branch of a tree below. These bridges are traversed daily by men and women
carrying heavy loads, so that any insecurity is soon discovered, and, as the
materials are close at hand, immediately repaired. When a path goes over very
steep ground, and becomes slippery in very wet or very dry weather, the
Bamboo is used in another way. Pieces are cut about a yard long, and opposite
notches being made at each end, holes are formed through which pegs are
driven, and firm and convenient steps are thus formed with the greatest ease and
celerity. It is true that much of this will decay in one or two seasons, but it can be
so quickly replaced as to make it more economical than using a harder and more
durable wood.
One of the most striking uses to which Bamboo is applied by the Dyaks, is to
assist them in climbing lofty trees by driving in pegs in the way I have already
described at page 85. This method is constantly used in order to obtain wax,
which is one of the most valuable products of the country. The honey-bee of
Borneo very generally hangs its combs under the branches of the Tappan, a tree
which towers above all others in the forest, and whose smooth cylindrical trunk
often rises a hundred feet without a branch. The Dyaks climb these lofty trees at
night, building up their Bamboo ladder as they go, and bringing down gigantic
honeycombs. These furnish them with a delicious feast of honey and young bees,
besides the wax, which they sell to traders, and with the proceeds buy the much-
coveted brass wire, earrings, and bold-edged handkerchiefs with which they love
to decorate themselves. In ascending Durian and other fruit trees which branch at
from thirty to fifty feet from the ground, I have seen them use the Bamboo pegs
only, without the upright Bamboo which renders them so much more secure.
The outer rind of the Bamboo, split and shaved thin, is the strongest material
for baskets; hen-coops, bird-cages, and conical fish-traps are very quickly made
from a single joint, by splitting off the skin in narrow strips left attached to one
end, while rings of the same material or of rattan are twisted in at regular
distances. Water is brought to the houses by little aqueducts formed of large
Bamboos split in half and supported on crossed sticks of various heights so as to
give it a regular fall. Thin long-jointed Bamboos form the Dyaks' only water-
vessels, and a dozen of them stand in the corner of every house. They are clean,
light, and easily carried, and are in many ways superior to earthen vessels for the
same purpose. They also make excellent cooking utensils; vegetables and rice
can be boiled in them to perfection, and they are often used when travelling.
Salted fruit or fish, sugar, vinegar, and honey are preserved in them instead of in
jars or bottles. In a small Bamboo case, prettily carved and ornamented, the
Dyak carries his sirih and lime for betel chewing, and his little long-bladed knife