POPULATION AND GOVERNMENT OF THE BACHAPINS. 533 
Of these Bichuana nations, the Bachhpins^ constitute one of 
the smaller, though not the smallest. In estimating the total popu- 
lation of this, it was not possible to compute from any but the most 
vague data ; and to all my inquiries under this head, I could obtain 
no better defined answer than, an assurance that there were as many 
Bachapins living at the out-posts or cattle-stations, as at Litakun. 
Their numbers, therefore, may be stated at about ten thousand, of 
which the males constitute a little less than the half. In this 
estimate, the inhabitants of the town of Patani, many of whom are 
of Kora descent, are not included, though nominally under the same 
chief. The country inhabited by this tribe, may be characterized as 
every where flat and open ; of a sandy soil ; and, (as an African 
country,) well supplied with water. 
The mode in which the Bachapin government is conducted, and 
the history of the tribe, as far as any particulars worth recording are 
known, have been sufficiently developed in the course of the pre- 
ceding chapters, f By their rule of succession the chief authority 
descends from the father to the eldest son. The brothers and other 
relations, share this authority in a subordinate degree % > but never 
appear to interfere in opposition to the prerogative of absolute 
power. This power, however, is moderated and, to a certain degree, 
regulated by the opinions of the inferior chieftains or principal men 
of property in the community §, who are very frequently called 
together by the Chief for advice ; but I was given to understand, by 
the natives, that even when exerted without control, it is still obeyed 
without dispute. Thus, should any sudden emergency require a 
warlike expedition to take the field, the Chief commands the inha- 
bitants to arm ; and immediately every man, or as many as may have 
been called upon, is ready to depart and put in execution whatever 
orders may have been issued. || I was assured that no instance of 
* This word I have sometimes, though rarely, heard pronounced Bakdpin. 
f For some information respecting the poorer class of Bachapins, pages 346, 3 i7, 
and 348. are referred to. 
% See pages 392. 408. and, 431. § See page 272. 
IJ See pages 476. and 500. 
