ction
in his wrath, and equally quick to forget, affectionate, lively in his
movements, and exceedingly taking in his moments of good temper. At these
times the Andamanese are gentle and pleasant to each other, considerate to
the aged, the weakly or the helpless, and to captives, kind to their wives
and proud of their children, whom they often over-pet; but when angered,
cruel, jealous, treacherous and vindictive, and always unstable. They are
bright and merry companions, talkative, inquisitive and restless, busy in
their own pursuits, keen sportsmen and naturally independent, absorbed in
the chase from sheer love of it and other physical occupations, and not
lustful, indecent, or indecently abusive.

"As the years advance they are apt to become intractable, masterful, and
quarrelsome. A people to like but not to trust. Exceedingly conservative
and bound up in ancestral custom, not amenable to civilisation, all the
teachings of years bestowed upon some of them having introduced no
abstract ideas among the tribesmen, and changed no habit in practical
matters affecting comfort, health, and mode of life. Irresponsibility is a
characteristic, though instances of a keen sense of responsibility are not
wanting. Several Andamanese can take charge of the steering of a large
steam launch through dangerous channels, exercising then caution, daring,
and skill though not to an European extent, and the present (1901)
dynamo-man of the electric lighting on Ross Island is an Andamanese, while
the wire-man is a Nicobarese, both of whom exhibit the liveliest sense of
their responsibilities, though retaining a deep-rooted and unconquerable
fear of the dynamo and wires when at work. The Nicobarese shows, as is to
be expected, the higher order of intellect. Another Andamanese was used by
Portman for years as an accountant and kept his accounts in English
accurately and well.

"The intelligence of the women is good, though not as a rule equal to that
of the men. In old age, however, they frequently exhibit a considerable
mental capacity which is respected. Several women trained in a former
local Mission Orphanage from early childhood have shown much mental
aptitude and capacity, the 'savagery' in them, however, only dying down as
they grew older. They can read and write well, understand and speak
English correctly, have acquired European habits completely, and possess
much shrewdness and common sense: one has herself taught her Andamanese