MANNER OF LIFE OF THE EUROPEANS IN BANKA. 
343 
account of the pure riontels,of the patmgroves, from which Pangkal-pinang 
derived its name, of the fair women, and of the large fowls and cats, which 
I had met with. 
The time of my stay at Banka was the happiest period of my life in the 
East Indies, and often I wished myself back in this country during my sub¬ 
sequent sojourn in Sumatra. Even now I remember those days with plea¬ 
sure. My stay in Muntok, where the presence of the civil and military offi¬ 
cers, the lively kampong and the delightful situation close to the Banka 
street, contribute towards the enjoyment of life, was but too short. I choose 
Iheeastcoastformy domicile where I lived it is true entirely isolated in that 
tedious place Baturussak, but independently, and in a sphere which roused 
my activity in the various occupations as superintendant of Marawak, — 
which office (he first functionary of Sungie-liat and Marawang confered up¬ 
on me as physician and apothecary. Being at the same time the first civil 
authority of that place my life was that of a petty prince. The office of presi¬ 
dent of judicature, superintendent of police, administrator of the tin mines 
or Marawang, overseer of the government buildings at Baturussak, super¬ 
intendent of public roads, inspector of the garrison at that place and of the 
equipment of the coast vessels, were united in my person, and I was belov¬ 
ed and cherished by my Malay and Chinese subjects. The vessels arriving 
and departing were consigned to me. The Resident and other function¬ 
aries, on their circuit through the place, always lodged with me during 
the time of their stay, as did the commanders of the vessels. It was ne¬ 
cessary for this reason to be always provided with sufficient provisions, for 
the purpose of exercising the hospitality which is still a virtue of this coun¬ 
try. The supplies I received twice a year from vessels coming to anchor 
at this place. They consisted generally of a great quantity of Rhenish, Ma¬ 
deira, Cape and red French wines, ports, ale and Dutch beer, liquors, gin 
and seltzer-water, some casks of butter, herrings, some dozen cases with 
salmons, sardines, European fleshmeat, broths and preserves, haras, pota¬ 
toes, province oil, <£c. The country furnished venison, poultry, fishes, 
yamroots, melons, cucumbers, pineapples, and other fruits. Only the 
water was in the dry season scarce and of a bad quality, since for want of 
a well it must be taken from an open pit about 500 feet distant from my 
house. 
The days during which I had guests with me, w ere feast days and in lived 
then in jubilee, notwithstanding the circumstance of seeing a great breach 
effected in my provisions. When the guests were departed aud had left me 
solitary, my life was the following. 
c 3 
