78 MEMOIR OF 



approach nearer to the coast, the ascent is of course 

 more ahrupt, as may be observed in the vicinity of 

 Samarang. 



" Although the northern coast is in many parts 

 flat and uninteresting, the interior and southern 

 provinces, from the mountainous character of the 

 country, may be reckoned among the most romantic 

 and highly diversified in the world ; uniting all the 

 rich and magnificent scenery which waving forests, 

 never-failing streams, and constant verdure can pre- 

 sent, heightened by a pure atmosphere, and the 

 glowing tints of a tropical sun. Large tracts, par- 

 ticularly in the mountainous ranges of the western 

 districts, still remain in a state of nature ; or where 

 the ground has been once cleared of forests, are now 

 overrun with long rank grass. In the central and 

 eastern districts, the country is comparatively well 

 clothed with cultivation. 



" Quitting the low coast of the north, in many 

 parts unhealthy, the traveller can hardly advance 

 five miles inland without feeling a sensible improve- 

 ment in the atmosphere and climate as he proceeds ; 

 at every step he breathes a purer air, and surveys a 

 brighter scene. At length he reaches the high 

 lands; here the boldest forms of nature are tem- 

 pered by the moral arts of man ; stupendous moun- 

 tains clothed with abundant harvests, impetuous 

 cataracts tamed to the peasant's will. . Here is per- 

 petual verdure ; here are tints of the brightest hue. 

 In the hottest season, the air retains its freshness ; 



