PREFACE The book 'THE NATIVES' tells us about the land, the flora and fauna, the myths and the lores of the people of Guitekual. It goes without saying that such an effort would entail a good amount of labour, research and time. I appreciate Dr. Zamzachin Guite for bringing out an unique all-inclusive book which I believe is full of gems of knowledge and wisdom, notwithstanding a few oversights inevitable in compiling such a massive book. I am sure it will prove to be a valuable posse sion. I wish the readers a good reading.