THE CHURCH, 
81 
choosing a particular kind from the smooth 
pebbles on the edge ; and when they have indus- 
triously bathed, they dip the finger in the silvery 
sand, and with it polish the teeth ! 
There is a large church in Waai, quite out of 
proportion in size and grandeur to the popula- 
tion and intellectual elevation of the place. We 
came on it by chance one Sunday morning, and 
were so amused and interested that we did not 
notice the congregation gathering. Then we 
hurried away, for beside the decent company we 
felt ashamed of our travel-stained and un-Sunday- 
like garments. The area of the church is set 
with cane-bottomed chairs instead of fixed pews. 
On one side, raisjed a few feet above the floor, is 
a suite of seats reserved for the Rajah’s use, 
canopied, carved, and richly gilded, with his coat 
of arms emblazoned in front. The pulpit is also 
much carved and gilded, and the church alto- 
gether is tastefully fitted, and is abundantl}' 
lighted with petroleum lamps. The services are 
conducted in High Malay by a European mis- 
sionary (he is absent at present on a tour to 
distant stations), and in his absence by the 
native schoolmaster, who with moderate regu^ 
larity instructs the children five days a- week. 
Amboinese Rajahs keep no state, and wear no 
F 
l*Ar* 
