to be much improved under Spanish rule. And yet we
must never forget that it is a time-honoured institution,
and is not, to say the least, more objectionable than polyandry
as practised among the tribes who live on the
banks of the Upper Jumna, and Upper Ganges. Polygamy
is sanctioned by custom, and “ custom is religion
in the East. Each Mahomedan is permitted to have
four wives. Before we blame a religion so wide spread
and powerful, however, we must not forget that it is a
religion which practically preserves its million® of followers
from other forms of intemperance, and notably
from the use of intoxicating liquors, that great bane of
many Englishmen everywhere, and especially of many of
those who live in the Eastern tropics.
The language spoken in Sulu, notwithstanding that it
contains many Malay words and others of Arabic origin,
is yet practically very distinct, approaching much more
nearly that spoken by the inland tribes of Northern
Borneo. In physique and bold fearless bearing there is
also a striking resemblance between the north Borneans
and the Sulus, while both races display the same acuteness,^
mingled with suspicion, in all matters of trade. So
striking is the resemblance in physique, language, and
conduct, as to suggest the possibility of their having
originally descended from one common stock, and I am
inclined to think that the same language was used by
them before the advent of the now dominant Malays, who
had Arabic blood in their veins, and to whom is doubtless
due.the introduction of the Arabic character and Islamism,
and whose language is now the lingua franca of Malasia.
The government of the island, although in a great measure
in the hands of the Sultan, can scarcely be called
despotic, since the people are represented in the council
chamber, or “ ruma bichari,” by their Datus or headmen,
and but few if any important matters were decided by the
Sultan personalty, without the opinion of the native
chiefs. During our visit to the Istana His Highness
regretted very much that he had not power to drive out
the Spaniards.
The cultural capabilities of the island are considerable,
and in the hands of the Spaniards they are likely to be
still better developed. The principal cultivated crops
are rice, maize, coffee, manilla hemp, cocoa (Theobroma
Cacao), tobacco, and tapioca. During the rides I took in
the island I had good opportunities of seeing the arable
land, and I was much impressed with the produce obtainable
from the soil at a slight expenditure of labour.
The deep soil is loosened by a rude plough, drawn by a
single buffalo. This is done in the dry season, and seed
sowing and planting commence with the rainy weather.
I saw coffee bushes growing apparently wild around the
little farm-houses on the cool hill-sides, especially on
Bu’at Dahau, which I ascended a few days after our return
fromBu’at Timantangis, and every leaf was fresh and green
without a trace of the leaf fungus which of late years has
proved so hurtful in Ceylon. The cocoa-yielding Theobroma
does equally well and fruits freely, forming indeed
what may be called the national beverage in Sulu. E x cellent
tobacco is grown here, and this, if skilfully prepared,
would furnish cigars equal to those of Manilla.
Cotton would do well, and the highest red land 011 the
mountains, rich as it is with ages of forest debris, might
be advantageously planted with coffee or other crops.
Bice, tapioca, tobacco, and sugar cane would do best on
the plains. An immense quantity of fruit is produced in
the island, especially mangoes and bananas. The fragrant
durian is also plentiful, together with langsat, and
several other kinds. I noticed two distinct varieties of