8 



Malaysia. 



ward. and of that large body of islamls 

 wlik-li arc f<>und mi both sides of tlie equa- 

 tor froni ten degrees north, to about teu 

 degrecs soutli. Amongst these islands, 

 which are very nunierous, are those of such 

 areas as Borneo and Snmalra. There are 

 also hundreds of little specks which barely 

 raise their heads above thc sea. It would 

 not be hnproper to inclnde in Malaysia the 

 Philippine Islands, but as these have now 

 to the American public the distinctive in- 

 tcrest of being our first and only Asiatic 

 possessions, they will be treated in a sepa- 

 rate volume. 



The Islands of Malaysia have running 

 through them a line of voIcanic activity. 

 Beginning with Sumatra aud going east 

 and north a distinct line of fire inay be 

 traced up to Japan. Along this line is 

 found great volcanic activity, Extinct 

 cratcrs and vo!canoes that still tlireaten 

 disturbances are to be found in a well 

 marked order, antl along parl of the course 

 the path is marked by extinct craters and 

 layers of scorise and slag. On both sides 

 of this line of fire are lands as fertile and 

 as beautiful as any thc earth holds. 



