The rowers are men sent by the Sultan of Ternate.

They get about threepence a day, and find their own provisions.

Each man had a strong wooden "betel" box, on which he generally sat, a sleeping-mat, and a change of clothes--rowing naked, with only a sarong or a waistcloth.

They sleep in their places, covered with their mat, which keeps out the rain pretty well.

They chew betel or smoke cigarettes incessantly; eat dry sago and a little salt fish; seldom sing while rowing, except when excited and wanting to reach a stopping-place, and do not talk a great deal.