[ vi ]
There are likewise a number of terms which it is desirable to procure, but which vary entirely in different nations; such as the names of Measures of weight or dimension, Measures of time, &c. In some cases too, terms of art and science should be obtained, if possible; as the terms of Navigation, and in some instances, those of Astronomy, Grammar, &c. Of the same description, are all terms of MYTHOLOGY, as the names of local appellations of the Gods, demigods, heroes, angels, dæmons, and the different kinds of spiritual beings in which these tribes believe; the different terms of worship and religious ceremony, sorcery and divination. To accomplish this, with any kind of accuracy, however, a degree, of investigation may be necessary: and it is particularly desirable that this investigation should be applied to the mythological opinions of the Eastern Islanders and mountain tribes on the continent.
To the ancient religion of the Bugis and Macásar nations before they embraced Islamism, to the present religion of the island of Bali, to the present religion of the greater part of the inhabitants of Ceram, Goram, Banda, and the great island Halamahera or Gilolo, and in general to the language, the religious habits and opinions of the rude people scattered over the eastern isles, and denominated Alfoers or Harafuras, it is necessary in a particular manner to direct the public attention. Though the Gala or Ta-Gala language of Manilla has been successfully cultivated by the Spaniards of Manilla, yet little attention has hitherto been paid by Europeans to the Bisaya, Pampango, Lanún, and Mandanáwi languages. Though the Ta-Gala language has been cultivated,
