A PLEASURE TRIP UP THE SARAWAK. 487 



beyond it the sea stretches out toward the horizon like a sheet oi 

 frosted silver. 



We can very easily make out the position of Kuching, and trace 

 the windings of the Sarawak for a long distance, but the stream 

 itself is visible in but one or two places. Truly, an enchanting 

 picture in contrast with the monotonous closeness of jungle and 

 river scenery. 



Reluctantly enough, we quitted Peninjau, the "lookout," and 

 started sti'aight down the mountain, in the direction of Siniwan, at 

 which point the Firefly was to meet us. The descent over those 

 abominably slippery stones was, if anything, more tiresome and 

 difficult than going up. Half way down we met a party of Dyaks 

 coming ujd. As soon as they heard our voices they quickly dropped 

 their juahs beside the path and bolted into the bushes ; but after 

 we had passed out of sight the}' returned, chattering and laughing, 

 resumed their loads and went on. 



Shortly before noon, after a veiy hot walk to the river, we 

 reached the Firejiy, and went down to Kuching in about three 

 houi-s. For my part, I felt thoroughly tired and foot-sore, and Mr. 

 St. John was also quite willing to rest. Our feet were badly blis- 

 tered, and a large, angry boil on my left ann, which had kept me 

 company aU the way, was a companion with whom I would willingly 

 have parted. 



Thus ended my jungle life in the East Indies. On Decem- 

 ber 18th I embarked in the Rajah Brooke for Singapore, serenely 

 happy with the results of my visit to Sarawak. Never has a coun- 

 try used me better or sent me away fuller handed. I have been 

 treated excellently well by both natives and Europeans, have had 

 very few annoyances, I ought to say none at all, and more joys 

 crowded into four months than are counted in many a lifetime. 

 My only regi-et is that I have not had a score of friends to enjoy it 

 with me. The coast line sinks into the sea behind us, and the hazy 

 blue mountains fade out against the clouds like a dissolving view. 

 FareweU to Borneo ! 



" Welcome the gleaming sea." 



I remained six weeks in Singapore, making up a large collection 

 of corals and shells, for the variety and abundance of which the 

 place is famous. Previous to that time the season had been unfa- 

 vorable for the successful gathering of marine invertebrates, but 

 now the Malays brought me beautiful shells by the hundred and 



