the difference between a ship of war and a merchantman, and could not be made to comprehend that our visit was merely to look at "his sun, moon, and stars." CHAPTER IV. Amboina-Flattering reception by the governor-The rajahsVisit a cavern-Mode of travelling-Grotesque attendants— Society-Fishing trammels-Chinese town-Garrison-Capabilities and government of the island-Return to BouroCajeli Bay examined-Passage to Celebes, Macassar-FortSituation of the Dutch-Solombo-Pulo Kumpal-Singapore -Receive orders to proceed to China-Prosperous state of Singapore - Palawan passage-Starling struck by lightning -Manila-Transports with invalids-Indisposition of the authorities towards them-Join the squadron at Chuenpee. CHAPTER IV. ABOUT four o'clock on the 1st of September, having completed our observations, we quitted Cajeli Bay for Amboina. The current at ebb sets very strong to the southward, so that, by keeping in the strength of the stream during the night, we found ourselves well to windward of the island of Amblau by daylight. At dawn on the 3rd, we were close off Noessaniva Point, and, favoured with a light easterly breeze, we soon rejoined the Starling, and found two Dutch Company's brigs at anchor within. We dropped anchor close to the westernmost, in twenty fathoms. It is customary to run the stream cable to the shore, in case of strong puffs off shore, and for this purpose, heavy anchors are already laid down, to which cables can be attached at low water, Accompanied by my friend Kellett, I proceeded immediately to call on the governor of the Moluccas, Colonel de Stuers, who resides at a very delightful spot about half a mile from the town. My reception was highly flattering, and was immediately followed by permission to place my observatory where I pleased, and the requisite orders were immediately issued. After examining the governor's magnificent collection of shells, insects, and other objects of natural history, we took our leave until the dinner hour. The position selected for our observations was on the S.W. angle of the curtain of Fort Victoria, where a summer house, constructed for taking tea and smoking, very conveniently afforded shelter, without the trouble of erecting tents. Occasionally the passing of the natives jarred the ground slightly; but whether by the order of his excellency, or a proper consideration on the part of the officers, we were entirely free from visitors during the progress of our observations. Those not interested in or comprehending such duties, cannot but feel that we are unwelcome guests whilst we are thus engaged. The inattention to questions, and the perfect abstraction necessary for a portion of time, must appear almost as a slight on their intended courtesy. Yet, if they could but comprehend the value we attach to time, they would clearly feel the propriety of allowing us to enjoy our hermitage. At six the Governor sent his carriage for us, and we repaired to his beautiful retirement, where we were introduced to Madame de Stuers. Once more we congratulated ourselves on regaining society, from which, excepting a few short moments at Tepic, Sitka, and Lima, we had been almost excluded since 1836. The governor and Madame both speak English well, and were unremitting in their polite attentions. They are both strongly imbued with the taste for natural history, and appear to enjoy perfect happiness, even in this distant region, by constant application to rational pursuits. They have a fine healthy and beautiful family, consisting of three boys and three girls, the eldest boy being about ten years old. Madame is the daughter of General de Kock, now minister of the interior in Holland, and formerly governor-general at Java, where I believe madame was born. It is, therefore, surprising that she does not, according to the custom of India, give way to the habit of consuming the greater part of the day in the siesta, which I believe to be very enervating. Activity appears to be their motto, and blooming health results. On their passage hither in a steamer they were wrecked upon the Turtle Islands, near Goonong Apee, not more than a hundred and twenty miles from their destination. There they experienced great hardships, and probably would have perished, had not one of the boats reached Timor or Java, and brought them assistance. Another boat fell into the hands of the pirates, but the crew were eventually recovered by ransom. At the period of our visit the rajahs from the neighbouring islands had assembled at Amboina, to try their disputes, for which purpose the governor presides in court twice in the year. The court is |