38 
JAVA, 
leave behind ns the most beautiful, as well as 
the most fertile, most productive, and most 
populous tropical island in the world, of which 
I regret that I am able to say so little, for I 
have scarcely more than coasted it. Java is 
magnificently varied with mountain and forest 
scenery, and is by no means inaccessible to the 
tourist. The famous Daendals, while Governor- 
General of the Dutch Indies from 1808 to 1811, 
caused roads to be made that even now excite 
the admiration of every visitor. Important 
railway routes have been opened up within the 
last two years ; but in many districts posting is 
still necessary, a mode of travelling which the 
nature of the country renders full of excitement 
and danger, 1 have good authority for stating 
that no post-horses in Europe can compare with 
those of Java, 
Let me quote a few sentences for your infor- 
mation : — 
u This island possesses many mountains, some 
rising ten or twelve thousand feet high ; the 
abundant moisture and tropical heat of the 
climate causes them to be clothed with luxuri- 
ant vegetation often to their very summit, 
while forests and plantations cover their lower 
slopes. The animal productions, especially the 
