and in some places one is sufficient to
drag a plough. Java produces rice of a first-rate quality, sugar in
abundance, cotton in considerable quantities, salt, timber, indigo,
coffee, pepper, and various kinds of spices.

Java is, in reality, governed by the Dutch East India Company; but it is
divided into a number of provinces, ruled over by puppet princes with
the title of Sultan. At the court of each, one of the Company's chief
officers, or head merchants, as they are called, resides. In some of
the provinces these petty emperors have been deposed, and they are
governed by one of the Company's officers, under the title of Resident.
The religion of these princes is Mohammedan, as is that of the natives
generally, though intermixed with many superstitious observances. No
government rules a country with a more despotic system, or is more
jealous of foreign interference with its trade. I suspect, also, that
none has done more injury to the advancement of civilisation in the
East, from their readiness to submit to all the absurd customs and
degrading ceremonies imposed on them by the Chinese and other
semi-barbarous nations, for the purpose of advancing their mercantile
interests. Taught by them, these people look upon all Europeans as
tribes of mean and despicable traders, who have neither the power nor
the spirit to resent any injuries inflicted on them.

In the environs of Batavia are a number of villages, some inhabited by
Malays, and others by Chinese, who visit the island in great numbers,
and carry on a considerable trade, notwithstanding the persecutions to
which they have at times been subject. In various beautiful spots, both
near the city or the neighbouring hills, and along the sea-shore, are
found the large and handsome country residences of the chief merchants
and other authorities connected with the Company. There are five
principal roads which lead from the city towards the country, and which
are planted with high and shady trees. One of the most beautiful roads
leading to the Port of Jacatra is closely planted with a double row of
mango-trees, and both sides of it are embellished with large and
pleasant gardens, and many fine and elegant buildings. All the roads
are much of the same description, and give a character of finished
cultivation to the neighbourhood of the city. Both sides of the
streets, as well as of the numerous canals, are planted with fine trees,
so that the country all round B