SULLA ISLAJfBS. 
187 
lie came for a good purijose, and not as a spy, for they 
feared that the expedition might result in their being 
overpowered, and sold as slaves, of which they had the 
most deadly abhorrence."* 
The reports as to the existence of mountain Papuans in 
the Xulla Islands, and near Cape Taliabo in Celebes, rest 
entirely on native information; indeed, these parts do 
not appear to have been described by any writer since the 
days of Yalent)Ti, who gives the following account of the 
inhabitants of Xulla Tahabo, which, however, is intended 
for the coast tribes, who are genei-ally considered to be of 
the brown race. The disposition nf these natives is very 
wicked, subtle, faithless, cowardly, and murderous. Tliey 
are also without honour or shame, and very lazy and 
fickle. The men are gentlemen and the women slaves,^ as 
the latter are obliged to do all the work, whether in the 
household, or in the ticlds."t This indifferent character 
may, however, have been confenred on them on account 
of their obstinacy in resisting encroachment, which has 
enabled them to maintain their independence until the 
present day. 
* Valentyn, " BcsehrjiiBge van Ambojua," p. IS. 
t Valentjxi, " Beschryviage d6r Moluccos," p. S7. 
