Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra13141884roya).pdf/369

 BRITISH NORTH BORNEO.

The object of this paper is to give a short and general sketch of the territory under the Government of British North Borneo Company, from personal observations made during a residence of nearly three years in the country, and from the official reports of Messrs., , and.

Embracing an area of some 20,000 square miles, and a coast line of about 500 miles, the territory lies between the 116th and 119th degrees of East longitude, and the 4th and 7th parallels of North latitude.

The general geographical features of the country are as follows:—A range of mountains the general direction of which is North-East and South-West—forms a backbone through the heart of the country, varying in height from 4,000, 7,000 and 8,000 feet in the mountains of Melaio, Mentapok and Trodan, respectively, until the altitude of 13,698 feet is attained by the rugged peaks of Kina Balu, which tower above the surrounding country, repelling with precipitous ascent the adventurer who would attain their summits. From this range and descending to the coast on either side, are lesser ranges of