request of the Dutch they removed to their present abode. The
place was then no doubt much more populous, as is indicated by
the wide extent of cleared land in the neighbourhood, now covered
with coarse high grass, very disagreeable to walk through, and
utterly barren to the naturalist. A few days' exploring showed me
that only some small patches of forest remained for miles wound,
and the result was a scarcity of insects and a very limited
variety of birds, which obliged me to change my locality. There
was another village called Sahoe, to which there was a road of
about twelve miles overland, and this had been recommended to me
as a good place for birds, and as possessing a large population
both of Mahomotans and Alfuros, which latter race I much wished
to see. I set off one morning to examine this place myself,
expecting to pass through some extent of forest on my way. In
this however I was much disappointed, as the whole road lies
through grass and scrubby thickets, and it was only after
reaching the village of Sahoe that some high forest land was
perceived stretching towards the mountains to the north of it.
About half-way we dad to pass a deep river on a bamboo raft,
which almost sunk beneath us. This stream was said to rise a long
way off to the northward.

Although Sahoe did not at all appear what I expected, I
determined to give it a trial, and a few days afterwards obtained
a boat to carry my things by sea while I walked overland. A large
house on the beach belonging to the Sultan was given me. It stood
alone, and was quite open on every side, so that little privacy
could be had, but as I only intended to stay a short time I made
it do. Avery, few days dispelled all hopes I might have
entertained of making good collections in this place. Nothing was