48 ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [African Inlands. 



destitute of smell The fruit or nut is somewhat larger than a cherry ; pear- 

 shaped, roundish body. Internally it is divided like the walnut, but into 

 six parts, covered with a coriaceous shell, a green bark adhering thereto : 

 both are aromatic, but the kernel is almost caustic to the taste. The natives 

 gather it unripe, and use it as spice. The acridity leaves it in time ; it is 

 then thrown into boiling water for 4 or 5 minutes, and dried in the sun. 

 The essential oil it yields is more esteemed than oil of cloves. 



COMORO ISLANDS consist of Comoro, Mohilla, Mayotta, and 

 Johanna, all very high, inhabited by Mahometans, generally courteous. 



COMORO, the largest, in latitude 11° 32' S., longitude 43° 25 E., 

 is about 12 leagues long, and 6 broad. The anchorage is inconvenient, 

 at the N. W., in latitude 11° 18' S. It is not advisable to anchor under 30 

 or 35 fathoms water, on account of the vicinity of the breakers. The town 

 is large, with a smooth sandy beach before it, the only place where a boat 

 can land. Shoal water runs off* three-quarters of a mile. When the town 

 is seen, send boats ahead, for the bank is steep. Ships may be sheltered 

 from the S. monsoon. This island is seldom visited by Europeans. 



Provisions and Refreshments. — Excellent bullocks, sheep, goats, 

 and tropical fruits ore procurable ; but no water. A present to the King 

 or Chief is necessary. 



MOHILLA, the smallest, is 12 leagues from Comoro, in latitude 12* 

 20f S., and longitude 43" 50 E. There are said to be several anchorages 

 among coral reefs ; the best is that to the S., behind some isles. The town 

 is on a bluff hillock close to the sea. The King resides about 4 leagues 

 from this place ; the coast is very dangerous, and there is a large surf two 

 miles from his residence. 



Provisions and Refreshments may be obtained here: small bullocks, rice, 

 paddy, and fruit. The sea abounds with fish. Mohilla was once considered 

 the best island for refreshments, Jbut that of Johanna is now preferred for 

 its safety. The watering-place is about 200 yards from the beach of Mohilla; 

 the water is in a ravine, so tluit the casks are filled with an engine, where 

 they are easily rolled from the soft sandy beach. 



MAYOTTA, being surrounded with reefs, is least frequented. It is 

 known by a conical mountain on its S. part, in latitude 12 3 54' S., longitude 

 45^ 14' E. The N. W. part, where is the best anchorage, is in latitude 

 12° 4£ S. An'opening in the reef at the N. part leads to another anchorage, 

 formerly frequented by English ships, or when the island has been mistaken 

 for Johanna, on account of the Saddle Island at its N. W. end. 



Refreshments and water can be procured, but it is attended with 

 danger. 



