men take it up ; whilst it becomes the duty of the hosts to re- 

 ciprocate in the same manner, first the females weeping, and after- 

 wards the males. Occasionally, the performance cannot be com- 

 pleted in one night, especially should the parties have been long 

 separated, it may even be continued through several successive 

 days. After the crying has been completed, dancing begins ; that- 

 of the women, a few years since, differed from that of the men, they 

 having to clap their hands, &c, sing to the music of the stamping 

 of the men's feet. Their songs are the recital of events which 

 have taken place since their last separation. The conclusion of 

 the performance is for both parties to join in a grand dance. 

 Now, however, the men and women occasionally dance together. 

 Females who intend dancing, have the modesty to employ a few 

 extra leaves, and they relieve the men in striking the sounding 

 board with their feet. Should it be the intention to dance all night, 

 an extra coating of paint is put on, which is said to act as a pre- 

 ventive against exposure. It is very evident that dancing is a 

 favourite amusement. Having occasion one day (as we were starting 

 upon a fishing excursion) to go inside one of the convict barracks 

 at Port Mouat, the Andamanese set"co work to dance with great 

 vigour on the boarded floor, and it was with the greatest difficulty 

 that we could induce them to desist. 



They do not appear to have many amusements. Staring at them- 



