There are three dupatis and four mantris to this village, to whom we made presents, and afterwards to the wives and families of the inhabitants. 10th and 11th.  Preparing for our march to Moco-moco, where we can recruit our force, and procure supplies of stores and ammunition. 12th.  Marched in a north and north-west direction.

HANGING BRIDGE.

Passed over a bridge of curious construction across the Ayer Abu River.  It was formed of bamboos tied together with iju ropes and suspended to the trees, whose branches stretched nearly over the stream.

The Serampei women are the worst-favoured creatures we ever saw, and uncouth in their manners.  Arrived at Tanjong Kasiri, another fortified village, more populous than Ranna Alli. 13th.  The sick and heavy baggage were ordered to Tanjong Agung, another Serampei village.

HOT SPRINGS.

14th.  Arrived at Ayer Grau or Abu, a small river, within a yard or two of which we saw columns of smoke issuing from the earth, where there were hot springs of water bubbling up in a number of places.  The stream was quite warm for several yards, and the ground and stones were so hot that there was no standing on them for any length of time.  The large pieces of quartz, pumice, and other stones apparently burnt, induce us to suppose there must have formerly been a volcano at this spot, which is a deep vale, surrounded by high hills.  Arrived much fatigued at Tanjong Agung, where the head dupati received us in his best style.

COCONUTS.

He seemed to know more of European customs and manners than those whom we have hitherto met with, and here, for the first time since quitting the Ipu district, we got coconuts, which he presented to us.

CASSIA.

We saw numbers of cassia-trees in our march today.  The bark, which the natives brought us in quantities, is sweet, but thick and coarse, and much inferior to cinnamon.  This is the last and best fortified village in the Serampei country, bordering on the forests between that and Anak-Sungei.

PECULIAR REGULATION.

They have a custom here of never allowing any animal to be killed in any part of the village but the balei or town hall, unless the person wishing to do otherwise consents to pay a fine of one fathom of cotton cloth to the priest for his permission.  The old dupati told us there had been formerly a great deal of sickness and bloodshed in the village, and it had been predicted that, unless this custom were complied with, the like would happen again.  We paid the fine, had the prayers of the priest, and killed our goats where and as we pleased. 16th.  Marched in a south-westerly direction, and, after passing many steep hills, reached the lesser Ayer Dikit River, which we crossed, and built our huts on its western bank. 17th.  Marched in a west, and afterwards a south, direction; the roads, in consequence of the rain ceasing today, tolerably dry and good, but over high hills.  Arrived at