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the coast is generally bordered with a narrow band
of low land, from which rises a high and almost continuous
chain of mountains extending parallel with
the southwest, or, as the Dutch always call it, the
“ west ” coast, all the way north to Achin.
The next morning, after passing the lofty peak
of Indrapura, found us steaming in under the bills
and high mountains that stand by the sea at Padang
and rise tier above tier until they reach the crest
of the Barizan chain, producing one of the grandest
effects to be enjoyed on the shores of any island
in the whole archipelago. Padang, unfortunately,
has no harbor, and the place where ships are obliged
to anchor is an open, exposed roadstead. There is a
sheltered harbor farther to the south, but it would
cost a large sum to build a good road from Padang
to it by cutting down the hills and bridging the
ravines. The distance from the anchorage to the city
is some three miles, and all the products exported
must be taken out to the ships on barges.
The city of Padang is situated on a small plain,
whence its name; padomg in Malay, meaning an open
field or plain. Its population numbers about twelve
thousand, and is composed of emigrants from Nias,
Java, some Chinese and Arabs, and their mestizo
descendants, besides the natives and Dutch. The
streets are well shaded and neat. Near the centre
of the city is a large, beautiful lawn, on one side of
which is the residence of the governor. On the opposite
side is the Club-House, a large and well-proportioned
building. On the south side is a small
stream where the natives haul up their boats, and
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