Eastern seas, and is the residence of many Bugis and Ceramese traders, and
appears to have been chosen on account of its being close to the only deep
channel between the extensive shoals of Ceram-laut and those bordering the east
end of Ceram. We now had contrary east winds, and were obliged to pole over
the shallow coral reefs of Ceram-laut for nearly thirty miles. The only danger of
our voyage was just at its termination, for as we were rowing towards
Manowolko, the largest of the Goram group, we were carried out so rapidly by a
strong westerly current, that I was almost certain at one time we should pass
clear of the island; in which case our situation would have been both
disagreeable and dangerous, as, with the east wind which had just set in, we
might have been unable to return for many days, and we had not a day's water on
board. At the critical moment I served out some strong spirits to my men, which
put fresh vigour into their arms, and carried us out of the influence of the current
before it was too late.
MANOWOLKO, GORAM GROUP.
On arriving at Manowolko, we found the Rajah was at the opposite island of
Goram; but he was immediately sent for, and in the meantime a large shed was
given for our accommodation. At night the Rajah came, and the next day I had a
visit from him, and found, as I expected, that I had already made his
acquaintance three years before at Aru. He was very friendly, and we had a long
talk; but when I begged for a boat and men to take me on to Ke, he made a host
of difficulties. There were no praus, as all had gone to Ke or Aim; and even if
one were found, there were no men, as it was the season when all were away
trading. But he promised to see about it, and I was obliged to wait. For the next
two or three days there was more talking and more difficulties were raised, and I
had time to make an examination of the island and the people.
Manowolko is about fifteen miles long, and is a mere; upraised coral-reef.
Two or three hundred yards inland rise cliffs of coral rock, in many parts
perpendicular, and one or two hundred feet high; and this, I was informed, is
characteristic of the whole island, in which there is no other kind of rock, and no
stream of water. A few cracks and chasms furnish paths to the top of these cliffs,
where there is an open undulating country, in which the chief vegetable grounds
of the inhabitants are situated.
The people here—at least the chief men—were of a much purer Malay race
than the Mahometans of the mainland of Ceram, which is perhaps due to there
having been no indigenes on these small islands when the first settlers arrived. In
Ceram, the Alfuros of Papuan race are the predominant type, the Malay
physiognomy being seldom well marked; whereas here the reverse is the case,