402 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [Eastern Islands. 



and hold it before the fire ; the flavour of the genuine oil will fly off, leaving 

 that of the added behind. 



BOURO.— This island, which is of considerable size, is about 55 miles 

 W. of Amboyna. The principal town, called Cajeli by the Dutch, is situated 

 at the bottom of Bouro Bay, on the E. side of the island, in latitude 3° 24' S., 

 and longitude 127* 4' E. On the coast E. of the village is a large deep 

 river, called Aer Bessar, which falls into the sea. The best anchorage is 

 with the fort bearing S. by E. § E., distance three-quarters of a mile. This 

 island is considered the granary of Amboyna; large quantities of rice, sago- 

 flour, and other provisions are constantly sent there. It also produces 

 several kinds of excellent timber, and many beautiful sorts of wood, similar 

 to those at Amboyna, which are in request in China for inlaid work. The 

 famous cajeputa oil is chiefly prepared here, and sent to Fort Victoria. 



Provisions and Refreshments. — Beef is difficult to be procured, it 

 being reserved for Amboyna ; the only live stock they have, are goats and 

 fowls, both of which are scarce. Deer and wild hogs can be got, but not in 

 sufficient quantities for two or three ships. The best method of procuring 

 stock is by bartering knives and common Coast cloths ; for so little do the 

 natives know the value of money, that they prize a common Lascar knife 

 as much as half a dollar in silver. Fish does not appear to be very plentiful, 

 or in any great variety ; there are, however, a few turtles occasionally ; and 

 several sorts of beautiful shells are to be found on the sea-shore. Yams, 

 bananas, limes, and various other fruits and vegetables are brought off by 

 the natives, and exchanged for common clasp knives, and coarse red and 

 white China handkerchiefs. The best watering place is just above high 

 water mark, about 100 yards to the E. of the fort, where the water is very 

 good ; it is necessary to swim your casks on shore, and back again when 

 full, as the shore is so flat, that a long boat cannot come within 100 yards 

 of low water mark. 



CERAM. — This island, which is high and mountainous, extends 

 nearly E. and W., about 54 leagues ; the S. W. point is in latitude 3° 31' S., 

 and longitude 127" 50' E. There arc several harbours : — Lahoo, near the 

 S. \V. point ; Sawa, on the N. coast, in latitude T 51' S., and longitude 

 129^ & E. ; and Wakoo, on the N. E. part, in latitude 3 1 25' S., and lon- 

 gitude ISO 3 iXJf E. The inhabitants are in general hospitable to Europeans, 

 who touch here for refreshments, or to trade. The natives of the neigh- 

 bouring islands bring beech de mer, birds'-nests, long nutmegs, birds of 

 Paradise, and sago ; sometimes spices are smuggled from finnda and Am- 

 boyna, and may be procured at reasonable rates ; in return for which, thoy 

 take coarse blue, white, and red piece-goods, India silks, opium, iron, 



