walks. I was enabled to explore the island pretty well,
in which work the Hon. Dr. Leys very kindly assisted
me by the loan of his favourite horse “ Joseph.” This
animal was the most gentle and tractable creature imaginable,
and admirably accustomed to jungle travelling,
since he would go anywhere among trees or bushes, and
MASON WASP.
might be trusted to stand quietly if tied; or he would
follow one like a dog if loose. He was of Australian
breed, and had his faults too. At the “ whish ” of a
whip or stick he was inclined to bolt, and once threw me
pretty heavily when frightened in that way. Another
trick he had was to stop suddenly at any place where he
had turned off the road, or had been tied before, and as
he would stop short or turn off thus suddenly when at
full gallop, the consequences which sometimes resulted
from such freaks may be readily imagined. With all his
vagaries, however, he was a sleek and loveable creature ;
and I once saw the little daughter of the Doctors Malay
syce or groom lift up one of his hind legs when in the
stable, at the same time telling her little group of dusky
playfellows how very vicious he was (eine kudah jahat—
jahat banyiak skali, etu lah !). “ Joseph ” was the
swiftest animal in the island, and rigorously excluded
SECTION OE ITS NEST.
from competing at the races held on the plain by the
shore every New Year’s Day. These annual races and
sports are much appreciated both by Europeans and
natives, and they afford the only general holiday in which
both natives and Europeans mingle during the year.
The native canoe races in the harbour are a speciality,
the Malays and Brunei men being here seen in their
native element. The “ tug of war” between Malays and
Chinese is also an amusing feature, while all are interested
in the performance of the ponies and in the
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