To the cast of Sumbawa is the Strait of Sapy, which on the other side is formed by the island of Comodo. The northern part of it is divided into two channels by the island of Gilibanta, which is of con siderable size, and has a peak near the centre. Near the northern entrance of Sapy Strait is the island of Goonong Apeo, which is very high, and formed of a large mountain with two summits, of which the south-eastern is called the Lawa Peak, and is a volcano. The island of Comodo consists of a high rocky mass covered with wood. On the cast of it is the Stria( of Mangerye, which is studded with numerous rocky islands.
East of this strait is the island of Floris, or End6, which is about 200 miles long from east to west, and about 35 miles broad. Tho surface is hilly, particularly on the south side, where there are several high volcanoes. The principal town, End6, on the south coast has an excellent harbour. Larantuka, ou the east eoaat, is held by the Portu guese, who have converted many of the natives to the Catholic faith. The population of the (tooth coast are called ltakka, and are said to be much addicted to cannibalism. [Floats.] The Dutch protection does not extend east of Maria; and the inhabitants of this island and the islands eastward of it are said to practise piracy. North of Florio, iu 123° E. long., is Conti* island, of conical shape and an active volcano.
East of the Strait of Florin are five islands of considemble extent : Sebrao, or Sabrao, and Solor, already mentioned ; and Lotnblen, Pantar, and Ombay, each comprehending an area of from 300 to 400 square miles. All of these are very high and bold, especially the three last mentioned. A peak on Lomblen is visible at the distance of 50 miles. On Pantar are three summits, the highest of which is an active volcano. The inhabitants of Sebrao aro Christians, and connected with Larantuka. The chief town of the island is called Adinara, which is sometimes applied to the island itself. Solar is dependent on the Dutch of Coopang, and sends to that place large quantities of wax and fish-oil. The inhabitants of the coast are Mohammedans. The inhabitants of Lomblen, Pantar, and Ombay are numerous, and mostly if not entirely belong to the Harnforas race : they avoid communication with foreigners. These islands are very rarely visited by Europeans, and not frequently by Bugis, who obtain from them large quantities of wax. The straits that divide the islands are said to be unsafe.
Sandalwood island, the native names for which are Jindana and Sumba, lies south of the Strait of Sapy and of the island of Flores. It extends from north-west to south-east about 100 miles, with an average width of 50 miles. This island forms a table-land of considerable ele
vation, most parts of the southern coast of which are visible at the distance of 30 miles. Its surface however is only undulating, except towards the west, where there is a peak, which can be seen at the distance of 60 miles. The inhabitants are Haraforas. The Dutch had succeeded in forming a commercial establishment there : they were however expelled, because they cut down some sandal-wood trees, as the inhabitants have the belief that for every tree of this kind which is cut down one of the natives loses his life. The Bugis of End6 in Flores obtain from the island large quantities of bees'-wax and birds% nests. The coast is generally steep and without soundings. Anchor age is found only on the north-east coast in Padewehy, or Boring's Bay.
Between Sandalwood and Timor are the islands of SAwu and Rotti. Sates is about 20 miles long, and on an average 10 miles wide. It is billy throughout, and has a stony soil, but in good seasons it is toler ably fertile. The supply of water is very scanty. The cultivation of the ground is much neglected : it produces only small quantities of maize, millet, kachang, and sweet potatoes, and sufficient cotton for home consumption. In dry seasons, when the crops fail, the inhabit ants derive subsistence from the sugar of the !enter-trees, which they barter with the Bugle. The domestic animals are those of the other islands. The wild animals are hogs and deer. The inhabitants have frizzled hair, and resemble those of Timor.
Bold extends from south-west to north-east about 60 miles, with an average width of 20 miles. The aurfaco is a succession of low hills and narrow valleys; the soil is very stony but productive. Thu rivers are few and small. Rico in small quantity, with maize, millet, sweet potatoes, and kachang are cultivated, but the crops are only equal to the consumption of the inhabitants. In dry seasons they depend on the sugar of the lontartrees. Cotton is grown. The horses, or rather ponies, aro better than those of Timor, but not equal to those of Sumbawa. The population is stated to exceed 50,000. The Inhabit ants, who resemble the llindoos, have long lank hair, whilst nearly the whole of the inhabitants of the surrounding islands have frizzled hair. They are governed by chiefs, who acknowledge the supremacy of the Dutch. Some of the chiefs profess Christianity, but the majority am pagans. The exports consist of palm sugar, horses and buffaloes, and bees'-wax. The imports are cotton, muskets and ammunition, and manufactured goods.