166 Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [June, 



jack seeds last them for three months. In the early part of the 

 middle season pigs are common, but when becoming scarce, fishing 

 and turtle-catching takes their place. In the report for July, 1865, 

 I observe it stated " they are only now aware that cucumbers, 

 potatoes, and pumpkins are eatable, and they use tobacco, all 

 which a short time ago, they used to fling away." 



Pigs, towards the month of September, begin to rove about the 

 jungles, finding their way to the coasts and creeks, and it is during 

 this time, that many are killed. In the year 1865, they first began 

 to use dogs for pig-hunting which they learnt from some run-away 

 Burmese convicts, previously they had to lie in wait hours and 

 sometimes days, even in the hopes of seeing one or two, now the 

 dogs find them almost at once, they are consequently held in great 

 esteem, and every dog they see they wish for. The Andamanese, 

 however, have curious ideas respecting pork as food, and when 

 they are able to choose, use it as follows. The children and 

 weakly persons eat sucklings, the bachelors and spinsters use 

 those of medium size, whilst adults prefer the stronger boar. 



As they capture their principal supply of fish and turtle during 

 the low tides, and do not dry or salt any, it follows that they have 

 abundance at that time of the lunar month, whilst at the intervals 

 they are comparatively destitute.* At the change of the monsoon 

 (October) they generally shift their quarters to more healthy spots. 

 One of their encampments which has been dwelt in for some time, 

 is not a model of cleanliness, whilst innumerable fleas and other 

 animals render going through it anything but a pleasing occupation. 

 Beef they consider too coarse for food, neither as a rule will they 

 eat birds. About January the Dugong shows itself in Port Mouajb 

 Bay, coming to feed upon a species of sea weed which is also 

 relished by the turtles. 



In January likewise honey becomes common and they bring down 

 the honey-comb with great dexterity, neither smoking the bees nor 

 being stung themselves. A wild shrub "Jenedah" exists in the 

 jungles, and its juice appears to have an intoxicating effect upon 

 the bees. Tho person who is to ascend the tree, takes a piece in 

 his hand, and biting through the bark, the pungent juice exudes 



* The turtle season with them ends about the month of April. 



