Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles

Originally published in volume 6, The Natural History of Game-Birds.

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The intention of these necessarily short memoirs being to sketch the character, and detail the labours, of those men who have advanced the science of Natural History, some passages will not be deemed inappropriate, which have been collected from the career of one, whose zeal for the advancement of this study was ever shewn, when a short leisure from the more important administration of his public duties would allow; and to whom the British Naturalis is indebted for a Zoological establishment, which has already rivalled the utility, and emulated the magnificence, of the Continental institutions.

The name of Sir T. Stamford Raffles is intimately connected with the political history of the East, and it is no less so with that of its natural productions. It will now be our endeavour to review his discoveries and researches in the Natural History of these interesting countries, separated as far as possible from the details of his arduous and important public services. For this purpose we have been indebted chiefly to the interesting volume, published some years since under the superintendence of his amiable widow, and which has furnished those parts introduced from his correspondence, with the descriptions of his excursions in the interior of Sumatra; while the History of Java, and the various papers which Sir Thomas has himself published, have afforded materials for the other parts. In the progress of the sketch it will be seen that the researches of this naturalist were not confined to one branch of the science, but that every department, both of the history of the inhabitants of those islands, and their natural productions, were carefully studied. We have alluded to the different objects introduced, without any system or arrangement but as they seemed to have occurred to the notice of the individual. Some of them are well known by his own descriptions, or illustrate the beautiful works of his friends and companions in research and administration;² and but for the awful and overwhelming catastrophe which occurred on the eve of his departure, many an unknown production of that rich archipelago would have assisted in the embellishment of the extensive works which he contemplated. Having thus detailed our plan, we have, before commencing, to entreat those friends by whom this imperfect sketch may be seen, that they will forgive any inaccuracies or misrepresentations; nor attribute to any motive except that of doing justice, whatever may be said of the character of an individual, whose writings had conveyed a very high impression, which was still farther confirmed by a short but lively remembered intercourse, for a few months previous to his untimely decease.

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Thomas Stamford Raffles, the son of Benjamin Raffles, one of the oldest Captains in the West India Trade, was born at sea on the 5th July 1781, off the harbour of Port Morant, in the Island of Jamaica. Little appears to be known of his family except its antiquity, and that its earlier members passed through life with unblemished reputation. Of his youth previous to the age of fourteen, when he entered into active business, few traits seem to have been recollected, beyond a sedateness of temper, and perseverance in his studies superior to that of his schoolfellows, with a vivid apprehension of the incidents which occurred. During this period he studied under the charge of Dr Anderson, who kept a respectable academy near Hammersmith; and, at a the early age we have mentioned, he was placed as an extra clerk in the East India House.

When we consider the very short portion of his early life, wherein he could regularly gain the rudiments of a common education, we must be surprised at the variety of acquirements which he afterwards displayed, or rather, perhaps, at the industry by which they were attained. During his sedentary occupation as a clerk, he employed his leisure in attending to several branches of literature, and he obtained a tolerable knowledge of French, which a retentive memory enabled him to retain, and afterwards to use with much advantage, in his various duties of diplomacy. His power of acquiring languages was great, and in his after engagements gave him advantages and influence over the native powers of the East, which could not have been obtained unless by a free intercourse, and which a knowledge of their language could only give.

This very close application to business and study, however, excited symptoms of disease in a frame and constitution never very robust, and alarmed his friends for his health. Relaxation was recommended, and he employed a short leave of absence, by making a pedestrian excursion through Wales, which, while it gave him renewed strength, gave him also information of the mining districts, which was afterwards of advantage to his researches in Java.

It would scarcely have been expected that a young man, placed in so apparently friendless a situation, should have made to himself patrons. A friend had, however, marked him and upon the occurrence of a vacancy in the establishment of the East India House, the appointment was given to the young and studious Raffles, in preference to many who were thought at least to have possessed more interest. In 1805 the Directors determined upon sending out an establishment to Penang; and Mr Ramsay, then secretary, having observed his talents for diplomacy, his application, and his quickness, recommended him to the office of assistant secretary. In September following Mr Raffles first set foot in the East, the theatre in which his acquirements and industry were to be shown forth. During the voyage out he had nearly mastered the Malayan language; and, from the illness of the secretary, he was at once obliged to enter upon all the duties and difficulties of his office, a task of great responsibility, but which he executed to the satisfaction of his employers.

The great exertions and application necessary to carry on the duties of the government, with the effects of the climate on a constitution not yet inured to it, were too much for Mr Raffles, and he was thrown into bad health, and an illness so serious, that relaxation and change of air to Malacca were recommended. Hence his anxiety to benefit the government brought him back almost before he was able to undergo fatigue. He made the voyage in the long boat of an Indiaman, and again reached Penang in time to send off despatches, and to forward many objects which could scarcely have been accomplished without him.

While at Malacca he first saw and mixed with the varied population of the Eastern Archipelago, heard the dialects, and became interested in their origin; and to this singularity and variety may be attributed the first desire to investigate the history and antiquities of this people. In these pursuits he was assisted by the researches which now occupied Mr Marsden, whose constant application upon the occurrence of difficulties, and innumerable queries, forced and kept up the interest of a subject to which he was already deeply attached. It was at Malacca, also, where he first gained the acquaintance and friendship of Dr Leyden.

About this period the affairs of the East were in considerable confusion. The conquest of Java was contemplated, and there was little time to be spared for the pursuits of literature, researches into the antiquities of the country, or into its natural history. The stolen moments which could be spared, were, however, all devoted to these studies, and the very information which was to be acquired in forwarding the objects of the government, increased his knowledge, and laid the basis for many of his after discoveries. As, however, we wish to avoid the details of his political career, we shall pass over the period until the capture of Java; suffice it to say, that he exhibited as much perseverance and presence of mind in the diplomatist and soldier, as he had before in the more peaceful researches of antiquities and literature.

The capture of Java was terminated in 1811, and by all, much of the merit of planning and conducting the expedition is attributed to Mr Raffles. The services which he had performed were so highly judged of by Lord Minto,—the performance of any trust to be reposed in him was so confidently anticipated—that he at once appointed Mr Raffles Lieutenant-Governor of Java and its dependencies.

The charge was of the most extensive; arduous, and responsible nature, comprising on the island of Java alone, a population of six millions, divided into thirty-six residencies, under powerful chiefs, who had long been desirous of throwing off the European yoke, and who were by no means disposed to submit quietly to the rule of their new governors.

Lord Minto remained in the island for six weeks superintending the new arrangements, after which the whole charges were resigned to the care of Mr Raffles, who now removed to Buitenzorg, the seat of government, distant from Batavia about forty miles. For some time his cares and duties were so heavy, that every moment was required for their fulfilment, but ere long the pursuits of natural history and antiquities began to fill his moments of leisure. In a letter to his first and old friend Mr Ramsay, written in the same year with his establishment in the government, after mentioning the surmounting of several difficulties, he says,

By the next opportunity I shall have the satisfaction of forwarding to the authorities in England, several reports from Dr Horsfield, and other scientific gentlemen, on the natural history of the island; and as the Batavian Literary Society have solicited that I should take that institution under the protection of government, I trust that by uniting our efforts with those of the Asiatic Society in Bengal, very considerable light may be shortly thrown on science and general knowledge. The numerous remains of Brahminical structures in every part of the island, prove beyond a doubt, that a colony of Hindus settled on this island about the first century of the Christian era; and the materials of which they are constructed, induce the belief that this colony must have emigrated from the Coromandel coast. The beauty and purity of these structures are entirely divested of that redundancy of awkward and uncouth ornaments and symbols which are found in India.

His time was thus constantly occupied either in official employments or literary researches. In the latter he was assisted by the talents of Dr Horsfield, and together they accomplished one of the most important measures for promoting their researches,—the re-establishment of the Society of Arts at Batavia, of which Mr Raffles was appointed president. This had been the first Eastern Literary Society established by Europeans, and under his fostering care it revived, and was of much consequence to the history of these countries, during the few short years which they remained under the sway of the British arms, and the superintendence of an active and enlightened governor.

A short notice of the rise of a society of such consequence in the East, and so intimately connected with the history of its natural productions, may not here be misplaced, particularly as we are obliged for it to the address of its President upon his first instalment in office after its re-establishment.

Previous to the establishment of the Batavian Society, Mr Kadermacher, a gentleman of distinguished talents, and a zealous promoter of the Christian religion and of science, with a few friends of Batavia, conceived the idea of assembling together a number of persons of consideration and ability, with the view of encouraging the arts and sciences in this capital, and the other Indian establishments then dependent on Holland. They considered that in India, as in Europe, where for two centuries the reformation in letters preceded that in religion, a taste for the arts and sciences must be introduced previously to the general adoption of the Christian religion in the East; but they were aware of the difficulties to be encountered, under the circumstances in which the colonies of Holland were then placed, and a considerable period elapsed before the design was carried into effect.

At length, in the year 1777, when Mr Kadermacher and his father-in-law, the Governor-General de Klerk, were newly elected directors of the Haerlem Society, a programme appeared, which contained. the plan of extending the branches of that Society to the Indies. The distance and extent of the Dutch colonial possessions in the East did not, however, admit of this plan being realized; but the idea being thus brought forward to public notice, a separate society was formed, by the unremitting perseverance of Mr Kadermacher, who may be called the founder of the institution established at Batavia.

On the 24th of April 1778, this society was duly established, under the authority of Government, and, after the example of Haerlem, took for its motto, “The public utility.” On its first organization, the Society consisted of 192 members, the Governor General being chief director, and members of the High Regency directors. The Society selected as objects of research and inquiry, whatever could be useful to agriculture, commerce, and the welfare of the colony; it encouraged every question relating to natural history, antiquities, and the manners and usages of the native inhabitants: and in order the better to define the objects and contribute to their accomplishment, a programme was from time to time printed and circulated abroad.

The Society was no sooner fully established, and its proceedings generally known, than it received from all quarters various acquisitions to its cabinet and library. Mr Kadermacher himself presented the Society with a convenient house, and eight cases of valuable books, &c.; and by the liberality of Mr Bartto, it was enabled to form a-botanical establishment, in a garden presented by that gentleman. In 1779 the first volume of transactions was printed, in 1780 the second, and the third in 1781; and before 1792 six volumes had appeared. At this period the revolutions and war in Europe interfered with the interests of the Society; it was found impracticable to complete the seventh volume, and it was suggested that, by adopting a more limited mode of proceeding, the views of the Society might still be forwarded. ‘The Society was placed under this new organization in 1800, and continued in this state until the change of government in 1811, when its interests were again actively taken up, in the manner we have just seen, by Mr Raffles.

In each succeeding year a new address was delivered by the president, giving a review and account of the progress of the different inquiries which had come under the notice of the Society, and of discoveries which had been made. These all shew the uncommon pains taken by Mr Raffles in promoting its objects, but would occupy too much room in our present sketch, and could not be done justice to by mutilation.

During the last few years which the island of Java remained in possession of the British, Mr Raffles remained in much uncertainty, and often felt considerable difficulties in giving his orders. It was unknown whether the island was to be given up tothe Dutch, to be kept under the British crown, or continue in the hands of the Company. In any change, however, it was possible that Mr Raffles might be superseded and lose the advantages which he was now reaping in his high and important situation. He was however prevented from suffering, by the kind attentions of his patron Lord Minto, who, before leaving the East to his successor Lord Moira, procured for him the residency of Fort Marlborough, which gave him the chief rank at Bencoolen.³ Before his settlement, however, in this new residency, many vicissitudes of his lot occurred, and we have particularly to notice one incident, the first which had affected or had appeared to place any blot upon the bright character and fame of Mr Raffles.

Though at first intimate friends, and acting apparently in concert for the interest of the Eastern islands, some differences of opinion had existed between Mr Raffles and General Gillespie; and after the appointment of the former gentleman to the governorship, the breach seems to have widened. Some acts of administration were complained of, which ended in specific charges being made by the General to the Bengal Government, by whom they were forwarded to Mr Raffles for reply. These charges coming somewhat unexpectedly and perfectly unmeritedly, were deeply felt. Writing to Lord Minto regarding their want of foundation, he says,

My feelings of the injury I have sustained are not the less acute that I have been denied the means of knowing the charges, until all the influence of a first and ex-parte statement could be exerted, and the current of public feeling allowed to flow unrestrained, until the reports obtained an unmerited credit from the very want of contradiction;

but he adds, in confidence of his fidelity,

My cause, my honour, my public reputation and private character are now before the supreme government, and I only ask a patient hearing. Errors in judgment may be found in the complicated administration with which I am entrusted; measures of policy depend in a considerable degree on opinion, and there may be some difference of opinion perhaps, with regard to those which have been adopted by this government; but the accusations against my moral character must be determined by facts, and on this ground I will challenge my accusers to produce any one act of government, in which I have been actuated by corrupt motives, or guided by views of sinister advantage to myself.

In addition to the feelings of a character undeservedly attacked, were now added those of deep affiction in the loss of his dearest connections. Soon after the delivery of the charges, he suffered a severe bereavement in the death of Mrs Raffles, which was followed by the intelligence of the decease of Lord Minto, to whom he might be said to be indebted for all his worldly prosperity, besides the free intercourse and sympathy of friendship. He had, however, on receipt of the charges, and immediately before these great losses, written out replies, which, though they could not, after the institution of the proceedings by General Gillespie, be taken as exculpation, shewed plainly to his judges that little was to be dreaded in Mr Raffles, from a double or deceitful government. But the afflictions which had thus multiplied upon him, so affected his health that a change of scene was necessary, and the tour of the island was commenced with the view to his recovery, and the employment of his mind in the examination of various subjects in which he was much interested. These exertions, however, though they occupied his mind for the time, did not add to his health or general strength, and he removed to Ciceroa in a more upland district, in the hope that the purer air might assist his constitution; but here also the weakening symptoms continued, and here it was that he heard he was superseded.in his government. In this act he felt himself unjustly used, but he bore it with firmness, and without experiencing the bad effects which his medical advisers anticipated. These attempts, by change of air and scene, to recover health were, however, unavailing, and it was judged necessary that he should return to England as the only hope of restoring his constitution. This proposal he would not listen to, until the arrival of the new governor; for he felt, that, however aggrieved he might have been, his successor Mr Tindal had nothing to do with it, and it was his duty to see every attention and honour paid to him upon his arrival. Perhaps, also, feelings for the interests of his old friends and companions in office had their sway, for his benevolent disposition would have made any sacrifice for those in whom he was interested, and whom he knew deserved his assistance; while his patriotic love for Java, and desire for the welfare of the natives, were points which assumed an interest of no ordinary kind. He accordingly remained until the arrival of Mr Tindal, introduced him to Buitenzorg, to his own officers and staff, and to the most worthy inhabitants in the island; doing every thing in his power to render the situation of his successor agreeable, and to bend his views to the importance of the prosperity and improvement of the natives. Having done this, he resigned his office, and retired to a the house of Mr Cronsent with whom he remained; until his embarkation.

When it became known that Mr Raffles had decided upon returning to England, the liveliest demonstrations of regret were exhibited by the population, both European and native. Addresses were presented, accompanied with substantial presents, and a sincerity in their grief was shewn, which told: plainly that it was the language of their hearts. A passage to England was engaged in the ship Ganges, Captain Travers; and, says his biographer,

On the morning of Mr Raffles’ embarkation, the roads of Batavia were filled with boats, crowded with people of various nations, all anxious to pay the last tribute of respect within their power to one for whom they entertained the most lively affection. On reaching the vessel, he found the decks filled with offerings of every description—fruit, flowers, poultry, whatever they thought would promote his comfort on the voyage. It is impossible to describe the scene which took place when the order was given to weigh anchor; the people felt that they had lost the greatest friend whom Java ever possessed; and perhaps they anticipated, as too near, their redelivery to the Dutch power, and the consequently too probable renewal of the scenes of misgovernment, from which, under the administration of Mr Raffles, they had been relieved for five years.

After a prosperous voyage, Mr Raffles reached London, on the 16th July 1816, and next morning reported himself to the Directors of the East India House.

He immediately addressed the Directors, praying for a revision of his services in Java, and a decision upon the charges which had been brought against him by General Gillespie; but still an opinion upon his government was refused, qualified, however, with the expression of their conviction that they “had sprung from motives perfectly correct.” But notwithstanding that they did not think it proper thus publicly or officially to express their opinion of his administration, in a short period he was rewarded with as open an acknowledgment of it as could well be made. It may be recollected that the residency of Bencoolen had been secured to Mr Raffles by the kindness of Lord Minto. The court of Directors, on his departing again for the East, and upon his regular instalment into his new office, thus expressed themselves:—

The Directors, in consideration of the zeal and talents displayed during the period he filled the office of lieutenant-governor of Java, conferred upon him the title of Lieutenant-governor of Bencoolen, as a peculiar mark of the favourable sentiments which the court entertained of his merits and services;

and thus they washed away every imputation which could have previously affected his character or administration.

During his residence in England, Mr Raffles gained additional. friends; and formed new attachments; he regained his former health, and early in the year of his arrival married Sophia, the daughter of Mr Hull, an Irish gentleman. His leisure was occupied in writing his History of Java, of which we shall afterwards speak; and upon presenting it to his Majesty George IV., (at that time Prince Regent), he received the honour of knighthood. He visited also the continent, and ever anxious for the welfare: of his favourite Java, which had now been given up to the Dutch, he travelled through Holland, and had several interviews with the Dutch king, hoping to influence him in a line of administration which might at once be most advantageous to his government, and favourable for the native inhabitants and the prosperity of the island. He examined all the continental collections, many of them richer than those in this country, with the view of improving his knowledge before again returning to India. Even at this time, he contemplated the possibility of an establishment similar to the Garden of Plants in Paris, and which he seems never to have lost sight of, until its actual institution, several years afterwards, under his auspices, as the Zoological Society of London.

In November 1817 Sir Stamford Raffles, accompanied by his lady, sailed for his new residency, and, after a tedious voyage, arrived safely at. Bencoolen. The condition of this establishment at the time of his arrival must have been very desolate. In a letter to Mr Marsden, ‘he thus describes their uncomfortable situation:—

This is without exception the most wretched place I ever beheld. I cannot. convey to you an adequate idea of the state of ruin and dilapidation which surrounds me. What with natural impediments, bad government, and the awful visitations of providence, which we have recently experienced in repeated earthquakes, we have scarcely a dwelling in which to lay our heads, or wherewithal to satisfy the cravings of nature. The roads are impassable; the highways in the town overrun with rank grass; the government-house a den of ravenous dogs and polecats.

The administration seemed to have been little better; a listless idleness had taken hold of the native inhabitants, gaming and cockfighting prevailed, and the Malayan character was exhibited in its very worst aspect; while the murder of Mr. Parr, a former resident, had given rise to complete distrust among the European inhabitants;—

an appearance of general desolation appeared.

By the energy and prudent measures adopted without delay by Sir Stamford, the aspect of affairs and of the country became soon improved, and confidence to a certain extent was restored between both the native and European population. To pursue this object still farther, it was necessary that a general knowledge of the island should be obtained, and Sir Stamford resolved to make some excursions to the interior. Accounts of these he has given in a series of letters to his friends; and as they contain much interesting information: regarding the. natural history of the island and. its productions, we shall here notice some of the more important discoveries which were made.

The first excursion extended only to the nearest range of hills which had not previously been visited by Europeans; and on a part of the range, “The Hill of Mists,” he selected a situation for a country residence, not very favourable, if we may judge from the name, but it commanded an extensive view of the lower country, and was subjected to a less degree of heat. The second was to the southern residencies, and the. Passumah country, and is remarkable for the discovery of the gigantic parasitic flower, destined to hand to posterity the names of its discoverers—Rafflesia Arnoldi.⁴

On the next morning, at half-past. five, we commenced our journey towards Passumah on foot, the party consisting of myself, Lady Raffles, Dr Arnold, and Mr Presgrove, the resident at Manna, with six native officers, and about fifty coolies (porters), carrying our food and baggage. Our journey lay near the banks of the river during the whole day, but frequently over high cliffs, and almost entirely through thick forest. On approaching Lebu Tappu, where a village once stood, we fell in with the tracks of elephants. They were very numerous, and it was evident they had only preceded us a short time. We here passed over much ground, which at one period must have been in cultivation, but which had long been in a state of nature. After breakfasting at Lebu Tappu, under the shade of the largest tree we could find, we proceeded on to a place called Pulolebar, where we were to sleep. This also had been the site of a village, but no trace of human dwelling or cultivation was to be found; we reached it at half-past four in the afternoon, having walked for upwards of eight hours. We immediately set to work and erected two or three sheds to sleep in, collecting the materials from the vegetation around us. The river here was broad but very rocky; the scenery highly romantic and beautiful. During the night we were awakened by the approach of a party of elephants, who seemed anxious to inquire our business within their domains. Fortunately they kept at some distance, and allowed us to remain unmolested. The natives fancy that there are two kinds of elephants—the Gaja bermakpong, those which always go in herds, and which are seldom mischievous, and the Gaja salunggal, or single elephants, which are much larger and ferocious, going about either singly or only two or three in company. It is probable the latter kind are only the full grown males.

I must not omit to tell you, that in passing through the forest, we were, much to our inconvenience, greatly annoyed by leeches; they got into our boots and shoes, which became filled with blood. At night, too, they fell off the leaves that sheltered us from the weather, and on awaking in the morning we found ourselves bleeding profusely. These were a species of intruders we were not prepared for.

The most important discovery throughout our journey was made at this place.. This was a gigantic flower, of which I can hardly attempt to give any. thing like a just description. It is perhaps the largest and most magnificent flower in the world, and is so distinct from every other flower, that I know not to what I can compare it. Its dimensions will astonish you; it measured across from the extremity of the petals rather more than a yard; the nectarium was nine inches wide, and as deep, estimated to contain a gallon and a half of water, and the weight of the whole flower fifteen pounds.

The Sumatra name of this extraordinary production is Petiman Sikinlili, or Devil’s-siri (betle) box. It is a native of the forests, particularly those of Passumah, Ulu, Manna.

This gigantic flower is parasite on the lower stems and roots of the Cissus angustifolia of Bosc. It appears at first in the form of a small round knob, which gradually increases in size. The flower-bud is inserted by numerous membranaceous sheaths which surround it in successive layers, and expand as the bud enlarges, until at length they form a cup round its base.: These sheaths or bracts’ are large, round, concave, of a firm membranaceous consistence, and of a brown colour. The bud before expansion is depressed, round, with five obtuse angles, nearly a foot in diameter, and of a deep dusky red. The flower, when fully expanded, is, in point of size, the wonder of the vegetable kingdom; the breadth across, from the top of the one petal to the top of the other, is three feet. . The cup may be estimated capable of containing twelve pints, and the weight of the whole is from twelve to fifteen pounds. The inside of the cup is of an intense purple, and more or Jess densely yellow, with soft flexible spines of the same colour. Towards the mouth, it is marked with numerous depressed spots of the purest white, contrasting strongly with the purple of the surrounding substance,’ which is considerably elevated on the lower side. The-petals are of a brick-red, with numerous pustular spots of a lighter colour. The whole substance of the flower is not Jess than half an inch thick, and of a firm fleshy consistence. It soon after expansion begins to give out a smell of decaying animal matter. The fruit never bursts, but the whole plant gradually rots away, and the seeds mix with the putrid mass.

There is nothing more striking in the Malayan forests, than the grandeur of the vegetation. The magnitude of the flowers, creepers, and trees, contrasts strikingly with the stunted, and, I had almost said, pigmy vegetation of England. Compared with our fruit-trees, your largest oak is a mere dwarf. Here we have creepers and vines entwining larger trees, and hanging suspended for more than 100 feet, in girth not less than a man’s body, and many much thicker; the trees seldom under 100, and generally approaching 160 to 200 feet in height.

From Pulo Laber we started at half-past five, and halted at eight to breakfast. At eleven we reached the Sindangaré river, where we took some refreshment, and in the evening, about half-past five, reached Barong Rasam.

The day’s journey was most fatiguing, and not less than thirty miles, entirely through a thick forest, and over stupendous mountains, one of which, called the Sindangan mountain, could not have been less than between 4000 and 5000 feet high. Neither on this nor on the preceding day was there vestige of population or cultivation; nature was throughout allowed to reign undisturbed, and from the traces of elephants in every direction, they alone, of the animal kingdom, seemed to have explored the recesses of the forest.

We got on, however, very well; and though we were all occasionally much fatigued, we did not complain. Lady Raffles was a perfect heroine. The only misfortune at this stage was a heavy fall of rain ‘during the night, which penetrated our leafy dwelling in every direction, and soaked every one of the party to the skin. We were now two days’ march beyond the reach of supplies; many of our coolies had dropped off; some were fairly exhausted, and we began to wish our journey at an end. We, however, contrived to make a good dinner on the remaining fowl, and having plenty of rice and claret, did not complain of our fare.

On the next morning we started in better spirits, having been met by one of the chiefs of Passumah, who came to welcome our approach, and to assure us if we walked on foot we should reach a village in the afternoon. For the first part of the day, our route was still over stupendous mountains, sometimes in the beds of rivers for miles, and at all times difficult; but about noon we. came into a country that had once been cleared, and again fell in with the Manna River, which we crossed on a raft previously prepared for the purpose, many of the chiefs and people of Passumah having assembled to meet us. We had still, however, a very steep ascent to encounter; but no sooner had we attained the summit, and bent our steps downwards, than our view opened upon one of the finest countries I ever beheld, amply compensating us for all the dreariness of the forest, and for all the fatigues we bad undergone; perhaps the prospect was heightened by the contrast, but the country I now beheld reminded me so much of scenes in Java, and was in every respect so different to that on the coast, that I could not help expressing myself in raptures.. As we descended, the scene improved; we found ourselves in an immense amphitheatre, surrounded by mountains ten and twelve thousand feet high; the soil on which we stood rich beyond description, and vegetation luxuriant and brilliant in every direction. The people, too, seemed a new race, far superior to those on the coast, tall, stout, and ingenuous. They received us most hospitably, and conducted us to the village: of Nigri-Cayu, where we slept.

In the vicinity of Nigri-Cayu, were several hot springs, and we soon succeeded in making very comfortable warm baths

On the next day we proceeded to Taujong Alem (the point of the world), another village in the Passumah country, which we reached in about six hours’ walk, through one of the finest countries in the world, having before us nearly the whole way the volcanic mountain called Gunung Dempu, from which the smoke issued in large volumes.

At Tanjung Alem, we remained two. nights. We found the villages in this part of the country most respectable, many of them having more than five hundred inhabitants; the houses large, and on a different plan to those on the coast; each village, which may rather be considered as a small town, has a fosse or ditch round it, with high palisades. We passed the site of two or three towns, which were represented to have been destroyed by the petty hostilities between the chiefs.

The people, though professedly Mahomedans, seem more attached to their ancient worship and superstitions than I expected. I clearly traced an ancient mythology, and obtained the names of at least twenty gods, several of whom are Hindus. In each of the villages we found a Lang’gar, similar to that noticed at Merambung, but generally better constructed.

The utmost good-humour and affection seemed to exist among the people of the village; they were as one family, the men walking about holding each other by the hand, and playing tricks with each other like children. They were as fine a race as I ever beheld; in general about six feet high, and proportionably stout, clear and clean skins, and an open ingenuous countenance. They seemed to have abundance of every thing; rice, the staple food of the country, being five times as cheap as at Bencoolen, and every other article of produce in proportion. The women and children were decorated with a profusion of silver ornaments, and particularly with strings of dollars and other coins, hanging two or three deep round the neck. It was not uncommon to see a child with a hundred dollars round her neck. Every one seemed anxious for medicine, and they cheerfully agreed to be vaccinated. The small-pox had latterly committed great ravages, and the population of whole villages had fled into the woods to avoid the contagion.

We now thought of returning to the coast, and on the 25th set off for Manna by a different route to that by which we had arrived. Our first day’s journey was to Camumuan, which we reached a little before six in the evening, after the hardest day’s walk I ever experienced. We calculated that we had walked more than thirty miles, and over the worst of roads. Hitherto we bad been fortunate in our weather; but before we reached this place, a heavy rain came-on, and soaked us completely. The baggage only came up in part, and we were content to sleep in our wet clothes, under the best shade we could find. No-wood would burn; there was no moon; it was already dark, and we had no shelter erected: By perseverance, however, I made a tolerable place for Lady Raffles, and, after selecting the smoothest stone I could find in the bed of a river for a pillow, we managed to pass a tolerably comfortable night. This is what is here called the Ula Pino road; and we were encouraged to undertake long marches, in the hope of only sleeping in the woods one night, and in this we fortunately succeeded.

The next day we reached Merambung, where we got upon a raft, and were wafted down to the vicinity of Manna in about seven hours. The passage down the river was extremely romantic and grand; it is one of the most rapid rivers on the coast: we descended a rapid almost every hundred yards.

After proceeding from Manna to Cawoor, we returned by the coast to Bencoolen, where we arrived on the 3d of June, to the no small astonishment of the colonists, who were not inclined to believe it possible we could have thought of such a journey.

The party having thus returned in safety to Bencoolen, the attention of Sir Stamford was occupied for a month in the concerns of the company; but he contemplated other excursions, and, in July 1818, commenced his inquiries regarding the ancient Malayan city, Menangkabu, celebrated for the richness of its ores and mineral productions. He embarked for Padang, accompanied as formerly by Lady Raffles, having upon the journey also, the company and assistance of Dr Horsfield. The journal of this expedition, written at the time of its execution, and sent home to his friends, is extremely interesting, but, from its length, would occupy too much space here; we have therefore only selected some parts of it. The difficulties of the way were much dwelt on by the natives. Sir Stamford was, however, determined to make the attempt, though the information of his advanced party was rather confirmatory of danger.

This party, consisting of about two hundred coolies, fifty military as an escort, and all our personal servants, left Padong on the afternoon of the 14th June, by eat of drum, forming a most ridiculous cavalcade, the interest heightened by the quixotic appearance of my friend Dr Horsfield, who was borne along on the shoulders of four of the party, in order that, in preceding us, he might gain time for botanizing. Thursday the 16th, at day break, was fixed for our departure.

Next day was favourable, and the attempt was made. Dr Horsfield and his party were soon overtaken. At first the route lay along rich plains of rice fields, fine soils, and the country intersected with numerous streams, every indication of an extensive and industrious population; sheds erected for the accommodation of travellers, at convenient distances, with an occasional trace of a road. They reached the village of Lemau Manis,

a long straggling village, or rather plantation, on the romantic banks of a rapid river, which discharges itself into the sea at Ujung Karang, and up the stream of which our farther course lay; here, as in several villages, we had passed, we observed a considerable quantity of coffee growing under the shade of the large fruit trees, and contiguous to the houses. Our arrival was welcomed by the beating of the great drum or tabu, which has a place in every village. The drum is peculiar; it is formed of the trunk of a large tree, and is at least twenty feet long, hollowed out, and suspended on a wooden frame, lying horizontally under a shed; one end only is covered with parchment.

So far they accomplished the journey without much difficulty, using the accommodations of the native travellers. Their course continued along the bed of the river, a bad substitute for a turnpike, but almost the only passage in these wild but beautiful districts. The ascent was much steeper, the road more difficult.

Rocks piled on rocks, in sublime confusion; roaring cataracts, and slippery precipices were now to be surmounted. Nothing could be more romantic and wild than the course we had to pass.

After a laborious day, however, they succeeded in crossing Gunung Dinjin, a high steep mountain, and encamped for the night on the confines of the Tiga-blas country, in view of the western peak of Berapi, emitting a volume of smoke. Here the party became under the control of the chiefs of the country, and it depended entirely on their inclinations whether strangers should be allowed to pass. After much consultation among those who next morning assembled, among delays and prevarications as to the reason of them, the restraint was broken through by the energy of Sir Stamford, and the party allowed to proceed, upon the payment of twenty dollars. Then

we shook hands, and the utmost cordiality and good understanding instantly prevailed.

They descended to the plains, attended with several thousands, who now welcomed them in the most savage manner, with yells and cheers. Having reached the principal town, they were, after some delay and consultation, supplied with a commodious planked house, and spent the night with sufficient comfort, keeping, however, the party together, and strict vigilance, necessary among so numerous a people, who openly shewed such wild and untamed manners. This valley was of the richest description. Sir Stamford writes,

Here, I was prepared to find a country still more fertile and populous than the fertile valley of Passumah. The whole occupied by the Tigas-blas-cotas, or thirteen confederate towns, is one sheet of cultivation, in breadth about ten, in length twenty, miles, thickly studded with towns and villages. On the slopes of the hills, the principal cultivation is coffee, indigo, maize, sugar-cane, and oil-giving plants; on the plain below, exclusively rice. A fine breed of small cattle, which seems peculiar, abounds here, and throughout the Menangkabu country; oxen seem generally used in agriculture, in preference to buffaloes; they are in general about three feet four inches high, beautifully made, and mostly of a light fawn colour, with black eyes and lashes, and are sold at from three to four dollars a head, They are, without exception, the most beautiful little animals of the kind I ever beheld; we did not see one in bad condition. Horses, of which there seems to be plenty, are not much used. Fora mare and foal, the price was about twenty shillings.

Thus they travelled on through a country little known to Europeans, of the most important and interesting description, full of interest to the antiquary and naturalist,—the classic ground of the Malays. On the night of the 2lst, they reached the banks of Danau, or lake of Sincara, a beautiful sheet of water about fourteen miles long, and seven broad, surrounded with mountains and hills, highly cultivated at the bases, and open only towards the Tiga-blas country, where a plain of its own breadth gradually sinks into its bosom. On the morning following, they embarked and reached a town of some consequence, Simawang, occupying the summit of a hill about 500 feet above the level of the Jake, and commanding a very extensive prospect. The next morning they proceeded to Suruasa, the second city of importance, and, by mid-day, obtained the first view of Pageauyong, the capital of the Menangkabu country, and one of the objects of the excursion.

From the approach to these cities which had been thus passed, it was evident that, at one period, they had been of importance.

But, alas, little was left for our curiosity but the wreck of what had once been great and populous. The Wagarin trees, which shaded and added solemnity to the palace, were still standing in all their majesty. The fruit trees, and particularly the cocoa nut, marked the boundaries of this once extensive city; but the rank grass had usurped the halls of the palace, and scarce was the thatch of the peasant to be found. Three times had the city been committed to the flames; well might I say, in the language of the Brata Yudha, “Sad and melancholy was her wagarin tree, like the sorrow of a wife whose husband is afar.”

Several interesting inscriptions were discovered here, and a chastely carved Hindu image, which, together with the very high state of cultivation in the surrounding country, were strong arguments in favour of the opinion formed by Sir Stamford, that the Malayan empire was not of recent origin. Early next morning the party proceeded to the capital, which we shall notice in the narrator’s own words.

In approaching Pageruyong, we had an excellent view of this once famous city. It is built at the foot, and partly on the slope of a steep and rugged hill, called Gunung Bongso, so: memorable for its appearance, and the three peaks it exhibits. Below the town, under a precipice of from fifty to a hundred feet, in some parts nearly: perpendicular, winds the beautiful stream of Selo, which pursuing its course, passes Saruasa, where it takes the name of the Golden River, and finally falls into the Indragiri. In front of the city rises the mountain Berapi, the summit of which may be about twenty miles distant. It is on the slopes of this mountain that the principal population is settled; the whole side of the mountain, for about fifteen miles from Pageruyong in every direction, being covered with villages and rice fields. The entrance to the city, which is now only marked by a few venerable trees, and the traces of what was once a highway, is: nearly three quarters of a mile before we come to the Bali and site of the former palace. Here, little is left save the noble Wayarin trees, and these appear, in several instances, to have suffered from the action: of fire. Scarcely the appearance of a hut is to be seen; the large flat stone, however, on which the Sultan used to sit on days of public ceremony, was pointed out to us; and when the weeds had been partially cleared, the royal burial’ ground was discovered. In this we did not discover any inscription in the ancient character, but the ground was but very partially and hastily examined. We were struck, however, with the sculpture of later days, the memorials of the dead raised in Mahommedan times, on a small scale, but beautifully executed.

This city had shared the same fate with that of Saruasa. Three times had it been committed to the flames; twice had it risen to something like splendour; from the last shock it had not yet recovered. Where the palace of the Sultan had stood, I observed a man planting cucumbers, and the sugar cane occupied the place of the seraglio. The whole country from Pageruyong, as far as the eye could distinctly trace, was one continued scene of cultivation, interspersed with innumerable towns and villages, shaded by the cocoa nut and other fruit trees. I may safely say, that this view equalled any thing I ever saw in Java. The scenery is more majestic and grand, population equally dense,—cultivation equally rich. Here, then, for the first time, was I able to trace the source of that power, the origin of that nation so extensively scattered over the Eastern Archipelago.

From this interesting city and fine country, the party commenced their return, and reached Padang, after an absence of fourteen days.

Sir Stamford again arrived at Bencoolen, commenced his official occupations with his wonted energy,—visited Calcutta and many of the neighbouring islands. In most of these excursions he was accompanied by Lady Raffles, who entered warmly into his pursuits, and delighted in exploring those fairy isles, the ands of eastern fable and magnificence, celebrated by all mariners as the most gorgeous water scenery in the world:

So strong the influence of the fairy scene.

Lady Raffles writes,

It is impossible to convey an idea of the pleasure of sailing through this beautiful and unparalleled Archipelago, in which every attraction of nature is combined. The smoothness of the sea, the lightness of the atmosphere, the constant succession of the most picturesque lake scenery; islands of every shape and size clustered together; mountains of the most fanciful forms crowned with verdure to their summit; rich and luxuriant vegetation extending to the very edge of the water; little native boats with only one person in them, continually darting out from the deep shade which concealed them, looking like so many cockle shells wafted about by the wind. Altogether, it is a scene of enchantment deserving a poet’s pen to describe its beauties.

With the sanction of the government of the India House, Sir Stamford had now in his: employment a regular establishment of naturalists and draughtsmen, at the head of which were two French naturalists, Messrs Diard and Duvaucel, who, in addition to their knowledge in preparing specimens, added acquirements in science of no ordinary kind. They were both brought up in the Parisian school of the Garden of Plants, and to their discoveries, after the termination of their agreement with Sir Stamford, we are indebted for several new and curious productions. Nearly at this period, Sir Stamford’s discoveries in Zoology were published in the Transactions of the Linnean Society; among these may be mentioned the Ursus Malayanus, forming the Genus Helarctos of Horsfield; the Felis macrocelis, or Rimau dahan; the Viverra gymnura, which Messrs Vigors and Horsfield afterwards dedicated to its discoverer under the title of Gymnura Rafflesii; several very interesting quadrumanous animals, and the Indian Tapir. In tracing out these animals, great difficulty often arose; they inhabited the interior, and the first indication of them was perhaps some rude hint or native description; thus, Sir Stamford was of opinion that another large tapir-looking animal inhabited the forests, with a narrow riband of white round the back and belly; the description was simply, that the band is narrow, head truncated, the tail long; and they had to be sought for and obtained in districts, little, if ever, visited, and where there was often a superstitious dread, which no persuasion or temptation could overcome. Among the rarer birds, we are also indebted to these researches for Eurylamus, Calyptomena, &c. All these were proposed to have been illustrated in a work entitled Museum Rafflesianum, but which we fear has not reached a step farther than its contemplation.

As time wore on, the occupations of office became less engrossing. The long time spent in passing from Calcutta to Bencoolen, in matters connected with government, and the permanent establishment and prosperous condition of Singapore, left little more to be accomplished: a return to Europe was contemplated, and the arrangement and description of his immense collections looked forward to. At Bencoolen, Sir Stamford lived in comparative retirement at his residence in the country; his chief employments being study and the examination of the numerous interesting productions his house and grounds contained, being in his own words, “a perfect Noah’s ark.” Farming occupied also a portion of his time, and the making of roads, and improving the neighbouring country. Ina letter to his cousin, he pleasantly writes,

Much of my time is taken up in agricultural pursuits. I am by far the most active farmer in the country; and as President of the Agricultural Society, not only take precedence at the board but in the field. I have a dozen ploughs constantly going, and before I quit the estate, I hope to realize a revenue of L. 2000 or L. 3000 a-year, besides feeding its population.

This state of rural happiness and employment in benefiting the country was now however about to terminate. A succession of sickly seasons occurred, which ravaged the population, and we may almost be surprised that Sir Stamford and his lady were preserved among the many losses they sustained. Their three eldest children fell victims in succession to the climate, and it was resolved that they should consent to separation from their fourth and only surviving daughter, rather than that she should run the risk of encountering the malaria, To these diseases his bosom friend and companion in research also fell a victim, and while under these severe dispensations, a voyage to Singapore was undertaken finally to arrange the settlement, and to prepare for his departure from the East, after a residence of much labour, anxiety, and satisfaction, of much affliction and much happiness.

At Singapore health and resignation of mind were in part restored. Many interesting productions were added to his private collection now immense, while several useful establishments and regulations were completed, and all in this part was arranged for departure. He returned again to Bencoolen; the ship which was intended to carry the late governor to his native country has arrived; all his collections, great and invaluable, were on board; and on the 2d February 1824, Sir Stamford and his family embark in the Fame and sail for England with a fair wind. But early in the first night of their hopes and anticipations, they were turned into distraction, and all their powers exerted to save life alone. We shall give the account of this dreadful calamity, written by Sir Stamford himself, two days after its occurrence, and leave the reader to judge what his feelings must have been. To Natural History it was the most extensive loss of materials she had ever sustained.

We embarked on the 2d instant in the Fame and sailed at daylight for England with a fair wind, and every prospect of a quiet and comfortable passage.

The ship was every thing we could wish, and having closed my charge here much to my satisfaction, it was one of the happiest days of my life. We were, perhaps too happy, for in the evening came a sad reverse. Sophia had just gone to bed, and I had thrown eff half my clothes, when a cry of Fire, fire! roused us from our calm content, and in five minutes the whole ship was in flames! I ran to examine whence the flames principally issued, and found that the fire had its origin immediately under our cabin. Down with the boats. Where is Sophia? Here. The children? Here. A rope to this side. Lower Lady Raffles. Give her to me, says one: I’ll take her, says the captain. Throw the gunpowder over board. It cannot be got at; it is in the magazine close to the fire. Stand clear of the powder. Skuttle. the water-casks. Water! Water! Where’s Sir Stamford? Come into the boat, Nilson! Nilson, come into the boat. Push off—push off. Stand clear of the after part of the ship.

All this passed much quicker than I can write it. We pushed off, and as we did so, the flames burst out of our cabin window, and the whole of the after part of the ship was in flames. The masts and sails now taking fire, we moved to a distance sufficient to avoid the immediate explosion; but the flames were now coming out of the main hatchway, and seeing the rest of the crew, with the captain, still on board, we pulled back to her under her bows, so as to be more distant from the powder. As we approached we perceived that the people on board were getting into another boat on the opposite side. She pulled off—we hailed her; have you all on board? Yes, all save one. Who is he? Johnson, sick in his cot. Can we save him? No, impossible. The flames were issuing from the hatchway. At this moment, the poor fellow scorched, I imagine, roared out most lustily, having run upon deck. I will go for him, says the captain. The two boats then came together, and we took out some of the persons from the captain’s boat, which was overladen; he then pulled under the bowsprit of the ship, and picked the poor fellow up. Are you all safe? Yes, we have got the man—all lives safe. Thank God! pull off from the ship. Keep your eye on a star, Sir Stamford. There is one scarcely visible.

We then hauled close to each other, and found the captain fortunately had a compass, but we had no light except from the ship. Our distance from Bencoolen we estimated to be about fifty miles in a south-west direction. There being no landing-place to the southward of Bencoolen, our only chance was to regain that port. The captain then undertook to lead, and we to follow, in a north north-east course, as well as we could, no chance, no possibility being left, that we could again approach the ship’; for she was now one splendid flame, fore and aft, and aloft, her masts and sails in a blaze, and rocking to and fro, threatening to fall in an instant. There goes her mizen-mast; pull away my boys. There goes the gunpowder. Thank God!—thank God!

You may judge of our situation without farther particulars. The alarm was given at about twenty minutes past eight, and in less than ten minutes she was in flames. There was not a soul on board at half-past eight, and in less than ten minutes afterwards she was one grand mass of fire.

My only apprehension was the want of boats to hold the people, as there was not time to have got out the long boat, or to make a raft; all we had to rely upon were two small quarter boats, which fortunately were lowered without accident; and in these two small open boats, without a drop of water or grain of food, or a rag of covering, except what we happened at the moment to have on our backs, we embarked on the ocean, thankful to God for his mercies! Poor Sophia, having been taken out of her bed, had nothing on but a wrapper, neither shoes nor stockings. The children were just as taken out of bed, where one had been snatched after the flames had attacked it;—in short, there was not time for any one to think of more than two things. Can the ship be saved? No. Let us save ourselves then. All else was swallowed up in one grand ruin.

To make the best of our misfortune, we availed ourselves of the light from the burning ship to steer a tolerably good course towards the shore. She continued to burn till about midnight, when the saltpetre she had on board took fire, and sent up one of the most splendid and brilliant flames that was ever seen, illuminating the horizon in every direction to an extent of not Jess than fifty miles, and casting that kind of blue light over us, which is of all others the most horrible. She burnt and continued to flame in this style for about an hour or two, when we lost sight of the object in a cloud of smoke.

Neither Nilson nor Mr Bell, our medical friend, who had accompanied us, had saved their coats; but the tail of mine, with a pocket handkerchief, served to keep Sophia’s feet warm, and we made breeches for the children with our neckcloths. Rain now came on, but, fortunately, it was not of long continuance, and we got dry again. The night became serene and starlight; we were now certain of our course, and the men behaved manfully; they rowed incessantly, and with good heart and spirit, and never did poor mortals look out more for daylight and for land than we did; not that our sufferings or grounds of complaint were any thing to what had befallen others, but from Sophia’s delicate health, as well as my own, and the stormy nature of our coast, I felt perfectly convinced we were unable to undergo starvation and exposure to sun and weather many days, and, aware of the rapidity of the currents, I feared we might fall to the southward of the port.

At daylight we recognised the coast and Rat Island, which gave us great spirits; and though we found ourselves much to the southward of the port, we considered ourselves almost at home. Sophia had gone through the night better than could have been expected, and we continued to pull on with all our strength. About 8 or 9 we saw a ship standing to us from the roads; they had seen the flames from shore, and sent out vessels to our relief; and here, certainly, came a minister of Providence, in the character of a minister of the Gospel, for the first person I recognised was one of our missionaries. He gave us a bucket of water, and took the captain on board as a pilot. The wind, however, was adverse, and we could not reach the shore, and took to the ship, where we got some refreshment and shelter from the sun. By this time Sophia was quite exhausted, fainting continually. About two o’clock we landed safe and sound, and no words of mine can do justice to the expressions of feeling sympathy and kindness with which we were hailed by every one. If any proof had been wanting that my administration had been satisfactory here, we had it unequivocally from all; there was not a dry eye, and as we drove back to our former home, Joud was the cry of “God be praised.”

The loss I have to regret beyond all, is my papers and drawings,—all my notes and observations, with memoirs and collections, sufficient for a full and ample history, not only of Sumatra, but of Borneo, and almost every other island of note in these seas;—my intended account of the establishment of Singapore;—the history of my own administration;—eastern grammars, dictionaries, and vocabularies;—and last, not least, a grand map of Sumatra, on which I had been employed since my arrival here, and on which, for the last six months, I had bestowed almost my whole undivided attention. This, however, was not all;—all my collections in natural history, all my splendid collection of drawings, upwards of 2000 in number, with all the valuable papers and notes of my friends Arnold and Jack; and, to conclude, I will merely notice, that there was scarce an unknown animal, bird, beast or fish, or an interesting plant, which we had not on board; a living tapir, a new species of tiger, splendid pheasants, &c. domesticated for the voyage; we were, in short, in this respect, a perfect Noah’s Ark.

All—all has perished; but, thank God, our lives have been spared, and we do not repine.——

After this heavy dispensation we might suppose a person desponding, it was not so with Sir Stamford; and in no event of his life did he exhibit so much energy. He had seen the labours of twenty years, his collection of drawings, manuscripts of his own, and of his companions, who had fallen victims to their researches, the greater part of his private property, the presents of his friends, and testimonials of his services, all swept away, reduced to ashes in a few hours. But truly, thankful for the preservation of his family, and as soon as he had again placed them in a situation of comfort and safety, do we find him endeavouring to repair the vast lesses he had sustained. The very day after, he commenced sketching from recollection his map of Sumatra,—set. to work draftsmen, and sent people to the forests to collect new specimens. He repined not, but went perseveringly on; and the best proof of his success is the large assemblage of subjects which he munificently presented to the Zoological Society upon its institution.

The anxiety of Sir Stamford and Lady Raffles, after these severe trials, to reach Enyland, naturally increased, and another ship was engaged, in which they again embarked on the 8th of April. They experienced a most tempestuous passage, but arrived in safety among their anxious friends. The constitution of Sir Stamford was very much shattered hy climate and the constant exercise of his mind, for it was one of those which could never rest, but which eventually actually wear themselves out. The cares of his friends comparatively restored his health, and his spirits never flagged; mentioning his future plans of life, he says,

I confess I have a great desire to turn farmer, and have the vanity to think I could manage about two hundred: acres. as well as my neighbours. With this, I suppose, I should in time become a county magistrate, an office of ell others I should delight. in, and if I should eventually get a seat in Parliament, without: sacrifice in principle, I should be content to pass through the rest of my life without aiming at any thing farther, beyond the occupation of my spare time in promoting, as far as my humble means and talents admitted, the pursuits of knowledge and science, and the advancement of philanthropic and religious principles.

Thus marking out for himself a course of active employment.

The love of retirement and free intercourse with nature, wearied him of London, and soon after his arrival in England he purchased the estate of Highwood, not far from town, which he intended should be his head quarters. His time was in the mean time actively employed in arranging from recollection parts of his researches in the East, and in examining what he had been enabled to collect during his short stay at Bencoolen after the burning of the Fame. He now expressed his opinion of the possibility of a Society somewhat upon the plan of the Garden of Plants, and enlisted in his cause the services of Sir Humphry Davy. To his cousin, in the full enthusiasm of success, he writes:

I am much interested at present in establishing a grand Zoological Collection in the Metropolis, with a Society for the introduction of living animals, bearing the same relations to Zoology as a science, that the Horticultural does to Botany. We hope to have 2000 subscribers, at L.2 each; and, it is farther expected, we may go far beyond the Jardin des Plantes at Paris. Sir Humphrey Davy and myself are the projectors. And while he looks more to the practical and immediate utility to the country gentlemen, my attention is more directed to the scientific department.

The increase of zoological knowledge by the study of the living beings, the introduction of such as might prove useful in our manufactures ‘or commerce, and the giving to the science popularity and general diffusion, were among the chief objects. The hopes of establishing such a combination were crowned with the utmost success in the institution of the Zoological Society of London. We have not room to give all the plan, details, and prospectus of the commencement of this now important institution, but it will be interesting, and perhaps wished for by many, to see the names of those who were first associated with Sir Stamford in its formation.

• Sir Stamrorp Raffles, LL. D., F. R. S., &c. Chairman.
• Duke of Somerset, LL. D., F. R. S., &c.
• Earl of Darney, F. R. S., &c.
• Viscount Gage, M.A., &c.
• Samuel, Lord Bishop of Carlisle, LL. D., V. P. R. S., &c.
• Lord Stanley, M. P., V. P. R. S., &c.
• Sir H. Davy, Bart. LL. D., Pres. R. S., &c.
• Sir Everard Home, Bart. V. P. R. S., &c.
• E. Barnard, Esq. F. L. S., &c.
• H. T. Colerooke, Esq. F. R.S., &c.
• Davies Gilbert, Esq. V. P. R. S., &c.
• Earl of Egremont, F. R.S., &c.
• Earl of Malmesbury.
• Rev. Dr Goodenough, F.R.S., &c.
• Thomas Horsrfield, M. D., F. L. S., &c.
• The Rev. W. Kirby, M. A., F. R. S., &c.
• T. A. Knight, Esq. F. R.S., Pres. H. S., &c.
• T. A. Knight Jun. Esq. M. A., &c.
• W. Sharpe Macleay, Esq. M. A., F. L. S., &c.
• Joseph Sabine, Esq. F. R. S., &c.
• N. A. Vigors, Esq. M. A., F. R. S., &c.
• Charles Baringwall, Esq. M. P.

Such was the establishment. of the London Zoological Society, now advanced to such a state of prosperity, as, (with the proper distribution of a large income) to. have the power of promoting science more than any other European establishment. Sir Stamford foresaw all this,—saw his most sanguine hopes were to be realized, and bequeathed to it the remains of his great and valuable collections.

But he scarcely witnessed, in reality, more than its splendid commencement. The fatigues of his long public career, the energy of bis mind, and great excitement incident to the success of any favourite scheme, had worn out and undermined his constitution; and two years after his return to England, when about to retire from public life and enjoy domestic privacy, he was suddenly snatched from his family and friends. Some time previously, he had had a shock, which, at the time, was not. considered serious; but, on the 5th July 1826, he was threatened with a return of it, which confirmed the previous suspicions of his medical attendants, and terminated fatally. He expired on. the day previous to the completion of his 45th year.

Thus we have seen the life of Sir Stamford Raffles to have been one of unwearied activity for the benefit of his employers, the prosperity of those he superintended, and the advancement of natural science. His works, with the exception of the History of Java, are chiefly contributions to the Asiatic and Batavian Transactions, and those of the Linnean Society of London, upon the Antiquities and History of the Tribes and Country, and the Natural History of the Eastern Archipelago. But in this enumeration we must not neglect those which shared the fate of his collections. They included Histories of Sumatra, Borneo, Celebs, Java and the Moluccas, and Singapore, besides Translations from ancient manuscripts, Dictionaries, Grammars and Vocabularies. While among the memoranda which he left, were the titles of several projected works,—“Notes illustrative of the Natural History, and more especially the Geology of the Malay Islands, containing Geographical and Geological Notices, with an account of some of the more remarkable Vegetable Productions, and the outline of a Fauna Malayana.” Another work, with the assistance of Dr Horsfield, was thus sketched out: “Contents, introduction,—Geographical and Geological Outline of the Archipelago,—ditto of Java, with Plates,—ditto of Sumatra, with ditto,—and Journey to Menangkabu,—Banca, with a Map and abstract Memoir; principal Vegetable Productions, and their Distribution and Localities,—Fauna Malayana,—Larger Animals, &c. Distribution and Account of, generally as introductory to the Descriptive Catalogue. Catalogue arranged scientifically, with relation to the order of Nature.”

They would have embraced every department in the history of these countries, and the extensive as view he took, leads us only more and more to regret their being lost to his successors in science. No natural history of the East can be given without introducing the labours of Sir Stamford Raffles, and as a patron of Natural History, his name will stand—coupled with that of Sir Joseph Banks.