wide sleeves, ruffles, and spacious skirts, while on his feet he
had high shoes with heavy silver buckles. He was evidently perfectly
satisfied that he was in the fashion. During a stroll I took into the
interior, I observed a number of bees' nests hanging from the branches
of the high trees, some of which were more than two feet in
circumference. The wax and honey are collected with very little
difficulty; and the bees, when driven from their nests, generally build
another on the same tree.

It will be impossible for me to mention a tenth part of the curious
sights we saw, or the number of places we visited. For several weeks we
were engaged in running from island to island, among the numerous groups
which are to be found between Java and the coast of New Guinea. At
length we reached the Arru Islands, and entered the port of Dobbo, which
is a place of considerable trade with the neighbouring countries, and
much frequented by the Bugis and Macassars of Celebes.

These islands export a considerable quantity of _trepang_,
tortoise-shell, edible birds' nests, and pearls. The trepang is a sort
of sea-slug, which is dried and used by the Chinese to make soup. The
edible birds' nests are of a glutinous nature, and with but little
taste, and are used for thickening soup. They are considered a great
delicacy. The chief food of the people is the pith of the sago tree.
The chief man among them is called Orang Kaya. Their prahus are seventy
feet long; their greatest beam not being more than ten feet, and they
sit very low on the water. The mass of the people are heathens; but
some have been converted to Mahommedanism, and many to Christianity, the
good effects of which are visible in their conduct.

I invited a number of the chiefs to come on board, and had a feast
prepared for them, as Van Graoul considered that it would be the very
best way to gain their friendship, and to obtain the information I
required. We had a table spread on deck, and an awning stretched over
it. Fairburn sat at one end, and I at the other; and Van Graoul was
placed at the centre, to act as interpreter for us both. They ate
prodigiously, and each man drank enough arrack to intoxicate any three
Europeans, without appearing to feel the slightest ill effects from the
spirit. All of us made speeches, which were, without doubt, very
complimentary; and when words failed us we supplied their places with
signs and gesticulations, which did infini