462 AMBOYNA. [chap. xx. 



and Amboyna. The Japanese collection was especially 

 interesting, containing both the fine Carabi of northern 

 countries and the gorgeous Buprestidse and Longicorns of 

 the tropics. The doctor made the voyage to Jeddo by 

 land from Nagasaki, and is well acquainted with the 

 character, manners, and customs of the people of Japan, 

 and with the geology, physical features, and natural 

 history of the country. He showed me collections of 

 cheap woodcuts printed in colours, which are sold at less 

 than a farthing each, and comprise an endless variety of 

 sketches of Japanese scenery and manners. Though rude, 

 they are very characteristic, and often exhibit touches of 

 great humour. He also possesses a large collection of 

 coloured sketches of the plants of Japan, made by a 

 Japanese lady, which are the most masterly things I have 

 ever seen. Every stem, twig, and leaf is produced by 

 single touches of the brush, the character and perspective 

 of very complicated plants being admirably given, and the 

 articulations of stem and leaves shown in a most scientific 

 manner. 



Having made arrangements to stay for three weeks at a 

 small hut, on a newly cleared plantation in the interior of 

 the northern half of the island, I with some difficulty 

 obtained a boat and men to take me across the water; 

 for the Amboynese are dreadfully lazy. Passing up the 

 harbour, in appearance like a fine river, the clearness of 



