412 VICINITY OF THE VILLAGE. 



thermometer, during the short period I remained 

 on this coast, was from 79° to 88".* 



Early one morning, a party was formed, to 

 endeavour to obtain a view of the country further 

 inland. On landing at the village of Pedir, we 

 were met by the old trading minister, who ac- 

 companied us. The houses of the natives were 

 constructed of bamboo, raised, like all the Malay 

 residences, upon strong posts, a short distance 

 from the ground, and the ascent to the rooms 

 above, was by bamboo ladders. The habitations 

 are covered with a thatch, formed from the 

 leaves of different kinds of palms ; and the 

 dwellings are cool. This quality, so desirable in 

 sultry climates, is given to them by gardens sur- 

 rounding the. habitations, filled with trees, im- 

 parting a refreshing verdure ; and from the 

 blossoms delightful odours were exhaled. Among 

 the more elevated kinds, were the graceful and 

 majestic cocoa-nut, and the straight Areka palm, 

 (Areka catechu,) surmounted by its tuft of dark- 

 green foliage, and its long pendent clusters of 

 orange-coloured fruit, of an oval form. 



The Artocarpus mcisa, or Jack-tree, the broad- 



* During this month the weather was generally fine and 

 clear ; a few days only being squally and unsettled weather, 

 with showers of rain. 



