Volume II Part 30 (1/2)

The closeness hich the native traders conceal their commercial transactions, even from each other, rendered it impossible for his proa imports to the amount of froo consists of British goods Taking the yearly average of thirty proas, and the ao at the lowest above stated, this will give 150,000 dollars, or 32,500 pounds sterling, as the aoods ie amount; but it will be found, upon examination, that it is rather under than above the actual value In fact, the greater portion of our cotton apore is consuo, where the natives prefer cheap goods and gaudy patterns; while the people of Java, Celebes, etc prefer their own or Indian h dearer, are far o of a Bughis proa at Singapore is about 200 per cent on the outlay Of the tihly spoken of by the Bughis (who build and repair their proas there) for their durability, and the ease hich they are worked Although of immense size, the trees are almost invariably sound; and as they can be felled within a few yards of the beach, it is not impossible that at some future period timber may form a valuable article of export

The western islands of this group are very thinly inhabited Wah nearly forty miles in circumference, contains only between 200 and 300 inhabitants, who are scattered along the coast in little villages, each containing about half a dozen houses The eastern islands are said to be more thickly inhabited The natives appear to be a harh their country is so rich in produce, the greater portion are in a state of poverty This is to be attributed to the ie quantities of which are brought by the traders froe and personal appearance, the natives appear to be a ro

PRODUCTIONS OF THE ISLANDS

We also learnt that the earoo are found in the islands From the varieties of birds, insects, butterflies, and parasitical plants, etc that , these islands promise a rich field to the naturalist and botanist

We were shown some of the pearls that had been collected, sohly prized by the Chinese; though froolden hue, they would not suit the European market

The smaller pearls, about the size of Nued with colour

As soon as the observations were concluded we returned on board, and got underway to proceed to the Ki Islands On the 25th we passed the north end of the Great Ki, and along its western side, which appeared to be as steep as the eastern, and to afford no anchorage whatever At 2 PM ere off the Lesser Ki, and anchored nearly in our old berth, in 14 fatho was secured, Mr Hill and myself commenced a survey of the harbour, hich ere rather disappointed, as on further examination the water proved to be too deep for convenient anchorage

NATIVES ON BOARD

June 27

The natives ca abundance of yams, coconuts, bananas, pumpkins, and a fels As our usual hour for divine service approached, Mr Earl explained to theo on shore till we had finished; but the chiefs requested so earnestly to be allowed to remain, that I permitted them to do so, upon the condition that they would be quite silent during the service This they pros all round the shi+p, remained the whole time most quiet and attentive spectators of the scene before them, which they seemed to understand and appreciate perfectly

In the afternoon we landed, and accompanied by one of the chiefs, walked into the interior of the island for some distance The country was very low, and covered with an ih which a path had been cut with considerable care; on each side, we noticed soround surrounded by stone walls, very neatly constructed Our guide informed us that they had been farms, but the soil was exhausted As only the underwood had been cleared away, the crop e trees, through which the rays of the sun could scarcely penetrate At Ki Doulannothing new The inhabitants had sold nearly all their canoes to the Bughis, who had touched here on their return from Arrou to their own country

THE BANDA GROUP

June 29

As soon as our survey was finished, we sailed for Banda, where I hoped to find soht find their way to a more civilized part of the world

(Footnote Crew of the Montreal, lost in Torres Strait, who reached Port Essington in their boats)

June 30

At 8 AMBanda, and at 11 entered the harbour; which is formed between the two islands of Great Banda and Banda Neira; and were here advised by the Resident to take the seamen on to Amboyna; where the papers requisite for their embarkation, in a Dutch merchant vessel, could be procured with less difficulty

The Banda group consists of three large islands and two ss, which forrown upon Great Banda, the largest of the three islands It averages 500 feet in height, and is luxuriantly wooded

BANDA NEIRA

Banda Neira, the next in point of size, is the residence of the governh as Great Banda, and does not produce a single nut Mountain; and is, as its nanated with sulphur, is constantly issuing; during the westerly monsoon, this smoke is blown over the tohich it renders very unhealthy One of the small islands is inhabited entirely by lepers, who are sent there to prevent the disease fro the inhabitants

Banda is used as a penal settlement by the Dutch Government, and, at the period of our visit, there were frouarded by about 300 soldiers,commanded by European officers The town of Banda is clean, and contains, besides the houses of the Government officers, arown upon Great Banda; together with very commodious barracks for the troops, and an airy and well appointed hospital In addition to the Government officers and troops, a considerable number of Chinese have settled in Banda Neira

They reside in a part of the town by the fro in the world

The harbour is well sheltered in both ainst foreign merchant vessels We found two merchant vessels under Dutch colours, at anchor; one was colish in Banda, by an old friend, who piloted us last year into Dobbo Harbour

(Footnote A shoal extends froe of not more than a quarter of a mile wide Upon this shoal, a considerable portion of which is dry at loater, extensive bamboo fish-weirs are erected, which seem to be very productive The natives also use fish-pots for in principle the co the night, and generally find a good supply in theOn another part of the shoal we observed a nue stones, which are said to have been projected froo)