216 
HOUSEKEEPING IN INSULINDE. 
sweet treble tlie whole of the soprano airs of 
operas such as Mignon and Lucia di Larnmer- 
tnoor, as well as of the most famous oratorios. 
It would be unthankful if I did not mention 
to you the courteous attentions of Colonel 
Dimini, commandant of the troops, who has 
presented us with an interesting ethnographical 
collection from the island of Ceram ; also the 
friendly welcome always accorded us in the 
homes of Major Van der Weide and the senior 
judge. 
Housekeeping in the Indies is, as a whole, ex- 
pensive. Although market produce is cheaper 
in Amboina than in large centres, tinned meat 
and other kinds of preserved food are very dear, 
since they have to be brought such a distance. 
Fowls and eggs have a large place in domestic 
cookery, and the abundant supply of choice fish 
in the island aids housekeeping greatly. A 
bullock is slaughtered every day for the use of 
the troops, the officers and high officials being 
first served ; but the animals are small, and the 
flesh is not like the juicy beef-steaks of English 
meat. Potatoes are very dear, but are in daily 
use : they are brought from the highlands of 
Java and Timor. Good vegetables of other sorts 
are, however, generally procurable, and the 
