128 Voyage of the Novara. 



tained, partly as affording evidence of the amount of culture 

 of the inhabitants of the Nicobar Archipelago. 



We are still called upon to answer the question already 

 propounded, whether the Nicobar Islands are suited as the 

 site of a colony, and whether the numerous attempts already 

 made in this direction did not probably fall tlirough for 

 other reasons than those of climate. 



According to inquiries instituted by the members of the 

 Austrian Expedition, this insular group, by its geographical 

 position i_i one of the very chiefest commercial routes of the 

 world, and by the richness and abundance of the products of 

 its soil, offers sufficient points of attraction to interest any lead- 

 ing commercial or maritime power, in securing possession of it. 

 With regard to any colonization or cultivation of the soil by 

 free European immigrants, there is as little to be said as of 

 almost any other islands in the tropics. In order to make 

 such spots aids to the extension of civilization, the utmost 

 certainty of rule is imperatively necessary, such as was insti- 

 tuted with such marvellous results by England in Pulo 

 Penang, Singapore, Sydney, &c. The climate of the Nico- 

 bars is very far from being so deadly, that mere residence 

 upon them must speedily prove fatal to Europeans, and it 

 will undoubtedly be signally ameliorated by a partial clear- 

 ing of the forests, cultivation of the soil, channelling of the 

 rivers, and drainage of the swamps. All such works however 

 must be executed by Malay or Indian labourers, under the 

 superintendence of Europeans. From what we liave learned 



