by a group of three lofty volcanic peaks, while immediately
behind the town rises the huge mountain, sloping
easily at first and covered with thick groves of fruit trees,
hut soon becoming steeper, and furrowed with deep gullies.
Almost to the summit, whence issue perpetually faint
wreaths of smoke, it is clothed with vegetation, and looks
calm and beautiful, although beneath are hidden fires
which occasionally burst forth in lava-streams, but more
frequently make their existence known by the earthquakes
which have many times devastated the town.
I brought letters of introduction to Mr. Duivenboden, a
native of Ternate, of an ancient Dutch family, but who
was, educated in England, and speaks our language perfectly.
He was a very rich man, owned half the town,
possessed many ships, and above a hundred slaves. He
was moreover, well educated, and fond of literature and
science—a phenomenon in these regions. He was generally
known as the king of Ternate, from his large property
and great influence with the native Kajahs and their
subjects. Through his assistance I obtained a house,
rather ruinous, but well adapted to my purpose, being
close to the town, yet with, a free outlet to the country and
the mountain. A few needful repairs were soon made,
some bamboo furniture and other necessaries obtained, and
after a visit to the Eesident and Police Magistrate I found
myself an inhabitant of the earthquake-tortured island of
Ternate, and able to look about me and lay down the plan
of my campaign for the ensuing year. I retained this
house for three years, as I found it very convenient to have
a place to return to after my voyages to the various islands
of the Moluccas and Hew Guinea, where I could pack
my collections, recruit my health, and make preparations
for future journeys. To avoid repetitions, I will in this
chapter combine what notes I have about Ternate.
G a r d e n .
R o a d .
A description o f my house (the plan of which is here
shown) will enable the reader to understand a very
B 2