Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
XXXI
The Aru Islands—Journey and Residence in the Interior
(
MARCH TO MAY
1857)
My boat was at length ready, and having obtained two men besides my own servants, after an
enormous amount of talk and trouble, we left Dobbo on the morning of March 13th, for the
mainland of Aru. By noon we reached the mouth of a small river or creek, which we ascen-
ded, winding among mangrove swamps, with here and there a glimpse of dry land. In two
hours we reached a house, or rather small shed, of the most miserable description, which our
steersman, the 'Orang-kaya' of Wamma, said was the place we were to stay at, and where he
had assured me we could get every kind of bird and beast to be found in Aru. The shed was
occupied by about a dozen men, women, and children; two cooking fires were burning in it,
and there seemed little prospect of my obtaining any accommodation. I however deferred in-
quiry till I had seen the neighbouring forest, and immediately started off with two men, net,
and guns, along a path at the back of the house. In an hour's walk I saw enough to make me
determine to give the place a trial, and on my return, finding the 'Orang-kaya' was in a strong
fever-fit and unable to do anything, I entered into negotiations with the owner of the house
for the use of a slip at one end of it about five feet wide, for a week, and agreed to pay as rent
one 'parang,' or chopping-knife. I then immediately got my boxes and bedding out of the
boat, hung up a shelf for my bird-skins and insects, and got all ready for work next morning.
My own boys slept in the boat to guard the remainder of my property; a cooking place
sheltered by a few mats was arranged under a tree close by, and I felt that degree of satisfac-
tion and enjoyment which I always experience when, after much trouble and delay, I am on
the point of beginning work in a new locality.
