[1] See page 133.

Little structures known as bolon are erected for other spirits who may be trying to injure the almogol or attempting to persuade it to leave its owner.

Certain ceremonies and offerings occur after a death, at the birth of a child, at planting and harvest times, and when the warriors are about to start on a raid; all of which will be spoken of in a later paragraph.  When approaching a place known to be owned by certain spirits, it is thought wise to make a small offering.  On the trail to Ma-al is a large rock which marks the divide between the mountains and the open cogon lands.  As the writer’s party approached this stone one of the men removed some of his leg bands and placed them beside the rock, at the same time praying the busau to “take the present and do not let any of our party fall sick or be injured on the journey.”  It is also customary for a man who wishes to buy anything or to make a trade, first to make an offering of betel-nut to the spirit of some rich man, and to ask his help in the venture.

Some new clearings are cut in the jungle each year, after the constellation Balatik has risen out of the sea.  The spirits place this sign in the heavens to notify all that the land should be cleared, but it does not call for a sacrifice as in the case of the people we have previously described.  At that time the men cut the trees and underbrush, and after allowing them to dry, fire them.  They also make the holes into which the women drop seed rice.

When the land is ready for planting, a little house called botabwE is built in the center of the field, and beside it is placed a platform or table, sina-al, on which is an offering of food.  Early in the morning, while the others sleep, the owner and his wife carry the seed rice to the field and place it on the botabwE.  After a time they eat some of the food which has previously been offered and then begin to plant, beginning close to the spirit house.  Soon they are joined by other workers who aid them in the planting.  These assistants do not receive payment for their services other than food while working and like help when in need.  At this time a bamboo pole, with one end split and spread open like a cup,[1] is placed in front of the elevated platform of the family dwelling and the guardian spirit of the fields is promised that after the harvest he will receive the new seed rice.  While the rice is growing the men attend to the fences and the women keep down weeds or frighten birds and other intruders away.  When the crops have matured all the people of a neighborhood will meet at the home of the chief, and there celebrate a ceremony known as Pandoman.  Two bundles of rice are laid on a mat in the center of the room, and beside them a spear is thrust into the floor.  These are offerings to the great spirits MElu and Dwata who are besought to give health to the workers while they are gathering crops.  As