Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 2 (Stockdale).djvu/375

] before the Sultana, who resided at Bouton, and was an ally of the Dutch Company, had been previously informed of our design. We told them that we were very desirous of viewing this part of the island, and one of them went immediately to signify our wish to that petty sovereign.

We were soon visited by two Dutch soldiers, who offered to procure us an interview with the Sultan, assuring us that without his permission the natives durst not sell us any provisions. They then conducted us to their own dwelling, where we were informed that the Sultan would not be visible till very late in the afternoon. Upon this intelligence a considerable number of us took an excursion into the interior of the island, directing our route to the eastward. The natives did not appear surprised at seeing us, and shewed no inclination to follow us.

After having walked for more than two hours along the banks of a small river, covered with a great number of boats, some of which had come from the strait laden with fish, we forded the stream with a view of proceeding to the northward. We went up very steep ascents, where I collected a great number of plants; among others, the barleria prionitis, and several new species of the croton.

Most of the habitations in this part of the