114 CERAM. [chap. xxt. 



a third of a mile wide separating it from each of them. 

 It is surrounded by coral reefs, and offers good anchorage 

 in both monsoons. Though not more tlian fifty yards 

 across, and not elevated more than three or four feet above 

 the highest tides, it has wells of excellent drinking water — 

 a singular phenomenon, which would seem to imply deep- 

 seated siibterranean channels connecting it with other 

 islands. These advantages, with its situation in the centre 

 of the Papuan trading district, lead to its being so much 

 frequented by the Bugis traders. Here the Goram men 

 bring the produce of tlieir little voyages, which they ex- 

 change for cloth, sago cakes, and opium ; and the in- 

 habitants of all the surroimding islands visit it with the 

 same object. It is the rendezvous of the praus trading to 

 various parts of New Guinea, which here assort and dry 

 their cargoes, and refit for the voyage home. Tripang and 

 mussoi bark are the most bulky articles of produce 

 brought here, with wild nutmegs, tortoise-shell, pearls, and 

 birds of Paradise, in smaller quantities. The villagers of 

 the mainland of Ceram bring their sago, which is thus 

 distributed to the islands farther east, while rice from 

 Bali and Macassar can also be purchased at a moderate 

 price. The Goram men come here for their supplies of 

 opium, both for their own consumption and for barter in 

 Mysol and Waigiou, where they have introduced it, and 

 where the chiefs and wealthy men are passionately fond of 



