As nothing is to be feared from the natives, I feel convinced that were a fort to be erected on this spot it would soon become a very prosperous trading place. At present the natives do not settle here in great numbers, as the foreign traders do not like them to reside among them. As soon as the traders have departed the people give themselves up to idleness, and only commence collecting produce a short time previous to their return. Neither do the foreign traders now like to settle on the islands, perhaps because they do not place much confidence in the people. I am convinced, however, that were a representative of the Dutch Government to reside here, it would soon become a highly prosperous place, and the harbour would never be without vessels in it. I cannot avoid giving a short description of the Pilandok or Arru rabbits, an animal rather larger than the common rabbit, of a grey colour, which, as they grow old, becomes quite grizzly. The forelegs are short, and the hind ones, which resemble those of the hare, have each three toes, provided with strong nails. The head is like that of a weazel. These animals do not run very fast, and when resting they usually sit upright on their hind legs. Their food consists of the leaves of the yam plant and other greens, and they are easily tamed, when they may be suffered to run around the house without their attempting to escape. The flavour of their flesh is very agreeable. On the 1st of September, when at Duryella, I appointed the Orang Kayas to the islands of Wama and Maykor, to each of whom I presented a silver-knobbed baton, besides other government gifts, as pieces of cloth, flags, &c. Several of the chiefs of the more distant islands were also confirmed in their authority on the same occasion, many other affairs being also settled; among which was a reconciliation between the people of two villages on Vorkay, who for some time previously had lived in state of war with each other. The quarrel originated in one of the parties fishing too long on a reef which was their mutual property, and thus obtaining too large a share of its produce. It had already been provisionally adjusted through the mediation of the Christian chiefs, and was now submitted to me for my final decision. The offenders solemnly promised that they would not hereafter exceed their right, and the affair was settled to the satisfaction of both parties, who declared that they would henceforward live in peace and friendship with each other.