OP LA PER0USE. 071 



that without this precaution a number of them 

 would rot and not come up. 



The time of our departure from Amboyna was 

 drawing near. The collections which I had 

 made in this charming ifland were conveyed to 

 the fhip, and I myfelf alfo went on board on the 

 1 2th. 



The eagernefs that had been exprefied to in- 

 duce every perfon belonging to the expedition to 

 repair on board, had made us prefume that every 

 thing was ready for our departure on the 13th, 

 and that nothing could prevent our failing but 

 contrary winds. However, we had yet to replace 

 part of the water that had been expended during , 

 the time we had been at anchor ; this neceffary 

 duty was not completed till the afternoon, and 

 we could not fail before the next day. 



The fhip's company were very well pleafed 

 with this refrefhing-place ; they had enjoyed 

 here all the leifure they could wifh, and even 

 flaves had been employed to bring us our fupply 

 of wood and water,* in large boats called yacoos. 



Our fhip had juft been caulked, and the rig- 

 ging having been examined with lcrupulous at- 

 tention, was found in good condition. 



The ifland of Amboyna, called by the natives 

 Ambon, was then the firft of the Dutch govern- 

 ments in India, after the general government of 

 Batavia. 



b b 2 The 



