We are making many inquiries respecting the country below us, and the result is that we think that by starting from Brunei with light boats and lighter baggage, we should probably reach these houses in good condition under twelve days; which would enable us to extend our travels immensely during two months. I am longing to push on to the range of mountains we see to the eastward, but after five days’ rest few of the men have recovered from their walk from the Madihit. The men are drinking arrack around me, and it is interesting to observe the custom of refusing the proffered glass and pressing it on others, the contest continuing even to the danger of spilling the liquor. It is so practised among the Chinese at Sarawak that a cup of tea is often offered and refused by every one in company before the holder will drink it. I must have disconcerted many a thirsty man by accepting the cup before I knew the custom. This puts me in mind of an incident that took place in a rapid run I made between the Cove and Cork. At the door of a public-house were a dozen idle labourers: we stopped there for a glass of ale, and in the exuberance of our spirits ordered four quarts for the idlers: just as we were starting, one of them stepped up to me and said,--“Sir, we never drink but out of our own pints.” 5 p.m.--“Unstable as water,” &c., I might almost say of myself, as my determination of not extending our journey has been upset by the Orang Kaya Upit, who assures me that the people of the interior are expecting me, and Si Nuri has just joined us with a message from Si Puntará, the old hunter we met in the woods, hoping we will come and visit him and his people. So if nothing occur, we shall start to-morrow with such men as can walk, leaving the others to recover strength at this village. I much prefer this plan, as it will enable me to form a better estimate of the facilities of reaching the centre of the island by this route, and I may yet get a look at Lawi. I have constantly borne in mind the whisper I overheard, that only certain privileged individuals are allowed to get a sight of this famous hill. I have seen many fashions of wearing brass wire, but the most inelegant is that of some of the girls of the neighbouring villages, who twist about a couple of fathoms in circles round their neck, rising from the shoulders to the chin, forming what appears a stiff collar with a very broad base; it is, however, no doubt more pliant than it appears.