Page:The Journal of the Indian Archipelago and Eastern Asia (IA journalindianar00loga).pdf/334

 He differs from them and the Mintirá in the absence of the prognathous form of the lower part of the face, in its being deeper, and in the angle of the chin, or that formed by lines drawn from it to the outward extremities of the cheek bones, being much more acute. This arises from the greater length of the lower jaw and its proceeding directly in a sloping or slightly curved line from the ear to the chin. The general character of his face is between the Malay and Siamese, but perhaps nearer the latter. The expression is much more Siamese than Malay.

All the faces are less lively, but at the same time less indolent, than those of the Mintirá, the general expression quiet, contented, pleasant, non-obtrusive, and for the rest blank. The outlines are less rounded, the skin harsher, and the eye more dull. The features of Sáwéng and Sángo have a pinched or compressed look. I never saw any Malay who resembled them.

The feet of the Kálláng are straighter and narrower than the Binuá, and the toes parallel instead of spreading.

 THE ORANG SLETAR.

This race are closely allied to the Biduanda Kálláng, (both indeed appear to be branches of one tribe, the aborigines of Singapore, and both derive their names from Singapore rivers) but though, like them they do not venture to sea, they are not confined to one river, but frequent most of the rivers and creeks of Johore that have their mouths in the old Strait and in the wide estuary of the Johore River. I have never examined them closely. The following extract from my Journal relates to a small party which I encountered last year in the course of a geological exploration of the Johore estuary and will convey some idea of the singularly secluded lives which many of them lead. Others are less solitary and barbarous.

"I now pulled across to the south eastern corner of the estuary and entered a broad winding creek called Trús Báú. For some time nothing is visible beyond the mangrove walls of the reaches which expand or contract as we proceed. As we went deeper and deeper into this lonely creek, the feeling of its wildness and seclusion grew stronger. At Tanjong Búaye we had left the last trace of cultivation behind, and the uniformity of the winding shores