Page:The Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (IA journalindianar00loga).pdf/332

 Before the British obtained possession of Singapore, the Kálláng, which may be said to bound the present suburbs on the east, was the immemorial haunt of a small tribe who lived in boats, but avoid- ed the sea. Upon the cession of Singapore, they were removed by the Tamungong to the Pulái where they have remained ever since. They formerly consisted of about 100 families, occupying as many boats, but the ravages of the small pox have reduced the number to eight. They are fishermen and foresters, dividing their time between the two pursuits. They have small fishing stakes near the mouth of the river, which some of them visit in the morning. But they have so much dread of the sea that they do not venture to quit the river, and constantly proceed towards the interiour before night. When a strong breeze rises they drag their boats a shore. They never make huts. They collect forest produce for one of the Tamungong's Malays who has charge of them. They have a bo- mo or physician who sings to summon the hantus to give them medicine.

They do not cultivate any plants, their ancestors having made a vow for the race against forming ládángs, and they believe that if any of them were to break it death would be the consequence.

At child birth the mother drinks a decoction of the leaves of the bákáu that have fallen from the trees and float on the water, and the child a little of the expressed juice of the buáh káluna. For any swelling they bruize leaves of the báro and rub them over the part swollen. Cuts or wounds they rub with the juice of the akar lálé urát. For pain in the bowels they use ginger. For head ache, they drink the juice of the kayu kipíèlu ángín.

Previous to marriage the bridegroom provides himself with a boat of his own.

Corpses are wrapped in mats and buried. Upon the grave they place a cup of woman's milk, one of rice and one of water, and entreat the deceased not to seek anything more from them.

Polygamy and adultery are unknown. Widowers and widows do not marry a second time.

Persons of the same family cannot intermarry however remote the degree. But the traces of relationship must soon be lost.

Specimens of the rude chants will be given in speaking of the language.