AND BENGKARUM MOUNTAIN. 4:5 
until all the pieces have been equally distributed; I counted fifty- 
three portions, then a further division was made from a vessel 
containing a most objectionable semi-cooked mass, which I was 
informed was the viscera. Each recipient having provided himself 
with a banana leaf twisted into the form of a cup, it was ladelled 
into these in small quantities at a time. At the finish it was a 
most disgusting sight to see a number of small children licking out 
the trough. I noticed that an unusually large number of the 
natives here were attacked by Corup and many of the women had 
stained their entire bodies with turmeric root—they state that this 
cures it, or perhaps only allays the irritation: the women were 
extremely frightened, and whenever I appeared, beat a hasty retreat, 
being the first white man they had seen. After my evening meal 
a large number of the natives came to see me, each bringing a small 
present of eggs or rice; among them was the Orang Kayah and his 
wife, the only woman who dared to come near or speak to me during 
my stay with them: they were both dressed in state costume, 
which consisted, in the case of the former, of a high crowned 
military cap with broad band of silver lace and button to match, 
given to him by the Dutch Government: the lady was wearing a 
gaily coloured bead cap about eight inches high and tapering con- 
siderably, together with a blue cotton jacket, the edges trimmed 
with beads: we discussed politics which were not considered to be 
in a very satisfactory condition here, paddy, and many other mat- 
ters, and I was pleased to learn that Bengkarum or Krum, as it is 
ealled here, was at no great distance; and I heard that a Malay 
who represented the government was resident here and would call 
upon me in the morning; my visitors stayed until a late hour, I 
heard them talking long after 1 had retired to my curtain. 
The next morning on descending to the river to bathe, I was 
surprised to find that the Dyaks of both sexes were bathing in 
a state of nudity. I understand however, that this is customary 
among Dyaks who are quite out of contact with Chinese or 
Europeans. The Malay official called while I was breakfasting, he 
was very polite, and offered any assistance that he could give me: 
as the coolies were tired after the long tramp of the previous day, I 
decided to let them rest, while I spent the time collecting in the 
neighbourhood, which did not prove very productive. From the 
summit of a hill I had a splendid view of Bengkarum Mountain 
which could not be more than ten miles distant. In the evening 
we had but few Dyaks to visit us, of these, two were men who had 
been most enthusiastic to accompany me, and had told me they 
knew the road to Bengkarum ; they now explained that the purpose 
of their visit was to enquire if I really intended to go; if so, 
although previously having promised to go with me, they refused, 
and then with a great deal of talk I was given to understand that 
no one else would, in fact no one did go, there was no road, the 
mountain was quite unclimable and the place was so full of Antus 
(spirits) that something unlucky would happen; however, after 
R. A. Soc., No. 60, I9II, 
