Notes from a journal of research into the natural history of the countries visited during the voyage of H.M.S. Samarang [from vol. II of Narrative of the voyage of H.M.S. Samarang, by Sir E. Belcher issued with new t.p.] under the command of Captain Sir Edward Belcher.

Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes from a journal of research into the natural history of the countries visited during the voyage of H.M.S. Samarang [from vol. II of Narrative of the voyage of H.M.S. Samarang, by Sir E. Belcher issued with new t.p.] under the command of Captain Sir Edward Belcher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    when cut through, will, it is said, furnish an abundance of clear water, and in the same paper is mentioned a certain creeping plant, termed “ Bahaiimpul ”, which, on being divided, yields a quantity of slightly gummy water. Although forest-scenery, with its luxuriant vegetation has been so often, and so well described, I cannot resist the inclination to give my own impression of those vast and solemn temples “ not made with hands ”, which will, moreover, tend to show the great similarity which exists with respect to the grander and more important features between all primeval forests, whether in the Eastern Archipelago or in the Western Hemisphere. In the forests of Celebes, Mindanao, and Borneo, besides the eternal ringing song of the shrill Cicada, a solitary note is sometimes heard from some high tree- top, or a loud, long whine, from the depths of the dark and sombre forest. The aged trunks are hung with Orchideous epiphytes, and variegated with Lichens, while on the humid soil, dark fetid Fungi, nauseous, and mis- shapen, spread their dingy forms. A shy Lizard, scaling a naked trunk, or huge Blattce, running among the dead leaves, will startle you for a moment. The Honey-Bee secures its hoard high in the summit of some leafy bough; the White-Ant builds its cumbrous nest about the knotted roots; and, in among the tangled maze, huge Spiders spin their subtle toils. Here and there, the ground is furrowed by the A¥ild Boar’s snout, or, where the ]\Ian- groves spread their roots, painted Gelasimi, or Land- Crabs, holding up their one huge pincer, in a manner perfectly ludicrous, though meant to be threatening, are scampering about in all directions. Occasionally you