44 A NATUBALIST IN CELEBES ch. in 



almost unknown in these parts. But even if we were not 

 the first, we were at any rate to be the last, for upon visiting 

 the Euang a month afterwards I noticed that the greater 

 part of the turret-shaped peak had given way and rolled 

 down into the crater. 



From this plateau we obtained a view of the sea in all 

 directions, and were able to make such observations as were 

 necessary of the relative positions of the neighbouring 

 islands. It is impossible for me to describe the beauty of 

 the view from this commanding position, for no words of 

 mine can do justice to the richness and variety of the 

 colouring or the tone and boldness of the outline. The 

 clearness of the atmosphere in the dry summer months of 

 this tropical region not only renders objects at a distance re- 

 markably clear and distinct, but seems also to exaggerate the 

 intensity of colouring of sea and forest. The wide expanse 

 of the sea at our feet, of that deep sapphire blue colour 

 which is only met with in the deep waters of the great 

 oceans, framed by the greenish blue water of the shores and 

 coral lagoons, the great expanse of the blue heavens, broken 

 only by a single cloud stationary over the distant Siauw 

 volcano, the infinite variety of green and brown foliage on 

 the forest slopes of the neighbouring island, and then in the 

 far distance the azure mountains of Minahassa in one direc- 

 tion and of the Sangir Islands in another, presented one of 

 those magnificent panoramic pictures which it has rarely 

 been my good fortune to see, and which once seen can never 

 be forgotten. 



The little island of Passiac, which, as may be seen 

 by reference to the chart, lies only about four miles from 

 the Euang, was of particular interest to me. The part 

 above water and covered with trees is only a small arc of 

 the rim of a large almost ring-shaped atoll stretching out 

 towards a very wide barrier or fringing reef on the coast 



