VISIT TO THE TANKOEBAN PRAHOE IN JAVA,
After the eruption of the 27th. May, 1846.
By Dr. Bleeker.[1]
Since 1829, no unusual commotion had been perceptible in the crater of the Tankoeban Prahoe. On the 27th of May, however, another eruption consisting of ashes and mud from the Kawa Ratoe took place, accompanied, according to the testimony of the inhabitants of the districts Segala Herang and Batoe Sirap, with slight earthquakes. This eruption continued longer than a night, and thus the rising of the vapour from the Kawa Ratoe or principal crater, most have been more remarkable than before this recent explosion. When at Tengeragong in the district of Segala Herang we perceived from the country house of Mr. Hofland those vapours rising, the intention previously formed at Wanayassa of visiting the crater was immediately determined on. On Wednesday the 10th of June, exactly a fortnight after the eruption, Dr. Bosch, chief physician, Mr. Hofland and the undersigned commenced the journey to the mountain, taking the road by Panaroebon and Tjatter. From Tjatter, a "kampong" on the north declivity of the Tankoeban Prahoe with 880 inhabitants and a great coffee establishment, 3600' above the sea, we proceeded against a rather steep mountain side through the middle of extend- ed coffee plantations which encircle the mountain for above 4000'. New clearances higher up the mountain have been made for the cultivation of the coffee plant. Having passed these we entered the primeval forest of the regio montana. Of the low kinds of vegetation nothing is perceptible as the interval between Tengarong (1900' above the level of the sea) and the borders of the coffee plantations is cultivated with rice, tea and coffee.
Nothing probably demonstrates more the majesty of nature than a primeval forest of Java's "regio montana.” As soon as the agricultural borders of this part of the Tankoeban Prahoe are past, you
- ↑ This article has been translated from the Tijdschrift voor Neerlands Indie by Dr. Minter of H.M. Steam Ship "Medea", to whom we return our best thanks for his kindness. Ed.
