GEOLOGY OF BORNEO. 



109 



the physical and political conditions of the countries. The attenuated 

 shape of Sumatra and Java makes it impossible to travel to any 

 considerable distance from the coast ; and they have been for many 

 years under European rule. The configuration of Borneo is quite 

 different. Its compact and rounded form measures 675 geographical 

 miles, both from north to south and from east to west ; while only 

 the margin of its enormous area (219,034 square geographical miles) 



Map of Borneo. 



has been brought under the complete dominion of the Dutch and 

 English. 



The island has been traversed from coast to coast on more 

 than one occasion by intrepid travellers, who, following one or 

 other of the great rivers to its source, crossed the dividing range 

 into the basin of another stream, which ultimately led them to the 

 coast. But the main portion of the interior has remained, and, to a 

 large extent, still is a teyya incognita. The difficulties of transport 

 through impenetrable forests, and over high mountain ranges, and 

 the dangers to be apprehended from the hostility of the native tribes, 



