190 DESCRIPTION OF AMBONG. [1844. 



the place, moreover, was too insignificant to contain such 

 a rarity as an European woman, without their knowledge, 

 and they informed us, that the Sultan of Tampassook 

 alone could possess her, if she existed at all. 



Ambong is situated in the extreme depth of a deep 

 sac, surrounded by lofty hills, of smooth undulating sur- 

 faces, and of gentle ascent ; the alternations of wood and 

 cleared land affording a most beautiful landscape, not 

 inferior to any I have seen. Immediately behind Am- 

 bong a very high range forms an amphitheatre, embracing 

 two-thirds of this interesting scenery, and from our 

 anchorage, about half a mile from the town, this is again 

 surmounted by the imposing peaks of Kini Balu, tower- 

 ing over our heads in great majesty, and appearing, from 

 its deep blue tints, almost in the immediate vicinity, 

 though in reality, many miles distant. Our observations 

 from several positions, afford the mean height of its peak 

 to be 13,698 feet. 



The harbour of Ambong abounds in beautifully shel- 

 tered little bays, but barred by coral patches, which rise 

 exactly upon the spots where they disturb the utility of 

 these snug retreats. I am satisfied, however, that if 

 necessary, the greater number of these obstacles could be 

 removed, as they are mostly situated upon sandy beds. 

 During the course of our survey of the port, I ascended 

 two hills exceeding 2,000 feet in elevation above the sea, 

 and from thence enjoyed most magnificent views of the 

 surrounding scenery, embracing the whole line of coast 

 for thirty miles northerly, and overlooking the rivers of 

 Abai and Tampassook, with their park-like scenery. To 

 seaward, I noticed the Group of Mantanani, but to the 



