[18] _Kissát_ is the Kar Nicobarese name for the loin-cloth worn by males. In the Central and Southern Islands of the group this article of attire is styled _neng_. [19] In contradistinction to the village, which is known as "_panam_." [20] These large buildings in _Elpanam_ are equivalent to the "_Balai_" of the Malays, for in them visitors are installed, feasts are held, and general meetings take place. [21] At delivery a recumbent position is assumed, and the mother is attended by the nearest neighbours, who assist by pressing and kneading the abdomen. [22] _Cf._ Dyak custom, "When an interesting event is about to happen, the lady is secluded in a small house, where she remains for several months, during which no stranger is allowed to enter the hut."--_The Head-hunters of Borneo_, by Carl Bock. The practice of _couvade_ is said to exist among the Nicobarese, but we heard nothing of it during our visit. [23] This tree is found only in the southern islands, whence the large sea-going canoes are obtained through the natives of Chaura, who act as middlemen. [24] "A century ago, all the natives of Kar Nicobar spoke the Portuguese of the Indian Eurasians."--Hamilton, _Asiatic Researches_, vol. ii. [25] Letters of recommendation:-- (_a_) "The bearer of this, Friend of England, is a very worthy young man. He supplied me with a great quantity of nuts last voyage, and he can be trusted to any amount under 6000 pairs. 10th March 1853, (Sd.) R. MIDDLETON, _Commander_. Off Lapáti Village, Car Nicobar. Barque _Colonel Brown_." (_b_) "This is to certify that I have traded with Friend of England, a native of this island, in coconuts, fruits, etc. Since I have found him to be trusty, honest to his agreements, therefore, I feel pleasure in saying that you can trust him with the truth before heaven. North-West Bay, Island of Car Nicobar, Barque _Rochester of London_. March 3rd, 1857. (Sd.) W. J. GREEN, _Master of the above-named ship_." (_c_) "On our visit to the north side of Car Nicobar, I found the bearer, Friend of England, an honest, inoffensive man, and very willing to afford all the assistance in his power to us during our stay. H.M. Steamer _Undaunted_, (Sd.) W. L. C. BERESFORD, _Commander_. January 1873." [26] His portrait is, unfortunately, a failure, as he seems to have moved slightly during the time of exposure. [27] This is partly supported by a small monthly subsidy from the Bishopric of Rangoon. [28] _Singapore Review_, vol. ii. [29] A. L. Butler, _Supp. And. and Nic. Gazette_, Nov. 1897. [30] "I once weighed one of these birds and found it to be only six times greater than its own egg; whereas I found that a domestic hen weighs twenty-two times as much as its own egg."--E. H. Man. [31] After Mr E. H. Man, by Col. Strahan, R.E., when surveying the Nicobars in 1886-7.