grows in this region, whilst the mangrove (fig. 13) occupies the swamps of New Guinea and the adjacent islands, and the deadly upas (fig. 99) spreads its poisonous influence in Sumatra. Perhaps, however, the most remarkable vegetable productions of this region, are the singular and gigantic parasitical plants, the Brugmannia zippelii, the Rafflesia arnoldi and Rafflesia patma. The Rafflesia arnoldi is a native of Sumatra, and is a plant without stem or leaves, and with roots so minute, that they are embedded in the slender stem of a species of vine, which forms its station, yet bearing a flower of the most enormous dimensions, its diameter being three feet six inches, and its weight fifteen pounds. The colour is brick red, inclining to orange, and it emits a powerful, but highly offensive odour, resembling tainted beef. A second species, the Rafflesia patma (fig. 212), measuring two feet across, has been found on the small island of Nava Kambangan.

In their native animals, these islands also display the splendour and variety which we have before remarked characterize intertropical regions. They abound with large and ferocious quadrupeds, and also with crocodiles and other reptiles. The monkey tribes are very numerous, including the oran outang (fig. 1), and the singular proboscis monkey, a native of Borneo, and which is distinguished from all other species, by a long and projecting nose. Bats are also very numerous in species, and among these are the rousette bats (fig. 8), commonly called vampires, which chiefly inhabit Timor. Tigers are very abundant in Sumatra, where several different species are said to occur. Elephants also abound in that island, and two species of rhinoceros have been observed. In Sumatra alsó is found that singular animal the Malayan tapir (fig. 72), whilst Amboyna forms the habitation of the babyroussa hog (fig. 76)*. The cats of Sumatra appear to differ from all other modern species, there being one with a knobbed

* The two latter animals form the modern representatives of some of the extinct pachydermatous animals of the Eocene era of Geology.

or twisted tail; and another wholly without a tail. The dogs hunt in packs, and resemble the dingo, or Australian dog. Among the reptiles of these islands, besides large and formidable crocodiles, we find a numerous list of snakes, including the gigantic python.

The birds of the Indian Archipelago are of surpassing splendour, comprising among their number the magnificent family of the birds of Paradise (fig. 119), which principally inhabit New Guinea and the adjacent islands. The cassowary (fig. 127) is also a native of New Guinea, as well as the beautiful tiger bittern. The gay plumed lories and parrots are exceedingly abundant, especially in the Moluccas; whilst the forests of Sumatra are adorned by the splendid Argus pheasant, and doves of beautiful colours; and those of Java by a variety of peacock, and the greenfruit-eater, which so closely assimilates in colour with the foliage of the trees it frequents, that it is undistinguishable, even by a near observer. The curious edible birds' nests, which are formed by a species of swallow, are found near the sea-shore, in these inlands and on the adjacent coasts. The insects are exceedingly splendid, exhibiting the most singular forms, and the most surpassing brilliancy of colour. Among the latter, is the Amphrisius priamus, one of the most beautiful known insects; and among the former, is the Mantis siccifolia, whose form rather resembles a leaf than an insect. Both of these are found in Amboyna.

The coasts of Celebes, Amboyna, and the Eastern Islands generally, abound in tortoises, the great supply of tortoiseshell being obtained from thence.

The Maldiva Islands, situated to the westward of the peninsula of India, consist of a vast range of coral isles and reefs, extending for nearly five hundred miles, supposed to include 30,000 or 40,000 islets, all presenting a similar appearance, that of a tuft of trees on the water: the greater number being covered with cocoa-nut palms, and the highest land in the whole group, not exceeding twenty feet above the sea. The only mammiferous animal inhabiting these islands, is the flying cat (fig. 9).

253

CHAPTER XVI.

NORTHERN ASIA.-KUENLUN MOUNTAINS.-ALTAI MOUNTAINS.

-URALIANS.-TIBET.-SIBERIA.

Beyond, a frozen continent

Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms

Of whirlwinds and dire hail.

MILTON.

HAVING Completed our brief sketch of the leading features presented by the rich and varied regions of Southern Asia, we will now turn our attention to the northern districts of that division of the globe.

Extensive mountain ranges diverge northwards from the Hindoo Koosh, the greater part of which run nearly parallel with the grand central line, though at varying distances. The most southerly of these ranges, the Kuenlun, forms the northern boundary of the elevated table land of Tibet, into which it sends various collateral branches of considerable altitude. The rugged and lofty Belor range, which also diverges from the Hindoo Koosh, takes, in its commencement, a northerly course, but in its prolongation in the Mooz-Tagh, or Thian-Chan, extends to the eastward, enclosing the sandy desert of Cobi, or Gobi, until it unites with the mountains of China, to which the elevated Kuenlun also extends. From the same mighty central group of the Hindoo Koosh, branches off the vast system of the Altai Mountains, which separate Tartary from Siberia, and which, under the several names of the Sayanskoi, Yablony (or Apple), and Aldan Mountains, extend to the shores of the Pacific, near Behring's Straits. These mountains are not generally of very great elevation, though the highest summit, Bieluka, attains the altitude of 11,000 feet above the sea level. A branch from this system extends through the peninsula of Kamtchatka, giving a mountainous character to that territory, which is remarkable for the numerous sopki, or volcanos, whose

elevated snow-clad summits rise far above the general level of the mountain range.

The Oural, or Uralian mountain range, which forms the separation between Siberia and European Russia, may perhaps be rather considered as a distinct system, than as a branch from the central line, though, in its southern termination, it approaches very near the western extremity of the Altai system. The Uralian Mountains are by no means elevated in their southern portion, but increase in altitude in their northern extension, several peaks rising to the height of 8000 or 9000 feet; though these are not situated in the principal range, but appear like detached peaks. The Uralian Mountains are celebrated for their mineral treasures, which have lately risen into great importance. About six years since, extensive beds of sand, containing small particles of gold, were discovered on the Siberian side of this range, as also, though less abundantly, on its European declivities; and in the year 1836, about 19,000 marks of gold were obtained from this source. This gold is always found united with a small portion of silver. On the western, or European side, the sand in some parts contains a considerable proportion of platina, and six platina mines occur; that metal being usually combined with a small quantity of gold. It is a remarkable circumstance, that in beds of sand containing gold, or platina, diamonds are frequently found. Baron De Humboldt directed the attention of the Russians to this singular fact, and not long afterwards, some of these precious gems were discovered in these beds of auriferous sand, though it appears that the diamonds hitherto found have only been of small size. Iron and other metals also abound in these districts; and Mount Blagodat, situated on the Siberian side of the Uralian range, and which is 1534 feet above the sea, is entirely composed of magnetic iron ore.

The elevated table land of Tibet, or Tubet, is bounded on the south by the lofty Himalayah Mountains, and on the north, by the perhaps little less elevated Kuenlun range. This plateau may be considered as the most ele

vated plain on the surface of the globe, its average height appearing to be more than 10,000 feet above the level of. the sea. Its great elevation, in the latitude in which it is situated, might lead us to suppose that it would be destitute of useful vegetation, yet we find that it not only yields excellent pasturage, but in some favourable situations, corn, and even the vine, arrive at great perfection. The peculiarity of climate which renders this vast surface habitable for man, is attributed to the radiating power of the plains themselves, which, as has been before observed, has also the effect of raising the snow line on this side of the Himalayah Mountains. The circumstance of these plains being screened on the north by the Kuenlun range, may also tend to moderate their temperature.

Among the native vegetable productions of Tibet, are apricots, walnut and apple trees, gooseberries and raspberries, the hazel, rhododendron, willow, oak, deodar pine, oriental fir (fig. 149), juniper, &c.

The animals inhabiting the vast plains of Tibet, are numerous and important. The yak, or grunting ox (fig. 99), is an animal of great utility, both as a beast of burden, and for the rich and nutritious milk it affords. The tail of this animal, consists of a mass of long flowing glossy black hair; and, under the name of chowrie, it is in general demand among the chiefs of India, both as an ornament, and as a flap for dispersing insects. Another highly valuable animal, is the Tibet goat (fig. 101), which yields the fine wool used in manufacturing the celebrated shawls of KashThe wool grows close to the body, and is covered with a profusion of thick hair. This animal is rather smaller than the English sheep, and is the most elegant of the goat kind. The sheep of Tibet are also particularly fine; and both these and the goats, are used as beasts of burden, in crossing the lofty and steep passes of the Himalayah Mountains. The musk deer (fig. 84), from which the perfume of that name is obtained, is very abundant in Tibet.

mere.