438 
COMPENDIUM OF GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL 
length, is traversed by a fine mountain range whose bare 
summits reach an altitude of 8500 feet. They are most 
probably of volcanic origin. The scenery is described by 
Captain Moresby as grandly picturesque. The sides of 
the chief peak—Mount Goodenough—are cultivated to a 
height of about 2000 feet, and an abundance of mountain 
torrents dash down its ravines. The natives are clever 
agriculturists, constructing terraces and building stone 
walls four feet or more in height round their gardens— 
the only instance of the kind known in British New 
Guinea. 
The Trobriand group lie about 30 miles north of the 
D’Entrecasteaux Islands. They are low, coral islands, 
and densely inhabited, the population probably being not 
less than 20,000. The natives have undoubtedly a 
strong admixture of Polynesian blood, and are well 
disposed. The soil is exceedingly fertile, so much so that 
the islands have been termed the gardens of British New 
Guinea. Woodlark Island, though unproductive, is also 
well populated. 
Before leaving the subject of New Guinea, we may 
glance for a moment at the conditions the country 
presents with regard to European administration and 
settlement. The Dutch portion affords various advan¬ 
tages which are not shared by either the British or the 
German possessions. It is the most easily accessible 
from the larger centres of civilisation; has carried on a 
certain amount of trade with the Malays for three or 
four centuries ; is in close proximity to the Moluccas, and 
can be easily served by the same line of steamers; is 
only an extension of a vast possession of practically 
unbroken boundaries; and, finally, has a coast with few 
reefs, but a number of good harbours. Not only 
