1832.] 
STRAIT OF SUNDA. 
239 
sage, called the Strait of Sunda, which is formed by the near 
approximation of Java to Sumatra, the western extremity of the 
one approaching to within a few leagues of the southeastern ex- 
tremity of the other. These two extensive, but comparatively 
narrow islands, were probably once united at the point where this 
very passage now exists ; and this supposition is strengthened by 
the fact, that the channel between them is speckled with numer- 
ous little islands of various dimensions. This strait is betweeii 
fifty and sixty miles in length, and varying from twenty to four- 
teen in breadth. The features of the two grand islands are 
presented to the spectator while passing between them, and dis^ 
tinguished by the peculiar luxuriance, softness, and amenity of 
their native teints of verdure. On both these great islands, and 
particularly on Sumatra, which forms the western boundary of 
the strait, all is vegetation and verdure — all repose — all silent, 
monotonous, .and unvarying ; there is no particular point for the 
eye to rest on. Like the new and virgin isles of the west, when 
first discovered by Columbus, the prospect presents one continued 
extent of soft and luxuriant green — communicating refreshment 
to the eye, but conveying no cheering sentiment to the heart. 
Such to the first man might have been the aspect of the earth 
prior to the formation of his helpmate. It is associated with such 
a cheerless idea of solitude, of loneliness, and of the total ab- 
sence of social aff"ections and intercourse, that one might well 
exclaim with the poet — 
u * * * * Woman — oh woman ! whose form and whose soul, 
Are the spell and the light of each path we pursue ; 
Whether sunned in the tropic, or chilled at the pole, 
If woman be there, there is happiness too." 
On directing the eye to the east side of the strait, the coast of 
Java (particularly the shore of Bantam) presents a diflierent as- 
pect. The forests have been broken in upon by the arts of civili- 
zation, and the intermediate patches of cleared ground exhibit 
evident testimony of the progress of agriculture, imparting variety 
and beauty to the prospect, and teaching the wanderer to feel that 
civilized beings are near him, ready to participate with him in 
those social enjoyments, debarred from which every place is a 
desert. 
The wind had slackened some, but still our well-trimmed vessel 
