[195] This is probably an exaggeration, but there is no doubt that the island carried then a far greater population than it does at the present. [196] The Pasangan River has two mouths, of which the western is named Jangka. [197] Kampong Jangka, on the left bank of the river of that name. [198] Nicobar. [199] Planksheers(?) [200] Probably a Licuala. [201] Ambergris(?) [202] "Ambergris, which is a waxy concretion formed in the intestine of the sperm-whale, is occasionally found on the shores of the Nicobar Islands. At times the carcase of a whale has been found ashore, and on examination a valuable quantity (several hundred rupees worth) of ambergris has been thus obtained."--E. H. Man. [203] _Cf._ Shom Pe[.n] spears. [204] Banana. [205] This same iron rod is used in the rainy season as a means for the prevention of thunder and lightning. [206] These dances are practised by the guests from the time they receive the first intimation. [207] Called also _Kofenté_--place of pollution. The natives have a horror of this spot, which nothing will induce them to visit at night. [208] The above is the M[=u]s proceeding; at Lapáti there is more elaboration. The spacious square of _Elpanam_ is thoroughly cleared, and the huts and fences of the traders dismantled, a separate place in the jungle being given them. In the centre of _Elpanam_ an iron spike (_meráhta_) is fixed and covered with leaves. Then the _tamiluanas_, adorned with silver and garlands, arrive in procession, and suddenly pulling up the pike, throw it into the sea. After washing their feet they come back to the dances. This ceremony is by way of augury as to the prospects for the ensuing season. [209] _Vide_ p. 303. [210] The reason for these proceedings given to Captain Gardner by the natives in 1851 was, "because they do thus in England," for so several captains had told them! [211] "Amongst the Arafuras (Aru Islands) the treatment of their dead betrays in the greatest degree their uncivilised condition, and the uncertainty which exists among them as to their future state. When a man dies all his relations assemble and destroy all the goods he may have collected during his life, even the gongs are broken to pieces and thrown away. In their villages I met with several heaps of porcelain plates and basins, the property of deceased individuals, the survivors entertaining an idea that they have no right to make use of them."--Kolff's _Voyage of the Dourga_, p. 166. [212] In the matter of names, a Kar Nicobarese tries to please everyone with whom he is acquainted. There is often his own native appellation, an English one, another by which he is known to the Indian traders, and a fourth under which he does business with the Burmese! [213] G. Hamilton, _Asiatic Researches_, vol. ii.