are very neat, formed of two thin planks sewn together, sharp-pointed at each end and provided with outriggers.  In general they contain six or seven men.  They always carry lances, not only as offensive weapons, but for striking fish.  These are about seven feet in length, formed of ni-bong and other hard woods; some of them tipped with pieces of bamboo made very sharp, and the concave part filled with fish-bones (and shark’s teeth), others armed with pieces of bone made sharp and notched, and others pointed with bits of iron and copper sharpened.  They seemed not to be unaccustomed to the sight of vessels. (Ships bound from the ports of India to the straits of Sunda, as well as those from Europe, when late in the season, frequently make the land of Engano, and many must doubtless be wrecked on its coast).

Attempts were made to find a river or fresh water, but without success, nor even a good place to land.  Two of the people from the ship having pushed in among the rocks and landed the natives soon came to them, snatched their handkerchiefs off their heads and ran away with them, but dropped them on being pursued.  Soon afterwards they sounded a conch-shell, which brought numbers of them down to the beach.  The bay appeared to be well sheltered and to afford good anchorage ground.  The soil of the country for the most part a red clay.  The productions Mr. Miller thought the same as are commonly found on the coast of Sumatra; but circumstances did not admit of his penetrating into the country, which, contrary to expectation, was found to be so full of inhabitants.  In consequence of the loss of anchors and cables it was judged necessary that the vessel should return to Fort Marlborough.  Having taken in the necessary supplies, the island was revisited.  Finding no landing-place, the boat was run upon the coral rocks.  Signs were made to the natives, who had collected in considerable numbers, and upon seeing our people land had retreated towards some houses, to stop, but to no purpose until Mr. Miller proceeded towards them unaccompanied, when they approached in great numbers and accepted of knives, pieces of cloth, etc.  Observing a spot of cultivated ground surrounded by a sort of fence he went to it, followed by several of the natives who made signs to deter him, and as soon as he was out of sight of his own people began to handle his clothes and attempt to pull them off, when he returned to the beach.

Their houses stand singly in their plantations, are circular, about eight feet in diameter, raised about six from the ground on slender iron-wood sticks, floored with planks, and the roof, which is thatched with long grass, rises from the floor in a conical shape.  No rice was seen among them, nor did they appear to know the use of it when shown to them; nor were cattle nor fowls of any kind observed about their houses.