NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE. 
597 
Ternate is again rising into importance as a spice island, for tlie Dutch no longer 
confine the cultivation of cloves to the island of Amboina, or that of nutmegs to the island 
of Banda ; consequently, the rich soil of this island will soon again be most productive. 
Already there are nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, and clove trees growing, besides a pro- 
fusion of fruit trees. The durian, mangosteen, mango, and pine-apple all flourish on the 
island, which also produces oranges, lemons, pomegranates, &c., and there is hope that 
coffee and cocoa may likewise thrive. Sago is still, as it was two centuries ago, 
the staple food of the inhabitants. The supplies are, as they were in the time of 
Magellan, plentiful and moderate : beef Is. per lb., fowls 8s. per dozen, ducks 2s. 9d. to 
3s. each, geese 6s. or 7s. each, and sweet potatoes 5s. per picul (133-^ lbs.). 
A fair supply of coal is kept in stock, and vessels may be certain of always 
obtaining sufficient here to take them on to Amboina, the main depot of the Dutch 
amongst these islands. A pier runs out from the shore, alongside which a vessel may 
lie whilst receiving the coal, but as it is very rickety, off-fasts are required. There 
are 5 fathoms alongside the end of this pier at low water. From the beach abreast 
the town three piers run out ; the northernmost and best is opposite the Resident’s 
house, the second is for the use of the natives, and the third and southernmost is the 
coaling pier. 
After the pier has been traversed, a well-kept road is reached, running parallel with 
the shore, on each side of which trees are planted, as closely together as possible, 
affording a grateful shade from the vertical rays of the sun. By the side of this road 
is the residence of the Governor, and also those of the officials, and here again, in a 
most pleasant situation, is the usual club house, to which the members of the Expedi- 
tion were made most welcome. If this road is further pursued, Fort Orange, the strong- 
hold of the Dutch in the island, is at last reached, which, founded in about 1616, yet 
remains as a shelter for the European inhabitants, in case of a revolt of the natives, but 
is of no use against foreign aggression. 
From Ternate a trade is carried on with New Guinea under the general direction of 
the Rajah of Tidore, who claims a certain jurisdiction over all the land to the meridian 
of 141° E. longitude, or rather the Dutch do for him. Very considerable distrust 
appeared to exist between the New Guinea people and these traders. During the season 
of 1873 three Malay proas, wrecked on the New Guinea coast, were plundered, and most 
of the crew slain ; but it seemed probable that the influence of the travellers engaged in 
the exploration of the interior of New Guinea, together with the abolition of slavery 
throughout the Dutch possessions, and the establishment of legitimate trade, would pro- 
duce more amicable feelings between the Papuan race and the outside world. 
There was a report at Ternate, during the stay, that there were a number of piratical 
proas in the neighbourhood of Batian Island, and the Resident of Ternate intended, 
after the Challenger’s departure, to go to Batian, in the Dutch gunboat, and make 
