182 
MULLER’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE [March 22, 1858. 
The physical condition of this region is very varied. From east 
longitude 132° 30', or perhaps a little less, to about 135° 30', there 
are high cliffs ; only within the numerous bays are any levels to be 
seen, but near the last-named degree the rocks retire from the 
shore gradually southwards, and in this direction an extensive level 
border is visible, which stretches away in one vast wilderness to 
Torres Strait. In lat. 5-§-°, about, there rises a lofty mountain 
chain, which opens out north, and at 4J° presents an uncommonly 
bold aspect, some of the summits seeming to be raised above the 
limits even of perpetual snow ; it runs apparently almost east and 
west, while the smaller chains hemming the coast follow the south- 
easterly and north-westerly bend of the island. The difference 
between the two chains is remarkable. That lying far inland has 
softly swelling outlines and a number of broad flat crowns, exten- 
sive plateaux probably, which, judging from their situation, must 
be surrounded partly by a temperate, partly by a cold climate. The 
more northerly coast elevations, on the contrary, are almost every- 
where rude and craggy in form, not unfrequently resembling tall 
turrets and fractured battlements. The islands along the coast 
agree with it in external form and internal constitution ; they are 
separated from it by straits or channels more or less broad, the 
banks of which are mostly steep as walls, and where damaged by 
the heavy gulf-stroke are commonly much perforated. Small sandy 
patches within the bays and coves are peopled by the half-nomadic 
Papuans. In the straits alluded to, the navigable water is pure 
and deep, ground being seldom reached at a depth of from 50 to 90 
fathoms. Farther south, on the contrary, a ship of moderate dimen- 
sions cannot approach within a mile or even two of shore without 
constant use of the lead. 
Some of the numerous river-mouths on the coast must be sought 
far inland, as in the southern portion of New Guinea the watershed 
is distant from the west coast. The Princess Marianne Strait is 
upwards of two geographical miles wide at its northerly entrance, 
but becomes gradually narrower inland. Its depth, reckoning from 
low- water level, is from 4 to upwards of 10 fathoms ; at the southern 
outlet only it diminishes to scarcely 2 fathoms. The banks are low 
and marshy, and covered with wood. Fresh water may be found 
in a creek that empties itself not far to the south-west of the only 
little island there is in the strait. From this circumstance, and 
also from facilities for refitting here, the discovery of the strait is 
valuable, though it may never become generally useful. 
The south-western promontory of New Guinea, as far as 135° 30' 
E., is flat, consisting of bluish grey clay, interspersed with pieces 
