Page:Scented isles and coral gardens- Torres Straits, German New Guinea and the Dutch East Indies, by C.D. Mackellar, 1912.pdf/282

256 people gave quantities of jewels and gold for the desired spice. All about Ternate are ruins of massive stone and brick buildings, arches and gates, mostly destroyed by earthquakes. There was a very bad one in 1840. When the slaves here were emancipated they were quite content. to remain under their former masters. The Dutch rule, somewhat paternal and despotic, is a kindly one and suited to the people.

We passed Ceram in the distance, but Buru very near; it is crescent shaped, somewhat neglected, and not as beautiful in appearance as some of the others.

These were formerly the dreaded pirate- haunted seas, and how thrilling were the tales one used to read of the phraus and their evil owners! The countless Malay phraus we saw around us here, though so exceedingly picturesque, were not above suspicion, and it is easy to believe there are many dangerous characters about. It was fascinating to watch all these sails skimming the lovely waters. We passed great shoals of fish, saw many birds sitting on driftwood, and the strange ships and their occupants were of unfailing interest.

Off the south-east coast of the Celebes are the islands of Muno and Bouton, the latter being 100 miles long. There are 20,000 inhabitants in the two islands, and much cotton is grown. The island of Salaier, south of Celebes, is 40 miles long, has 50,000 inhabitants, and is a Dutch port and settlement. There are deep seas all round