286 
'Tlie BedaJis or Faddahs. 
to converse with the other natives ; but the wilder class, known 
by the name of Ramba Vaddahs, are more seldom seen even 
by stealth than the most timid of the wild animals. 
As the Bedahs chiefly live by the produce of the chace, 
they acquire by habit an astonishing dexterity in this employ- 
ment. They learn to steal through the bushes so warily and 
silently, that they often come unperceived within reach of the 
deer: when they throw their little axes so dexterously, that the 
animal seldom escapes alive. Honey, which is found in great 
abundance in every part of their woods, forms another article 
of their food, and also serves the purposes of salt, which it is 
out of their power to procure. They preserve their flesh in ho- 
ney, and then place it in the hollow of a tree, or a wooden case 
well chinamed, till they have occasion to use it. This honey, 
which they employ much of their time in finding out, and 
which they barter in considerable quantities with the Candians, 
is also used by the latter for a variety of purposes. A pre- 
valent idea, that they employ it to embalm their dead, makes 
many people on the coast averse to taste honey from the fear 
of having it only after it has served a former purpose ; and I 
must confess that from this prejudice, I felt no great incli- 
nation to use any wild honey, unless it was brought down 
in combs. 
The dogs of the Bedahs are remarkable for their sagacity, 
and not only readily trace out game, but also distinguish one 
species of animals from another. On the approach of any car- 
nivorous animal, or of a stranger, they immediately put their 
masters upon their guard. These faithful animals are indeed 
invaluable to them, and constitute their chief riches. When 
their daughters are married, hunting dogs form their portion; 
