Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-08-20
Among So me Chlnese Eslands.

Ny earliest cruise in the China Seas
had been among the almost continuous
chain of islands, the marrow passages,
reefs and shoals, that form the distin-
gushing features Of the entire route from
New South Wales to the island Of For
mosa, by the northeastern course, bring
ing successfully to view the mountain
peaks OF Australia, the dense forests Of
New Guinea, the emerald verdue OF
Gililo and Morty, the abrupt cliffs of
Mindanao, and others of the lovely
Philippine group. The course of the
Lady of Lyons was to the southwest OF
Borneo, along the shores OF distinct
division Of these tropic islands, chief
among which are Sumatrs, Java and
Timor. These, with Floris, Bally, Sum
bawo, and host OF smaller isles, mostly
of volcanic origin, aud many of them
uninhabited, form the natural boundary
between the Indo-Chna Sea and the
Pacific. After seven days cruising
among the myriads OF tiny islets, that
render navigation in the Java Sea so re-
plete with danger, the Straits of Sunda
were passed, and then the narrow strait
that separates Timor from 0mbay. For
the latter we were fortunate in having a
full moon and strong westerly breeze,
enabling us to make the passage by night,
and thus obtaining such vision of ra-
diant beauty as comes but rarely even
beneath tropie skies. On our right were
distinctly visible the clear smooth out
lines of Timor, with its fringed verdure
reaching down 10 the very waters, whiie
on the left lowered in grandeur the vol
canic peaks of Floris, Panthar aud ON
bay, seeming to rise out OF the very
bosom of the sea, their sides wreathed 10
heecy vapor, and their lund SUBMITS
seeming to pierce the blue ether.
At daylight we anchored of the coast
of Timor, and spent the day in roaming
about in the vicinity of the Portuguese
settlement of Baton Guidi, miserably
dilapidated trading rancho, equally at
variance with the verdant tropical beauty
all around and the sp.endor of the con
quests achieved in these seas by the
sword Of Albuquerque 10 old days. With
a most genial climate, and soil OF per
ennial verdure capable of producing in
abundance all the tropical fruits and
grains, this island Of Timor, as large as
that of Sicily, has population of scarce
" more than five hundred thousand; and
though Aourishing depot of trade in the
early part of the seventeenth century, it
is now rapidly sinking into insignifcaTce.
The Portuguese have under cultivation
only q narrow belt Of soil on the sea-
board in the immediate vicinity Of Baton
Guidi, where iniermingled with forest
trees, grow luzurian;ly grapes, bananas,
guavas and shaddocks rhe Chinese
have a settlement on the northern coast,
whence they export sandal-wood, wax,
fruits and fish to Java and Singapore,
driving brisk trade and growing rich
by industry and frugality, as John China
man always does, settle where he may
The aboriginal Malays still occupy some
portions OF the interior, living in a con-
dition so little above hat Of the brutes
as to furnish the best apology for OAR
winism it has been my fortune to meet
in any part of the world. The residue,
comprising perhaps the major portion Of
this lovely island, ia tue heritage Of mon
keys, who gibe and chatter from tree 10
tree, and certainly seen to thrive. smul
tiply and inerease" in this stronghold Of
their race.
The third day found us again under
weigh steering toward the Moluccas or
Spice Islands, OF which Amboyna is the
most noted, as well as the hiefemporium
of trade, and the residence Of the Dutch
governor To this gronp also belong
Morty and Gillolo, north Of the line, and
Booro, Obi, Batchian, Mysoie, Wagon,
tho Isles of Banda and Sallawatti to the
south-a vast territory Of rich, arabic
and forest lands. suggestive OF wondrons
possibilities under better management
but many Of the islands are wholly I'M
cultivated, showing dense forests, toto
which man has probably never penentra-
ted, though the timber is said TO be OF
the finest quality. Amboyna is specially
devoted to the culture OF the Glove, and
the Isles of Banda to the nutmeg.