THE NORTHEEN MOLUCCAS. 



241 



The capital of Tldor is a mere village on the west side of the island ; but 

 Teniate is a real town, although it has eufïered much since the opening of the 

 ports of Celebes to free trade. It is doubtless itself also a free port, but it has lost 

 many of its Chinese, Bugi, and Arab traders, and has ceased to be the chief market 

 for the feathers of the bird of paradise. The ruins of buildings overthrown by 

 the earthquakes are scattered amid the modern dwellings, and the old Portuguese 

 and Dutch forts have recently had to be rebuilt. Behind every stone house is a 

 second structure in light wood where the sleeping apartments are contained, and 

 where little risk is run in case of any sudden shock. The slopes of the neigh- 

 bouring volcano are covered with orchards, which yield the finest durians, mangoes, 

 and other fruits. 



East of Ternate is developed the deep inlet of Dadinga Bay, by which the 

 northern peninsula of Halraahera is nearly severed from the rest of the island. 

 The connecting isthmus is commanded at its narrowest part by FoH Dadinya, the 



Fia-. 105. — Political Divisions of Indonesia. 

 Scale 1 : 50,000,000. 



Ba = Bangka. 



Bil = BilUton. 



L = Lampong. 

 1,200 Miles. 



strongest strategic point in the whole island, and the only place where the Dutch 

 keep a garrison. Here the isthmus is scarcely two miles across, and although the 

 route presents some difficulties, praus can be transported in three days from bay to 

 bay, thereby saving a detour of 240 miles. North of Dadinga Bay follows that of 

 Jailollo, formerly a flourishing capital which for a time gave an alternative name 

 to Halmahera, now a mere hamlet surrounded by old cultivated tracts now over- 

 grown with coarse grass and scrub. These regions, so popular and flourishing in 

 mediaeval times, have been almost entirely depopulated by slavery and monopolies. 

 Of the other villages in Halmahera the best known is Galela, which lies on an 

 inlet in the north-east of the northern peninsula over against the island of 

 Morotai. The Alfurus of the surrounding district, the most skilful and indus- 

 trious peasantry in the whole island, are usually known as Galelas from the name 

 of this place. Tahello, which lies farther south, and which is defended by 

 numerous reefs and islets of difficult access, was long dreaded as a dangerous nest 

 IG— 



