8vo. - This work,
translated from the Dutch, amidst much that is merely personal, contains
some curious notices on Ceylon and its inhabitants. To the English
translation is appended an account by Erkelskrom, which is valuable, as
describing the island at the period when it passed from the Dutch to the
English.
751. Davy's Account of the Interior of Ceylon. 1821, 4to. - This is an
excellent work, though like many other works of excellence, too bulky; its
chief and peculiar merit and recommendation consist in its details on the
natural history of Ceylon.
752. Marsden's History of Sumatra. 1783. 4to. - This is a most excellent
work in the plan and execution, embracing almost every topic connected with
the island and its inhabitants.
753. Voyage to the Isle of Borneo. By Capt. Beckman. 1718, 8vo. - Of this
large island, so little known, this volume, and an article inserted in the
Transactions of the Batavian Society of Java, gives us many interesting
particulars; there are also some notices of it in Forrest's Voyage.
754. The Narrative of Captain Woodward, with a Description of the Island of
Celebes. 1804, 8vo. - Woodward was an American captain who was taken
prisoner by the Malays of Celebes: this work is the result of his
observations and experience during his captivity; but it is confined to the
western division of the isle: of this, however, it gives many particulars,
respecting the produce, animals, inhabitants, &c. Stavorinus's works may
also be consulted regarding Celebes.
755. Crawfurd's History of the Indian Archipelago. 1820. 3 vols. 8vo. - This
is a valuable work, particularly in what relates to the actual commerce and
commercial capabilities of these islands: it also treats of the manners,
religion, language, &c. of the inhabitants; but on some of these points not
with the soundest judgment, or the most accurate information.
756. Raffles's History of Java. 1817. 2 vols. 4to. - Had this work been
compressed into a smaller compass, by a judicious abridgment of the
historical part, its value as well as interest would have been enhanced;
these, however, are not small, as it gives by far the fullest and most
accurate account of Java, and its inhabitants, that has appeared; and as
the author, from his residence and high official situation, possessed every
advantage, its accuracy may be depended on. When the natural history
illustrations of Java, by Mr. Horsfield, are completed, they will, in
conjunction with this work, and the Transactions of the Batavian Society,
leave nothing to be desired on the subject of this part of Asia.
757. E. Koempfer's Geschichte und Beschriebung von Japan. Lemgo, 1777-79. 2
vols. 4to. - This edition of Koempfer's celebrated work on Japan contains
several things which are not to be found in the English translation.
758. Histoire du Japan. Par Charlevoix. Paris, 1754, 6 vols. 12mo. - This
is the best edition of Charlevoix's work, many parts of which, especially
what relates to natural history, are drawn from Koempfer.
