boats on the river, and a large lighter had been decorated
with parti-coloured flags and streamers, and in the centre
a raised dais and a canopy overhead of red cloth had been
erected for the parties mainly concerned. In the case of
the Malays there is the usual religious ceremony, at which
the “ hadjis ” appear and chant the prayers in gorgeous
apparel of green Arabic coat and ample turban. There
was much firing of cannon throughout the town, the whole
event lasting nearly a week, and there was a grand reception,
the bride and bridegroom being seated in state
on a raised dais, and covered with finery and gold ornaments,
mostly borrowed for the occasion. In the interior,
where nearly all enjoy “ liberty, equality, and fraternity,”
in a way one can only dream of in civilised “ society,”
marriage is very simple, and monogamy the rule. The
celebration of a marriage consists of a notification of the
fact, and it is acknowledged by all in the village, who meet
for feasting. A couple of fowls or a goat is killed, and
the appearances presented by these after death furnish
auguries of good or ill fortune for the newly married
pair.
The native Borneans proper are sparsely scattered over
the whole country, and are divided into various tribes,
each inhabiting a particular district, and speaking a
dialect peculiar to itself. These tribes have been compared
with the natives of our English counties, but they
are much more distinct, each having its own customs,
dress, mode of life, weapons, and in many cases a language
unknown to the tribes only a few miles distant. The
Dyaks, Kayans, Muruts, Kadyans, Dusun, and Lanun,
are a few only of these tribes. Another peculiar race are
the Badjows, or “ Sea Gipsies,” common to all the islands
of these seas. They are nomadic—water rovers—and
engaged in diving for pearls, or pearl shell, fishing, or in