g
fire to the dead wood which, after so long a rest, had completely grown
over the ground, and causing it at night to assume the appearance of one
vast mountain of flame. For fifteen hours the solid ground rolled like
a wave of the sea. Fort Orange, which had withstood numberless
earthquakes for two centuries and a quarter, was almost overwhelmed.
The people betook themselves to their boats, for the ocean and land
seemed to have exchanged natures; the water being calm, while the land
was heaving and gaping like a stormy sea.

Captain Davenport had been unwell for some time. He was acquainted with
a wealthy Dutch merchant in the place, who invited him and his wife and
daughter to take up their residence at his country house while the ship
remained in the harbour. They of course said they could not leave
Emily, who therefore accompanied them. Mr Hooker also went on shore,
but engaged a house at a little distance from the town, where he could
pursue his researches in natural history more uninterruptedly than in
the town. He lost no time in sending out hunters in all directions to
procure specimens. The various specimens which he already possessed
were landed, that he might also re-arrange them. I paid him one or two
visits, and found him enjoying his existence excessively. His house had
of course only one floor: the walls for five feet were of stone; the
roof was supported above them on strong squared posts, the interval
being filled in with the leaf-stems of the sago-palm fitted in wooden
framings. The ceilings were of the same material. The floor was of
stucco. There was a centre hall, with three rooms opening off it on one
side and one on the other; while on two other sides were broad
verandahs, serving as cool drawing-rooms, or sleeping-places, perhaps,
in the hotter months.

This island was at one time in possession of the Portuguese, who were
said to have tyrannised over the natives. They were driven out by the
Dutch, who are themselves accused of not being over careful of the
well-being of the people they conquered. This island and several in a
line to the south of it are known as the Moluccas, or Spice Islands. It
was the original country of the clove, and here alone it was cultivated.
Although the early visitors procured nutmegs and mace from the
inhabitants, these were brought over from New Guinea, and the
neighbouring islands, where they grew wild. The early voyagers made
such enormous profits