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MEMOIR OF THE LATE MR. WILLIAM JACK.. 
was necessary, however, to be cautious 
not to slide with too much velocity, in or- 
der to be able to keep a footing, when the 
rattan slipped from the hand. When they 
had got about half way down, the clouds, 
which had now enveloped the hill, burst 
in a flood of rain, and rendered the foot- 
ing still more insecure, The steepest parts, 
however, were then passed, and the trees, 
for a short while, afforded some protection. 
But, by the time they reached the lower 
ravines, the waters began to swell, and 
the latter part of the descent was in the 
very bed of the torrent. They arrived at 
the tent about an hour before sun-set, and 
found the spot completely flooded; the 
rain had, in no degree, abated, and it was 
impossible to find shelter for the whole 
party of natives, &c., which was very nu- 
merous; it was, therefore, determined to 
make a push forward to Rejak Bessi, ra- 
ther than pass the night in so uncomfort- 
able a situation, A sharp walk brought 
them to the village soon after dark, anda 
good night’s rest repaired the fatigues of 
the day. The next day was spent at the 
same place, both for the purpose of rest- 
ing the people, and of bringing up the 
tent which had been left in the forest. On 
16th, they travelled to Punjong, and 
the following day, they commenced their 
return by another route, striking across 
the country in the direction of Bukit Kan- 
dees to the Bencoolen river. Sampans 
had been previously ordered to be in rea- 
diness at Tanjong Sanei, and they arrived 
there about eleven o ‘clock, having, in the 
latter part of the j journey, forded the main 
Stream of the Bencoolen river no less than 
. About FM they em- 
barked on the Sampan d placed the 
» and some a (08 followers, on 
Bamboo rafts; the first part of the course 
was a constant succession of rapids, in 
ting down which, some management 
was necessary to avoid being upset upon 
the trunks of trees and other obstacles that 
layin the way. Twice, being driven 
Against these, the 
as filled with 
Water, and with difficulty a from being 
iped. Below the junction of the 
143 
Rindowati, the depth of the river in- 
creased, and the current became more re- 
gular; and, at length, they landed near 
Bencoolen, about nine at night, having 
thus accomplished, aided by the rapidity 
of the stream, in one day, what would 
have occupied several in ascending. 
Gunong Benko is not estimated to exceed 
three th etin height; but its shape, 
and its standing boldly out from the gene- 
ral range of hills, render it the most re- 
markable of those visible from Bencoolen. 
It is almost entirely composed of masses 
of basalt or trap, which is the most preva- 
lent rock along this part of Sumatra. The 
whole of the country traversed on this 
occasion, is exceedingly broken and irre- ` 
gular, and but thinly inhabited. In the 
neighbourhood of the hill, it is a complete 
forest and very wild, presenting an infinite 
number of romantic and beautiful views. 
The soil, near the rivers, is remarkably 
rich, and that of the forest tracts, little in- 
ferior, particularly in the bamboo groves, 
which, indeed, are generally found to pre- 
vail on the finest lands. The greater part 
of the rice is cultivated in ladangs, but 
there are a few sawahs. At Tello Anou, 
is a small Nutmeg plantation, where the 
trees have never been manured, yet seem 
as thriving as any about town. The forests 
abound with noble timber-trees; few ani- 
mals were seen; of monkeys, the Kra 
(Simia fascicularis), and Chingkau (S. 
cristata), were the most common ; and the 
loud cry of the Siamang (S. syndactyla) 
was frequently heard, though they did not 
come in sight. It is very singular to ob- 
serve the young of the Chingkau and Sim- 
pai (S. melalophos) embracing their mo- 
thers, that of the former being fawn-co- 
loured, while the adult is fetis black, 
and the latter having the young black, 
while the mother is fawn-coloured, appear- 
ing exactly as if they had exchanged 
roung ones. 
« At about half the height of the moun- 
spring was tri 
kae nen and found to be 68° Fgh,— 
The temperature might, however, have. : 
