40 



ACHEH. 



aloug the sea shore, likewise new to me, also has a pod like the 

 nam-nam fruit, full of this cottony substance. Palms are numer- 

 ous. Among flowers, I have come across the jasmine, but have 

 only met with two sorts of orchids, namely a species of cerides and 

 the so-called "pigeon orchid." 



Of the animal kingdom, Acheh possesses specimens in common 

 with the rest of Sumatra, from the one-horned rhinoceros to the 

 white ant or ranges. 



As regards its climate, it is under the influence of the N. E. 

 and S. "W. monsoons, being most unhealthy during the periods 

 of the changes of monsoon. The heat during the day is about 

 the same as in Singapore, generally, however, tempered by a strong 

 breeze, especially in Acheh Besar; the nights, and more parti- 

 cularly the early mornings, are delightfully cool ; but these very 

 breezes too often bring on fever and other ailments. 



In describing the country, it will, on political grounds, be best 

 to divide it into the following districts, namely: — The (1) East Coast ; 

 (2) North-East Coast ; (3) West Coast ; and (4) Acheh Besar 

 (Acheen Proper). 



The East Coast extends from Tamiang to Diamond Point, and 

 comprises the following States ( I give them in the order in which 

 they extend along the coast from Tamiang northwards), viz.: — 

 Menjapahit, Langsar, Birim, Bay an, Sungei Ray a, Perlak, Pedawa 

 Besar, Pedawa Kechil, Idi. Besar, l'cli Tchut or Kechil, Buging 

 Bayan, Glumpang, Juriilu or Julot, Tanjong Semantoh, and 

 Simpang Olim. 



At the head of each of these States, we find a Baja, each at one 

 time or other a self-made and self-styled ruler, without a drop of 

 royal blood in his veins. The exact dates and origin of tjiese 



