226 
CRUISE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER, 
whose wide-spreading branches and bright green 
foliage are offered to the hand of industry for fulfilling 
the varied purposes of life, whether useful or orna- 
mental — all gave to the general aspect a picturesque 
beauty only to be met with amongst these lovely 
islands. 
It was soon time to retrace our steps, yet I could 
not help stopping again and again to gaze on these 
scenes, and to endeavour to fix on my mind an 
impression which at the time I knew I should wholly 
or partially lose. The form of the beautiful nutmeg 
fruit and other spice-producing trees, the sago-palm, 
or betel, may possibly remain clear and separate, but 
the thousand and one beauties that unite them into 
a perfect scene must surely fade away. 
It was past noon when we again reached Govern- 
ment House ; and now each of our party strolled 
away, either to the Club or for a farther walk in the 
country, so as to pass the time until the evening, 
when a reception in honour of the “ Challengers ” w T as 
held at Government House, finishing up with a ball. 
All the rank and beauty of Ternate were of course 
there to meet us, besides the officers from a small 
Dutch war-ship in port. The company was a med- 
ley of nationalities. There were Arabs in jaunty 
turbans and long, flowing her nouses ; curious-looking 
Chinese in silks and long tails ; Malays, with close- 
shaven crowns and richly brocaded jackets; and 
sober, quiet-looking Dutchmen in evening dress. Nor 
