SOOLOO. 



341 



fine terrestrial species of Epidendrum, whose stem grew to the height 

 of several feet, and when surmounted by its flowers reached twelve or 

 fifteen feet high. Many of the salt-marsh plants seen in the Feejees, 

 were also observed here. Besides the plants, some shells and a beautiful 

 cream-coloured pigeon were obtained. 



During the day we were busily engaged in the survey of the 

 harbour, and in making astronomical and magnetical observations on 

 the beach, while some of the officers were employed purchasing curi- 

 osities, on shore, at the town, and alongside the ship. These consisted 

 of krises, spears, shields, and shells; and the Sooloos were not slow in 

 comprehending the kind of articles we were in search of. 



Few if any of the Sooloos can write or read, though many talk 

 Spanish. Their accounts are all kept by the slaves. Those who can 

 read and write are, in consequence, highly prized. All the accounts of 

 the Datu of Soung are kept in Dutch, by a young Malay from Ternate, 

 who writes a good hand, and speaks English, and whom we found 

 exceedingly useful to us. He is the slave of the Datu, who employs him 

 for this purpose only. He told us he was captured in a brig by the 

 pirates of Basillan, and sold here as a slave, where he is likely to 

 remain for life, although he says the Datu has promised to give him his 

 freedom after ten years. 



Horses, cows, and buffaloes are the beasts of burden, and a Sooloo 

 may usually be seen riding either one or the other, armed cap-a-pie, 

 with kris, spear, and target, or shield. 



\ 



SOOLOO RIDING. 



They use saddles cut out of solid wood, and many ride with their 

 stirrups so short that they bring the knees very high, and the riders 



2D2 



