334 
COMPENDIUM OF GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL 
as having long been the exclusive nutmeg-garden of the 
world, and it is still the place where this beautiful tree 
grows in the greatest perfection. Omitting the small 
islets, it consists of six islands, situated about 60 miles 
south of Ceram and 130 miles from Amboina. Of these 
only three are of any importance: Banda Nera, upon 
BANDA VOLCANO. 
which the town is situated; Banda Lontar, the site of 
the chief nutmeg parks; and Gunong Api, the volcano. 
The largest is Banda Lontar, 7|- miles long, and of 
semilunar shape, having the other two islands in its 
concavity, while two islets projecting from its eastern 
horn form with it nearly half a circle, the only portion 
now remaining of what was at one time a gigantic crater. 
