TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION E. 435 



Sultanate of Jambi, comprised in the river basin of tbe Batang-Hari, is coterminous 

 on the west with the Padang Highlands and Beucoolen, along the water-parting 

 of the island ; it is bounded on the south by Palembang, on the north by districts 

 dependent on the Sultan of Liugga, and on the east by the sea. It is watered by 

 a tine navigable river, the Batang-Hari, with several important tributaries, and 

 comprises districts rich in natural products and peopled by industrious inhabitants. 

 Sultan Taha, having been driven inland by the Dutch in 1858, and his uncle Ahmed 

 set up in his place, is naturally opposed to Europeans and averse to exploration. 

 The Dutch Geographical Society, however, sent out an expedition, divided into 

 two parties, one from the west to explore the sources of the Batang-Hari and its 

 affluents ; the other under Lieutenant Schoun Santvoort to go up the river in a 

 steam-launch from the east coast, with the intention of meeting the tirst party. 

 At the end of March 1877, Schoun Santvoort made an unaccompanied successful 

 preliminary journey from Padang, crossing the mountains and descending the river 

 to Jambi in a boat ; he then went to Batavia for the launch and returned to Jambi 

 on June 7, but died on November 23, before ascending the river, of the lower part 

 of which he had made an accurate survey. Lieutenant Cornelissen, who succeeded 

 him in command, after two attempts to ascend the river in which he was foiled by 

 native opposition, returned to Jambi, where he remained until last March, collecting 

 information. 



The western party, under Mr. Van Hasselt, accompanied by a son of the author 

 of the paper, commenced with a survey of the southern division of the Padang 

 Highlands. Excursions were made for ascertaining the navigability of the affluents 

 of the Batang-Hari, collecting specimens, photographing, and ascending peaks, 

 including Mount Tailing and Mount Karinchi (11,820 ft., never before ascended). 

 The precise course and navigability of the main river was ascertained for a con- 

 siderable distance, and a considerable bend towards the north discovered ; this 

 is of great importance, as it brings the river nearer than was expected to the 

 valuable coalfields of the valley of the river Ombilin, for which an east coast out- 

 let is required in the direction of Singapore and Batavia. The name Ombilin is 

 given to the upper course of the Indragini, which falls into the sea north of the 

 Batang-Hari, but is not supposed to be so large or so navigable. In January 1878 

 the party returned to Padang, intending to start for the interior from Palembang 

 on the south. Accordingly, Van Hasselt and Veth went up the river Musa and its 

 affluent the Eawas by boat to Muara Rupit, whence they marched to Surulanguni, 

 the residence of the chief officer in Rawas, the northern district of Palembang. 

 Pending negotiations with Payung Putik, the only friendly chief, an endeavour to 

 penetrate the district of Batang Asei in Jambi was not successfid. The district of 

 Lebang was, however, visited, and the explorers advanced through it to Rejang, 

 returning to Surulangum in June 1878, through Sindang. Photographs and 

 ethnological and zoological collections were secured during this part of the journey. 

 The friendly chief having declared his readiness to admit the party, Van Hasselt 

 and Veth crossed the frontier and reached the Limim, a feeder of the Tambesi, the 

 main southern tributary of the Batang-Hari. They got as far as Temiang on the 

 Limun, which is about thirty miles distant from the farthest point reached by 

 Cornelissen in his ascent from the east coast, but were then compelled to retreat 

 by a muster in force, finally reaching Surulangum on July 9, all exploration from 

 Palembang being abandoned. Van Hasselt then joined Cornelissen at Jambi, 

 returning overland to Padang, and Veth crossed the entire Palembang Residency 

 on foot, reaching Jambi in September. Both have now returned to Holland, with 

 many valuable observations and collections. The most important result of this 

 expedition is the gain in knowledge of the great extent and capabilities of the 

 Batang-Hari, which is found to be about 210 miles in length in a straight line, 

 and over 490 miles following its windings, being in fact larger than the Musi or- 

 Palembang, hitherto considered the only large river in Sumatra. It is practicable 

 for small prahus, used in transport of merchandise, for 480 miles ; and the steam- 

 launch drawing 3 J- ft. coidd navigate it for 370 miles, both these distances far 

 exceeding the navigable portion of the Musi. Its tributaries are also navigable 

 for boats, and one of them at least for the launch. The population of its district 

 as a whole is scanty, yet there are numerous villages close to each other ; cattle 



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