SAMARA NG. 
33 
steamer! I find endless amusement in simply 
looking on. 
In two days we moored off Samarang, having 
seldom lost sight of the much-indented coast of 
Java, which presented to our view ranges of 
undulating hills, backed by imposing mountains. 
The shallowness of the harbour of Samarang does 
not admit of anchorage within several miles from 
the mouth of the canal, which, as at Batavia, 
leads to the town. Being still fatigued from the 
exertions of the days preceding our departure, 
we did not attempt to go on shore. The heat 
was insufferable as we lay these two days motion- 
less in the bay, and it was the greatest relief to 
start for the next port, Surabaya, where it is 
required that all disembark with their whole 
possessions for five days. Sailing straight to 
Amboina, without any stoppage, would take 
about one week. The expense of a voyage, and 
the loss of time, are considerable when you must 
go all round the archipelago, and wait at differ- 
ent ports until the vessel is ready to proceed. 
But there is absolutely no other means of travel : 
this company has a monopoly, and voyagers have 
no alternative except the risks and clangers of a 
native prahu, to face which the experience of 
another traveller did not invite us. Mr Wallace^ 
c 
RAFFLES LIBRARY 
