INTRODUCTION. 
73 
abound in the island of Java, perhaps as much as 
in any other tropical region. They were peculiarly 
useful in travelling, and possessed the advantage of 
affording a ready access to the subjects. As the 
ultimate object of my pursuits was to provide an 
extensive and well-conditioned collection, which 
might be useful and instructive in England, I had, 
soon after receiving the patronage of the Honour- 
able East India Company, directed my attention to 
the provision necessary for its safety during a voyage. 
My residence at Surakarta afforded me peculiar ad- 
vantages in this point of view. Both materials and 
workmen are here obtained, perhaps more readily 
than in any other part of Java. Boxes, according 
to the plan described, were therefore provided, of 
more substantial materials than those employed in 
travelling, in proportion to the increase of the col- 
lection. The wood of the Bombux penUmdrum was 
employed for lining the boards and securing the 
pins; and I ascribe to an acquaintance with the 
peculiar property of this wood — which renders it an 
effectual substitute for cork — the preservation of the 
collection during its transportation. After having 
carefully packed the subjects, every necessary pre- 
caution that suggested itself was used in securing 
the boxes against accidents during the voyage. 
They were individually painted and covered with 
oil-clotli. Each box was then placed in an outer 
case, made of the same substantial materials, and 
secured in the same manner. By these various 
precautions, and by the care which the collection 
