[145] The general name for crab among the natives on this coast is “Biong,” but all the various species have distinct names given them.
[146] They are evidently the ova of some fish, but of what genus it is as yet difficult to form an opinion.
[147] The language spoken by the aboriginal natives of this country is the Acheenese, which is a dialect of the Malay. A Javanese, however, could not understand the Acheenese language. The people on the coast, nevertheless, mix the Acheenese with other dialects of the Malay, and also with some Hindoostanee words.
[148] See Appendix, No. 2. in the second volume.
[149] The fort is also partly surrounded by a palisade of bamboos, and a moat exterior to it, abounding on its banks with a dense vegetation.
[150] During this month the weather was generally fine and clear; a few days only being squally and unsettled weather, with showers of rain.
[151] The Archeenese name for this tree, was Bánawa, or Búnawa; and I afterwards ascertained that the castor-oil tree had the same appellation given to it.
[152] Among which the Caladium costatum, or Berar of the natives, was also seen planted; the root of which is eaten by them, after it has been previously washed in water for some time.
[153] The mountains behind Pedir range in various directions.
[154] We were informed, that a law had been made by the late rajah, which still remained in force, that any native robbing, or otherwise ill-using, a European in his territory, should lose his right hand.