NATIVE MUSIC — OUR ROUTE, 
29 
are supported by numerous flutes and primitive 
two-stringed violins, as well as by cymbals and 
tinkling instruments. Through all booms the 
deep note of a large single gong, set in a tripod 
frame, the whole forming a massive if not over- 
musical orchestra. Each member of it seemed 
to play with heart and soul, making ludicrous 
facial contortions and genuflections, and sway- 
ing the body to and fro, as if carried away by 
the enchantment of the music he produced. 
We take passage on the 15 th of tins mouth 
from Batavia to Amboina. You remember our 
destination is Timor-laut or Tenimber Islands, 
a small group shown on the map as lying be- 
tween the considerable islands of Papua or New 
Guinea and Timor. We shall get as far as 
Amboina, in the Moluccas, by the Netherland 
India steamer Bromo, and find other means of 
proceeding thence to Timor-laut, A steamer of 
this company makes the tour of the archipelago 
once a month, going from Macassar northwards, 
coasting Celebes, calling at Amboina and Timor, 
and passing through the Flores Straits to Macas- 
sar, one journey, and reversing the route the 
next. We happen to go by the southern route. 
I shall do my best to post some news of our 
progress at Macassar, 
