The Malay Archipelago, Volume 2 _ The Land - Alfred Russel Wallace

screw-pines and arborescent Liliaceae of strange forms, mingled with shrubs and
creepers; while the higher slopes supported a dense growth of forest trees. Here
and there little bays and inlets presented beaches of dazzling whiteness. The
water was transparent as crystal, and tinged the rock-strewn slope which plunged
steeply into its unfathomable depths with colours varying from emerald to lapis-
lazuli. The sea was calm as a lake, and the glorious sun of the tropics threw a
flood of golden light over all. The scene was to me inexpressibly delightful. I
was in a new world, and could dream of the wonderful productions hid in those
rocky forests, and in those azure abysses. But few European feet had ever
trodden the shores I gazed upon its plants, and animals, and men were alike
almost unknown, and I could not help speculating on what my wanderings there
for a few days might bring to light.