NIAS, an important island belonging to Holland, lies to the w. of Sumatra, in 0° 18' 54"-1° 35' n. lat., and 97°-98° e. long., and has an area of about 1,575 sq. miles. In 1857, when the Dutch took complete possession of the island, the population was reck oned at 170,000. There are several places where ships can anchor and take in provis ions. water, etc. On the e. coast is the village of Nials, and on the w. Silmongang. Little islands and coral reefs lie here and there on the coast, which in some places is steep. while mountain-chains run from the s.e. to the north-west. There is a greater breadth of excellent farming-grounds than the population, reduced by internal wars and the exportation of slaves, can properly cultivate. They grow rice, cocoa-nuts, bananas, tobacco, sugar-canes, etc., and annually about 110,000 lbs. of pepper. Cattle and horses have been imported, and they pay great attention to the raising of pigs and fowls. Formerly, about 500 Niassers were carried away annually as slaves to Batavia and other places, and though this traffic has been in a great measure suppressed, it is still to some extent carried on.
The Niassers are of the Malay race, but fairer than the Malays usually are. They are gentle, sober, and peaceful, remarkably ingenious iu handicraft, ornamenting their houses with wood-carvings, forging arms, etc. The women labor in the fields, the chil dren weave mats, while the men look after the live-stock, and hunt the deer and wild swine. They worship a superior deity, and fear a powerful one, who pursues them if they do evil. Polygamy is permitted, but is rare. The gift to the bride's family is from 60 to 500 dollars. Divorce is not allowed, and adultery is punished by the death of both parties. Dead bodies are placed in coffins above the ground, and creepers and flowering shrubs planted. which speedily grow up and cover them. Trade is on the increase.—See zlayaie Miscellanies, vol. ii. ; Het _Maul Aria's, door H. J. Domis; Craw. ford's Descriptke Dictionary (LOndon; 1856); ThIschrift soar Eed.. Indie,-1854, 1860, etc.