172, VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. [February, 
name of the tiger inspires them with awe, and they have a behef 
among them, that in some remote and hitherto unfrequented por- 
tion of the island, these animals have a village, a court, and live 
in huts, thatched with women's hair. The destruction committed 
by these ferocious beasts upon the inhabitants is almost incredible ; 
for whole villages are said to have been nearly depopulated by 
them. When attacked, they often show great courage in defend- 
ing themselves and each other. 
It was related to us by one of our most intelligent shipmasters, 
who had frequented the coast, that while lying at anchor in one 
of their small ports, a native was brought in shockingly lacerated 
in the hip and side by the fangs of the tiger. He had been visit- 
ing his pepper garden, but a short distance from the village, and 
on his return, fortunately with a companion, the animal lay couched 
in a secret spot, and springing out, suddenly seized him, before he 
had warning that danger was nigh. His companion, who had 
passed a few rods ahead, heard his screams, and though armed 
with nothing but a hris, he returned, and attacked the monster with 
such courage and effect, that he was soon glad to let go his hold ; 
and with the blood streaming from his wounds, bounded off, and 
was soon hid from sight amid impenetrable jungle. The wounds 
of the native were seared over with a hot iron, and by other arts 
peculiar to themselves, he was soon restored to perfect health. 
They believe that trees, especially such as have an antiquated 
or venerable appearance, are the residence of the immaterial 
spirits of the woods, which, with a little poetic license, might be 
called the classic Dryades of Sumatra ! 
The country of the Lampoons, a people different in many, 
though no essential particulars, from the Rejangs, is situated on 
the southern extremity of the island. The Lampoons, of all 
the tribes on the island, most resemble the Chinese in appear- 
ance. Their complexion is fairer than that of the Rejangs, 
and their women are taller, more graceful, and mor^^ comely. 
In the reception of strangers, they are sumptuous and free in 
their manners. The Mahometan religion prevails, and in most 
villages mosques may be seen; though they still entertain a super- 
stitious veneration for the crammats or burying-grounds of their 
ancestors, piously adorning and excluding them, by enclosures, 
from the inclemency of the weather. 
