I832.j 
ISLAND OP SUMATRA. 
149 
of various kinds, to the culture of which the soil is well adapted; 
likewise sweet potatoes and pulse, a species of French bean, as 
well as the egg-plant, probably introduced from China, all of 
which are much used for food. Maize is planted, and much eaten 
while green, but not relied on as an essential article of subsistence. 
The indigo, taroom, found on all their plantations, is used as a 
die-stuff; but is not in general prepared in solid pieces as we 
see in the southern ceroons. Diewoods of various kinds, some 
of which are very valuable, are found on the island, with the 
virtues and qualities of which the natives appear to be well ac- 
quainted. 
No portion of the globe can probably boast of so many indige- 
nous fruits as the Malay islands. Here nature, in liberal profu- 
sion, has poured forth her most delicious productions. The man- 
gusteen — how shall we describe it ? The pride and boast of 
India ! Where shall we find language that will convey to those 
who never tasted it, an idea of its inexpressible delicacy; — unlike, 
as it is unequalled by, any fruit in the world. It is a drupe, con- 
sisting of a soft, succulent, and thick rind, encompassing kernels, 
which are covered with a juicy and perfectly white substance, 
that dissolves ifi the mouth. It ,is so innocent in its effects, that 
it may be partaken in any quantity, without danger. 
There is another fruit, called the doosean, of which the natives 
are extremely fond, and subsist on it almost entirely during its 
season. This is a rich fruit, grows on high trees, and not pleasant, 
either in flavour or odour, to those who are unaccustomed to it. 
Besides those already mentioned, and various other fruits found 
on the vine, the shrub, or the trees of the forest, there are man- 
goes, Indian figs, bananas, pineapples, oranges, limes, and lemons, 
in abundance ; also, pomegranates, melons, watermelons, tama- 
rinds, and grapes, though in limited extent ; the latter grow wild, 
and are scarcely cultivated at all. 
But prolific nature has by no means exhausted all her energies 
on the vegetable kingdom in Sumatra. The island not only 
abounds with plants, flowers, fruits, and gigantic forests, but also 
in beasts, birds, reptiles, and insects ; which, though extremely 
numerous, being similar to those found in other portions of India, 
can receive but a partial notice at our hand. Those of most 
note are the. following, distinguished by their native and foreign 
