THE AMBOINESE HERBAL Book VI. Chapter II.

which are woven from these split reeds and extended transversely across the shore. Then, at its head, which is the deepest spot, there are two triangular chambers, as it were, of unequal size, stretched out in that long row and surrounded by these mats. At the neck of the larger chamber, where that long line terminates (which is called the "tongue"), a smaller gate is constructed, gradually narrowing like a fish-trap original: nassa or fuik, through which the fish enter and cannot easily retreat, but must remain there until they are lifted out with a larger scoop-net constructed from the same reeds. These the fishermen know how to thrust in with subtle skill from the lower part. These standing mats have a height of six, seven, or even ten feet, according as the depth of the receding ground requires; for at the head, they must be raised at least a foot above the highest water. They are constructed from this reed split into many small laths or strips about a finger wide, raised in that order and height, and bound together with small thongs of the previously mentioned Leleba A species of bamboo described in the previous chapter or other binding material in such a way that they can be rolled up and transported to other places. However, these lines must be hardened in smoke for several weeks before they are joined, which makes them more durable in seawater. Hence, not only is this reed nicknamed Bulu feru Malay: Bulu (bamboo) + seru (trap/fence), but all such mats made of joined standing reeds are called Seru feru. These are used daily like lattices to shade windows, doors, and rooms, to prevent passers-by from looking in. The stalks of this reed, being long and straight and no thicker than a thumb, serve excellently as fishing rods.

The Robong The edible young bamboo shoot, as was said, is very rarely eaten by the Amboinese, as it is too thin, tough, and bitter; however, in Bali original: Baleya it is made fit for eating if it is soaked in water overnight.

Tihing Baleyensis Balinese Bamboo is a species of this Bulu feru bearing wider leaves and a thin reed, which in its substance agrees with Leleba, but is so soft and yet so tough that no equal to it is found. For from the thongs of this reed, cut into small strips and soaked a little in water, not only are various works of binding formed, but even threads can be woven from them. The Bulu feru of the people of Celebes Modern Sulawesi also possesses this quality, from which the Macassars and Bugis construct very finely woven hats which they place upon their heads.

In Ternate there also grows a wild species of Bulu feru, there called Lou furu, which bears a very thin reed and serves no use; it also occurs in Leytimor, where it is called Bulu parampuan Malay: "Female bamboo," often implying a weaker or softer variety, since it is of such a soft and useless substance.

Louw louw is the thinnest reed of all and very common in the forests, called Tutori in Manipa and Kakibele in Buru. From this are formed Pancawa, which are the small ribs or bundles around which the Adap Thatch made from palm leaves is sewn. It is also useful for arrows and bears a long plume like a feather. Caltrops Spikes placed on the ground to pierce feet are also formed from this, the tips of which are slightly charred to make them harder; however, this must be distinguished from the Louw louw described in Chapter Six.

The Chinese Cui Tick is, in my judgment, Bulu feru, for it has the thinnest substance among all the Chinese reeds; it grows abundantly in the maritime provinces, and its Robong provides daily food for the common people.

The second Chinese species of Bulu feru is called Tuigkbiaa, and it is the smallest reed, bearing pipes hardly thicker than a finger, the joints of which are very long; its Robong is used for making paper.

Moa Tick will perhaps be that great reed which Father Martinus Martino Martini, a Jesuit cartographer describes in his Chinese Atlas in the Southern Province of Guangdong original: Quantung, but without a name, growing on its mountains; namely, that whose pipes have a thickness of ten or even more spans in diameter, concerning which see the following chapter. Furthermore, the Chinese say that this reed received its name from the large eels, called Moä by the Chinese, which lurk very large and thick in the pools of those mountains, and crawling out onto the land, devour the young Robong of this reed.

The Robong of this and the preceding species serves the Chinese not only for food, but also for forming paper from it, when it is cooked into a pulp, and