SIR THOMAS STAMFORD RAFFLES. 
51 
accompanied by Lady Raffles,, who entered warmly 
into Ids pursuits, and delighted in exploring those fairy 
isles, the lands of eastern fable and magnificence, ce- 
lebrated by all mariners as the most gorgeous water 
scenery iu the world : 
“ So strong the influence of the fairy scene. 
“ It is impossible,” writes Lady Raffles, <( to con- 
vey an idea of the pleasure of sailing through this 
beautiful and unparalleled Archipelago, in winch 
every attraction of nature is combined. The smooth- 
ness of the sea, the lightness of the atmosphere, the 
constant succession of the most picturesque lake 
scenery ; islands of every shape and size clustered 
together; mountains of the most fanciful Forms 
crowned with verdure to their summit ; rich and luxu- 
riant vegetation extending to the very edge of the 
water; little native boats with only one person in 
them, contiuually darting out from the deep shade 
which concealed them, looking like so many cockle 
shells wafted about by the wind. Altogether, it is 
a scene of enchantment deserving a poets pen to de- 
scribe its beauties/' 
With the sanction of the government of the India 
House, Sir Stamford had now in his employment a 
regular establishment 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 in science of no ordinary kind. They were 
