DR, EPF’S ACCOUNT OF BANKA, 
341 
dangerous subject and of a suspicious appearance. The old Dipatti has 
winning looks, and in bis features has somewhat of Napolean. He re¬ 
ceived his pension in Baturussak and for this reason was on good terms 
with me. He often visited me when mutual presents were given, on our 
part of course with more liberality than on his. Now and then we made 
excursions to his kampong in a small boat (sampan). We departed 
on such occasions early in the morning from Batlurussak and used our 
umbrellas (payongs) instead of sails, which afterwards served us as tents 
against the burning beams of the sun. At noon we arrived at his house, 
dined with him, hunted in his ladang, presented trifles to his children 
and returned in the evening. Then the air was soft and cool, the dark blue 
sky glittered with innumerable stars which were reflected by the smooth 
river$ the dark silent forest bordering the waves was illuminated by 
myriads of emerald sparkles, emanating from numberless winged insects. 
Except the strokes of the oars, the hollow roaring of the Ludong roused 
from his den, or the snapping of the alligator, nothing interrupted the solemn 
Silence. The feelings which then took possession of our minds can only 
be appreciated by those who have themselves witnessed the magnificence 
of the tropical nights in the East. 
The peace of Banka has since remained undisturbed (some broils among 
the Chinese excepted). Civilization, however, makes its progress slow¬ 
ly. The produce of the tin mines increases every year. Excellent roads 
spread over the island which are kept constantly in good condition, though 
they are only practicable for foot passengers, since the bridges consist of 
round rugged beams, between the interstices of which the feet of the 
horses are easily crushed, and since the hilly country is not adapted for the 
use of carriages. The houses of the kampong are constructed of better 
materials} many Chinese places possess handsome substantial buildings, 
wherein the traveller finds better accommodation than in the settlements 
or in the jungle. Muntok itself is improving daily. The population of 
the island is on the increase. 
The area of the island might promise a population tenfold the 
present number. Many a country in Europe of equal extent and 
less liberally endowed by nature supports above a million inhabitants. 
Many a tract of land at present lying waste is able to furnish the means of 
existence to a multitude of industrious colonists. If the soil were brought 
under proper culture it would become unnecessary to abandon ground once 
in use, and to destroy every year a fine forest to obtain room for a ladang. 
On the contrary the forests ought to be spared as much as possible since 
