A Visit to Java / With an Account of the Founding of Singapore

The author combines travel impressions with a historical survey of the island, tracing Hindu and Muslim eras and the arrival and contest of European powers, followed by an account of colonial administration, the culture system, and a volcanic catastrophe. Practical chapters describe climate, hotels, transport, language, and railway travel while sketching native life, dress, houses, rice cultivation, amusements, and marriage customs. Urban and garden landscapes receive attention in detailed sketches of Batavia, Buitenzorg, and the botanical gardens, with views of Mount Salak. Monuments and performance traditions are examined through discussions of Hindu temple remains, wayang theatre, and Javanese literary genres. Agriculture, plantations, cinchona introduction, flora and fauna round out the picture, and closing chapters recount the founding and describe Singapore.