SIB Til05f AS STAMFORD RAFFLEj. 51 
accotnpanied by Lady Raffles, who entered warmly 
into hh pursuits, and delightetl in exploring those fairy 
islts, the lantli* of eaniern fable am! ma^ificence» ce- 
lebrated by all mariners as the moat gorgeous water 
scenery iu the world : 
" So strong the inaucnge of the fairy scene." 
" It 19 impoeaible," writes Lady Rafflef), " to con- 
vey an idea of the pleasure of sailing through this 
beanliful and unparalU'led Arcliipelago, in whidi 
every altraclioii of nature is combined. The smoodi- 
iiesa of tlie sea, the lightness of the atraospbere, the 
constant suceession of the most piutureHque lake 
scenery ; islandu of ever\' Bhape and sixe clustered 
togetlier; mountains of the most fanciful forms 
crowopd with verdure tii their summit ; rich and tuxu' 
riant vegetation extending to the very edge of the 
water; little native boats with only one person in 
them^ continually durting out from the deep sliado 
wjiich concealed them, looking tike so many cockle 
flhells wafted about hy the wind. AltOf,'etlier, it is 
a scene of enchantment deserving a poet a pen to de- 
scribe its beauties*" 
With the sanction of the government of the India 
Ilonse, Sir Stamfiird had now in bin employment a 
regular establ is bm en t of naturalists and draughtsmen, 
at the head of which were two French naturalists, 
Messrs Diard and Duvaucel, who, in addition to 
their knowledge in preparing specimens, added ac- 
quirements ui science of qo ordinary kind. They were 
