Pagan races of the Malay Peninsula - Sabrizain.org

212 HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING i-aktu
Htmting and Trapping.
Selangor Sakai.—The second form of spring-spear
trap ("b'lantek paut ") appears to be identical with
that described as the " p'lantek " by Letessier, among
the Sakai of the Kuala Lumpor district.
Among the snares used by these Sakai, the " p'lan-
tek " (he says) is the commonest and most dangerous,^
being composed of a strong springy rod furnished
with a bamboo dart, which is intended to pierce any
animal of sufficient size that disengages (in passing)
the short cord keeping the rod in position. Before
crossing the felled trees (which are always in the
proximity of a Sakai habitation) for the first time, it is
just as well to ascertain that there are no traps of this
description along the route.
In a graphic account of some Sakai tribes of the
Ulu Langat district, the late Mr. J. A. G. Camp-
bell remarked that it was very amusing to go out
hunting with the Sakai in the jungle, and to see
the stealthy way in which they went through it without
breaking a twig. Although their pace seemed
slow, it was very difficult to keep up with them, and
they seldom failed to bring home some bird or beast
for their evening meal. No other race in the Malay
Peninsula could be compared with them in respect of
their wonderful knowledge of the jungle. They were
absolutely at home in it, and did not mind sleeping
out in the rain either under a tree or up among its
branches. They had a wonderful instinctive knowledge
of the presence of animals, and could tell, when nobody
else could, of a bird or animal moving at a great
distance. They were even believed to be able to track
' Letessier, p. lOO.
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