78 
MEMOIR OP 
approach nearer to the coast, the ascent is of course 
more abrupt, as may be observed in the vicinity of 
Samarang. 
“ Although the northern coast is in many parts 
flat and uninteresting, the interior and southern 
provinces, from the mountainous character of the 
country, may be reckoned among the most romantic 
and highly diversified in the world ; uniting all the 
rich and magnificent scenery which waving forests, 
never-failing streams, and constant verdure can pre- 
sent, heightened by a pure atmosphere, and the 
glowing tints of a tropical sim. Large tracts, par- 
ticularly in the mountainous ranges of the ivestern 
districts, stiU remain in a state of nature ; or where 
the ground has been once cleared of forests, are now 
overrmi mth long rank grass. In the central and 
eastern districts, the coimtry is comparatively well 
clothed with cultivation. 
“ Quitting the low coast of the north, in many 
parts imhealthy, the traveller can hardly advance 
five miles inland ndthout feeling a sensible improve- 
ment in the atmosphere and climate as he proceeds ; 
at every step he breathes a purer air, and surveys a 
brighter scene. At length he reaches the high 
lands; here the boldest forms of nature are tem- 
pered by the moral arts of man ; stupendous moun- 
tains clothed with abundant harvests, impetuous 
cataracts tamed to the peasant’s will. Here is per- 
petual verdure ; here are tints of the brightest hue. 
In the hottest season, the air retains its freshness ; 
