INTRODUCTION. 75 



abound in the island of Java, perhaps as much as 

 in any other tropical region. They were peculiarly 

 useful in travelling, and possessed the advantage of 

 affording a ready access to the subjects. As the 

 ultimate object of my pursuits was to provide an 

 extensive and well-conditioned collection, which 

 might be useful and instructive in England, I had, 

 soon after receiving the patronage of the Honour- 

 able East India Company, directed my attention to 

 the provision necessary for its safety during a voyage. 

 My residence at Surakarta afforded me peculiar ad- 

 vantages in this point of view. Both materials and 

 workmen are here obtained, perhaps more readily 

 than in any other part of Java. Boxes, according 

 to the plan described, were therefore provided, of 

 more substantial materials than those employed in 

 travelling, in proportion to the increase of the col- 

 lection. The wood of the Bombax pentandrum was 

 employed for lining the boards and securing the 

 pins; and I ascribe to an acquaintance with the 

 peculiar property of this wood — which renders it an 

 effectual substitute for cork — the preservation of the 

 collection during its transportation. After having 

 carefully packed the subjects, every necessary pre- 

 caution that suggested itself was used in securing 

 the boxes against accidents during the voyage. 

 They were individually painted and covered with 

 oil-cloth. Each box was then placed in an outer 

 case, made of the same substantial materials, and 

 secured in the same manner. By these various 

 precautions, and by the care which the collection 



