AMBOY'NA, APON or Trrau the most important of the Spice islands belonging to the Dutch, lies s.w. from Ceram, and n.w. from Banda, in 127° 51' 30"-128° 22' 15" e. long., and 3 26' 40"-3° 49' s. lat. Area, 287 sq.m The bay of A. runs into the island lengthways, forming two peninsulas, the northern called Hitu, and the southern, which is the smallest, Leitimor. A. is mountainous, the highest peaks being in Hitu. The climate is healthy; average temperature, 82° F. ; west, 72°. The e. monsoon brings heavy rains and storms. There are many rapid streams, and the t. of A. is supplied with excellent water from three small rivers. Clove, sago, mango, and cocoa-nut trees are abundant, also fine timber for cabinet work. The sago palm grows along the shores. The hills are covered with the cajeput or leucadendron, from the leaves of which a medic inal oil is extracted. The clove produce varies much, but the average of 10 years is about 400,000 lbs. In a good year, a bearing tree gives about 5 lbs. Sweet potatoes, cof fee, pepper, indigo, rice, and fruits are grown. Iiish is plentiful,. and on the banks of A. beautiful shells are found. Deer are numerous on Ilitu. There arc hogs and goats, a few sheep, monkeys, civet-cats, anteaters, crocodiles, snakes, etc. Buffaloes, horned cattle, and horses are imported. The natives arc for the most civilized, though still very superstitious. They speak a Malay dialect, and observe customs which indicate a Hindoo origin. Daughters are a source of wealth, a payment of jewels, slaves, or clothing being exacted from the bridegroom. The villagers are set apart for the clove cultivation, and
employed in feudal service during one half of the year. The freemen follow handi crafts, grow fruits and vegetates, fish, make fragrant oils, and trade. The trade, which is small, is chiefly carried on by Chinese and Arabs. Pop. 28,000, fully one half being Christians; the remainder, except 2000 heathen, Mohammedans. The Dutch took A. from the Portuguese in 1605.
AmnovNA, the capital, is situated near the middle of the n.w. shore of Leitimor, on the bay of A., in 3° 41' 40" s. lat., and 128' 15' e. long. A wooden pier, where ships lie in 20 fathoms, leads to the t. through fort Victoria, in which arc two companies of infantry and half a company of artillery, making a force of 271 men and 23 officers. The t, is built at the base of mount Soya. The streets are wide and clean; many houses are shaded by nutmeg trees. Principal buildings are two Protestant churches, an orphan house, hospital, etc. Europeans live s.w. of the fort in low stone houses. There is a theater, and well-kept markets. The Netherlands missionary society has a training-school for native teachers and ministers, with a printing establishment for lesson-books. The Reformed church has 1800 members, 1300 being natives, with 2 ministers who superin tend other churches. Pop. 10,500. Since 1854 A. has been a free port,