308 TIMOR. [chap. xiii. 



within three miles of the town, where they, could defend 

 themselves against ten times the force. The result was 

 that no provisions were brought down from the hills ; 

 a famine was imminent, and the Governor had to send 

 off to beg for supplies from the Dutch Governor of 

 Amboyna. 



In its present state Timor is more trouble than profit to 

 its Dutch and Portuguese rulers, and it will continue to 

 be so unless a different system is pursued. A few good 

 roads into the elevated districts of the interior ; a con- 

 ciliatory policy and strict justice towards the natives, and 

 the introduction of a good system of cultivation as in 

 Java and Northern Celebes, might yet make Timor a 

 productive and valuable island. Eice grows well on the 

 marshy flats which often fringe the coast, and maize 

 thrives in all the lowlands, and is the common food of 

 the natives as it was when Dampier visited the island 

 in 1699. The small quantity of coffee now grown is of 

 very superior quality, and it might be increased to any 

 extent. Sheep thrive, and would always be valuable as 

 fresh food for whalers and to supply the adjacent islands 

 with mutton, if not for their wool ; although it is probable 

 that on the mountains this product might soon be obtained 

 by judicious breeding. Horses thrive amazingly; and 

 enough wheat might be grown to supply the whole 

 Archipelago if there were sufficient inducements to the 



