BATA'VIA, the capital of the empire of the .Netherlands in the East Indies, stands on the n.w. coast of Java, at the mouth of the Tjiliwong, frequently called the Jaccatra, from the former native town, on the ruins of the present city was built. There is good anchorage for large ships in the offing, and it is navigable for smaller vessels towards the interior. The influence of a vertical sun on this Holland in miniature led it to become proverbial as the grave of Europeans. Latterly, however, the climate has been greatly improved by draining. The temperature, though not extreme, is oppres sive from its uniformity, the mean of winter being 78.1° F., and that of summer only 78.6'. The lat. is 6 7' 40" s., and the long. 106° 52' east. Pop. 65,000. Notwith the growing prosperity of Singapore, B. continues to be the commercial empo rium of the far east. Its markets present at once all the productions of Asia, and all the manufactures of Europe. In 1811, while Holland was under France, 13. was taken by the English, but was restored to its former owners in 1816. Latterly, 13. has found Sin gapore a formidable competitor for the trade between east and west. The Dutch gov ernment has laid a telegraphic cable of 600 m. from B. to Singapore. There is a railway
from B. to Buitenzorg, 36 miles.
The province of 13. is low, but rises gently towards the south. The forests have all been cut down for the use of the sugar factories. It is well adapted for fruit-trees and vegetables, which are cultivated by Chinese gardeners. B., including I3uitenzorg. had a pop. (1st Jan., 1874) of 983,868, consisting of 6081 Europeans, 69,397 Chinese, 907.426 natives, and 964 other orientals. The peculiar character of the people has been lost by the influx of and intermarriage with strangers from all districts of the Indian archipel ago. The language is a mixture of Sundanese, Malay, and other tongues, and is called low Malay. The largest estates are held by Europeans, the smaller by Chinese and natives. The religion is chiefly Mohammedan. There are good post-roads and some canals. The industries continue to increase, and chiefly consist of factories for making machinery for distilling and for sugar works; distilling arrack, copper and tin work, dye ing., etc. The nutmeg, cacao, and cocoanut tree are successfully grown. The stock consists of buffaloes, horses, and cattle.