Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/182

 called by different names in different localities, these tribes are all of one race, of Melanesian type; and that the difference, both in physical characteristics and manners and customs, between those who seem most unlike one another, such as the Orang Sakei Liar and the Orang Mantra of Ayer Salah, is only the effect of intermarriage with some of the more civilized races of the coast and the adoption of certain of their usages. We may esteem ourselves fortunate to have been entrusted with the publication in English of this most important contribution to ethological science, the fruit of Mr. Maclay's labours and privations, which have unhappily resulted in very serious loss of health to that distinguished traveller himself.

Another of last year's papers that requires some special notice is the Revd. J. Perham's account of the Mengap, or Song of the Dyak Head Feast. It appeared first in the columns of the Sarawak Gazette, but the Council has been glad to give it a more permanent place in literature by printing it again in the forthcoming number of the Journal. It is a kind of contribution to our knowledge of such races as the Dyaks of Borneo which ought to be easily obtained. Missionaries, who are engaged in planting Christianity, should have the desire, as they have the opportunity, of informing themselves accurately respecting the nature of those religious ideas and beliefs which they are trying to supersede. And as the Mission in Sarawak has been diligent and successful in making converts to Christianity, so I trust it will be careful to preserve a record of that which will rapidly pass away under its influence,—the imperfect and childish efforts of an untaught people to "feel after God if haply they may find Him." Communications on this subject will, I feel sure, be always most gladly received by this Society, whoever may be for the time conducting its affairs.

Another paper to which I will venture to draw special attention is Mr. W. E. Maxwell's collection of Malay Proverbs, of which the first portion was printed in the first number of the Journal, and a second portion will appear in the next. Certainly, some of these Proverbs shew a depth of worldly wisdom and a pungency of wit with which many of us, who have only a superficial knowledge of the Malay, would not have credited him. And they also give us an insight into his character, and his ways of looking upon the world about him, which could hardly be afforded us so well by any other means.