bitter; there was a strong sulphurous smell at the place, and a green sediment at the bottom and sides of the spring, with a reddish or copper-coloured scum floating on the surface.  After again crossing the Ikan stream we arrived at dusun Simpang.  The enemy had been here, and had burned nearly half of the village and carried off the inhabitants.  The road from Tanjong to Simpang was entirely through a succession of pepper-gardens and rice plantations.  We are now among the hills.  Country in a higher state of cultivation than near the coast, but nearly deserted, and must soon become a waste.  Could not get intelligence of the enemy.  Built huts on Ayer Ikan at Napah Kapah. 17th.  Marched in a south direction and crossed Ayer Tubbu, passing a number of durian trees on its bank.  Again crossed the stream several times.  Arrived early at Tabe-si-kuddi, a small talang, where the enemy had built three batteries or entrenchments and left behind them a quantity of grain, but vegetating and unfit for use.  Previously to our reaching these entrenchments some of the detachment got wounded in the feet with ranjaus, set very thickly in the ground in every direction, and which obliged us to be very cautious in our steps until we arrived at the banks of a small rivulet, called the Nibong, two or three miles beyond them.

RANJAUS.

Ranjaus are slips of bamboo sharpened at each end, the part that is stuck in the ground being thicker than the opposite end, which decreases to a fine thin point, and is hardened by dipping it in oil and applying it to the smoke of a lamp near the flame.  They are planted in the footpaths, sometimes erect, sometimes sloping, in small holes, or in muddy and miry places, and when trodden upon (for they are so well concealed as not to be easily seen) they pierce through the foot and make a most disagreeable wound, the bamboo leaving in it a rough hairy stuff it has on its outside, which irritates, inflames, and prevents it from healing.  The whole of the road this day lay over a succession of steep hills, and in the latter part covered with deep forests.  The whole of the detachment did not reach our huts on the bank of the Nibong stream till evening, much time being consumed in bringing on the mortar and magazine.  Picked up pouches, musket stocks, etc., and saw new huts, near one of which was a quantity of clotted blood and a fresh grave. 18th.  Proceeded east-north-east and passed several rivulets.  Regained the banks of the Ipu river, running north-east to south-west here tolerably broad and shallow, being a succession of rapids over a rough stony bed.  Encamped both this night and the last where the enemy had built huts. 19th.  Marched in a north direction.  More of the detachment wounded by ranjaus planted in the pathways.  Roads slippery and bad from rains, and the hills so steep it is with difficulty we get the mortar and heavy baggage forward.  Killed a green snake with black spots along its back, about four feet long, four to five