The hills and mountains in many places are terraced, so that at a
distance they look like gigantic staircases carpeted with bright green.
So fertile is the soil that in some places two or three crops are raised
each year.

About one-fourth of the surface is covered with forest. Among the most
valuable trees is the teak-wood, which is extensively used in
ship-building. It is a more durable timber than oak, since it resists
decay for a long time, even when wholly or partly submerged in sea
water. There are vessels afloat to-day which were built of teak one
hundred years ago.

The inhabitants, about thirty million in number, are of the Malay race
and belong to three nations, speaking closely related but different
languages--the Sundanese, Javanese, and Mandurese. The island was
wealthy, populous, and had a high degree of civilization long before it
was known to Europeans.

Long years ago--twelve hundred or more--the Hindoos invaded the country,
and in the fifteenth century Muhammadans came. They were followed later
by the Dutch who first gained trading concessions and then gradually got
possession of the whole island, much in the same way as England secured
India. Each conquest left its impress on the people; the Muhammadans
converted the natives to their religion. Buddhism preceded the religion
of the great prophet, and some of the teachings of Buddha have been
retained, together with many pagan customs.

The Dutch wisely made no effort to Christianize the natives and, until
recently, they have discouraged all such attempts, believing that they
could control the people better without disturbing the prevailing
religious conditions. Indeed, they manage affairs with the natives
wonderfully well.

The island is divided into "residences," in each of which the laws are
administered by a native governor. A Dutch resident is employed by the
colonial government to assist the native governor--really to see that
he manages his people justly and fairly, for strict justice has always
been observed in dealings with the natives.

[Illustration: A breadfruit tree in Java]

The Dutch residents are called "elder brothers." Each resident watches
his residency with great care to see that the taxes are collected and
paid to the government, and that the natives are treated with justice.
He is usually the judge who settles all family quarrels and disputes
between neighbors. He is just in his judgments and his decisions are
not question