Much of the soil is especially adapted for sugar cultivation, being of a similar quality to that on the banks of the Pontianak, which I have been informed by Dutch officers and planters has been found far superior for sugar cultivation to the best in Java. In fact, nothing but the want of labour has prevented the extensive cultivation of the cane in the Pontianak districts: Chinese could be introduced with facility, but these people have already given the Dutch so much trouble, as to render the Netherlands government very jealous of any increase in their numbers. But before entering on the subject of products, I must briefly enumerate the various tribes speaking different languages who are now subject to Sarawak. The Malays are scattered along the banks of almost every river and creek, but the largest number is assembled at the capital, Kuching. The Chinese, of whom I shall treat hereafter, are principally found in Sarawak, though a few hundreds are now working gold on the Batang Lupar, and traders abound at every place where profit can be obtained. The Indian races are represented by very few members. The Land Dayaks occupy a portion of Lundu, with the entire interior of Sarawak, Samarahan, and Sadong. The Sea Dayaks include the Sibuyaus, who are scattered through the various districts, and the inhabitants of the Batang Lupar, the Seribas, Kalaka, and the branch streams on the left-hand bank of the Rejang. The Milanaus occupy the mouths of the Rejang, the Ova, the Muka, the Bintulu, and various lesser streams. The tattooed races, as the Kanowits, Pakatans, Punans, and others, live towards the interior of the districts lying between the Rejang and the Bintulu, and border on the Kayans, who occupy the Balui country as the interior of the Bintulu and the Rejang is called. All these groups of tribes speak separate languages, and each has also various dialects. It is very difficult to obtain even an approximate estimate of the amount of population, but I will state it at the most moderate rate. The home districts, as Lundu, Sarawak, Samarahan, Sadong, and Sibuynu, may be reckoned at 80,000 The Sea Dayak districts, including Batang Lupar, Seribas, Kalaka, and those on the left bank of the Rejang, at 120,000 The districts lying between Rejang Mouth and Bintulu 40,000 ------- Total 240,000 In stating these numbers I am convinced that I am very much underrating them, as the more inquiries we make the thicker appears the population of the Sea Dayak districts.