THE MOLUCCAS 319 



producing large quantities of rice. Here and at Tatani, 

 at the extremity of the south-east peninsula, are " Post- 

 holders," and at Sidangoli in Dodinga Bay half a dozen 

 native soldiers are stationed, but these are the only places 

 in the whole extent of the island where representatives 

 of the Dutch Government are to be found. Morti Island 

 is practically uninhabited. 



6. Ternate. 



As far as regards magnificence of scenery, Ternate is 

 perhaps the finest harbour in the Dutch Indies, for it is 

 formed by two volcanic islands whose peaks are nearly 

 6000 feet in height, and of wonderfully graceful outline. 

 That of the island of Tidor, which shelters the anchorage 

 to the south, rises majestically from a mass of wild and 

 gloomy-looking hills, but Ternate consists of the volcano 

 alone, which leaves little room for the town to nestle at 

 its foot. Eastward, across a wide strait, are the rugged 

 blue mountains of Halmahera, terminating towards the 

 north by a group of three lofty volcanic peaks. 



The island of Ternate is nearly circular, is about 5 

 or 6 miles in diameter, and has an area of about 25 

 square miles. It is remarkably healtliy, and although 

 rain falls on an average during 216 days in the year, the 

 weather is very bright and sunny except during December 

 and January. Owing to the position of the land, the 

 monsoons become deflected, and blow from the north and 

 south chiefly — from the former point during the first 

 three months of the year, and from the latter from 'May 

 to October. April, JSTovember, and December are the 

 months of variable winds. 



The volcano is about 5600 feet in height, and con- 

 stantly emits smoke. Between 1608 and 1840 there 



