THE WORLD 8 WONDERS. 



23 



ancient temple. The natives regard these ruins as the undoubted 

 productions of giants or demons. 



NEW GUINEA, THE UNEXPLORED. 



NEW GUINEA lies immediately north of Australia, from which 

 it is separated by Torres strait, which is only ninety miles in 

 width. Since Australia is classed as a continent, New Guinea is 

 the largest island in the world, and certainly one of the most 

 interesting regions of the earth. Yet, with all this, it is a terra 

 incognita, no explorer having 

 ever penetrated it beyond a 

 distance of fifteen miles from 

 the coast. That it has a 

 salubrious climate toward the 

 interior is attested by the 

 lofty, snow-capped moun- 

 tains which may be seen from 

 the sea, and the numerous 

 large rivers which pour their 

 sparkling waters into the 

 ocean. 



It is remarkable that this 

 great island, wiich has been 

 known since the year 1636, 

 has never been explored, 

 though small Dutch colonies 

 have existed on its southern 

 coast for nearly one hundred 

 years. Frequent attempts have been made to advance into the 

 interior, but always without success, owing entirely to the fact 

 that the parties were not properly equipped or of insufficient 

 strength to give them confidence to proceed. 



The Papuans, who occupy New Guinea, are uncivilized, but 

 they are much in advance of all other barbaric tribes in many 

 particulars. They live in houses fairly comfortable, resting on a 

 foundation of upright posts which elevate them eight or ten 

 feet above the ground. The place of building is usually over 



NATIVE PAPUAN. 



