[Footnote 145:  On approaching the mountains towards the southern parts of the island, the heat of the air gradually diminishes, till at last, especially in the morning and evening, it is absolutely cold, and cannot be endured without the aid of such clothing as is used in winter in other countries.  How materially the proper use of such a change of climate may operate to the restoration of health, can be easily imagined by any one who has felt the different effects of deleterious heat and invigorating cold.  The island of Jamaica presents something very similar to what is now related of the different climates in the vicinity of Batavia.—­E.]

But the same situation and circumstances which render Batavia and the country round it unwholesome, render it the best gardener’s ground in the world.  The soil is fruitful beyond imagination, and the conveniences and luxuries of life that it produces are almost without number.

Rice, which is well known to be the corn of these countries, and to serve the inhabitants instead of bread, grows in great plenty; and I must here observe, that in the hilly parts of Java, and in many of the eastern islands, a species of this grain is planted, which in the western parts of India is entirely unknown.  It is called by the natives Paddy Gunung, or Mountain Rice:  This, contrary to the other sort, which must be under water three parts in four of the time of its growth, is planted upon the sides of hills where no water but rain can come:  It is however planted at the beginning of the rainy season, and reaped in the beginning of the dry.  How far this kind of rice might be useful in our West-Indian islands, where no bread corn is grown, it may perhaps be worth while to enquire.[146]

[Footnote 146:  The island of Java produces rice, which is the principal food of millions, in such quantities, as to have obtained the title of the granary of the East.  Nearly three thousand cwt., it is said, were furnished by it in the year 1767, for the use of Batavia, Ceylon, and Banda.  It is sown in low ground generally, and after it has got a little above the ground, is transplanted in small bundles, in rows, each bundle having about six plants.  The waters of the rivulets, &c. are then allowed to flow on it till the stalk has attained due strength, when the land is drained.  When ripe, the fields of rice have an appearance like wheat and barley.  It is cut down by a small knife, about a foot under the ear.  In place of being threshed, the seed is separated from the husk by stamping with wooden blocks.—­E.]

Indian corn, or maize, is also produced here, which the inhabitants gather when young, and toast in the ear.  Here is also a great variety of kidney-beans, and lentiles which they call Cadjang, and which make a considerable part of the food of the common people; besides millet, yams both wet and dry, sweet potatoes, and European potatoes, which are very good, but not cultivated in great plenty.  In the gardens,