xii 



CONTKNTS. 



Islet — .Singular mass of points above high-water mark— All prove 

 stationary condition of North-east Coast for long period of time — 

 Mr. Darwin's theory applied to the Great Barrier-— Explanation 

 through it of both the general form, the normal condition, and the 

 occasional exceptions and variations . . .311 



CHAPTER XIV. 



First visit to Port Easirigton in August, 1843 — General aspect of the 

 country and settlement — Geological structure, sterility, unhealthl- 

 ness— Native tribes — Second visit in September, 1844— Third visit in 

 January, 1845 — Arrival of a new party — Prahus collecting Trepang 

 — Method of fishing for, and of preparing Trepang — Capabilities of 

 Port Essington — Totally unfit for agricultural pursuits— No advan- 

 tages for commerce — Inconveniently situated as a harbour of refuge 

 — Fourth visit in June, 1845— Contrast between the vegetation of 

 Port Essington aud Cape York — Deaths among the new party — 

 Political reasons for retaining Port Essington . . 349 



CHAPTER XV. 



Coupang, Timor— Aspect of country, and of the town — Money trans- 

 actions— Eefreshments— The church, school, and schoolmaster— 

 Chinese — Malay Rajahs — Appearance of the people — Pirates — 

 Aborigines — Church Service in M slay— Excursion up the valley — 

 View of the interior — Geological structure— Raised coral reef . 307 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Aspect of the south-east end of Sandalwood Island— Alass Strait — 

 Character of the shores of Sumbawa and Lombock — Lombock Peak 

 — Approach to the Strait of Madura— Aspect of Madura and Java— 

 Sonrabaya, its extent and general aspect — Monetary affairs — Anec- 

 dotes of the people— Excursion to Grissek — Hire a house — Kindness 

 of the Resident— Preparation for a Tour— Varied population of the 

 town .... . . 389 



