(1). The Ascent of the Peak. — For this purpose guides are
required, who can be engaged through the agent of the Packet
Company. It is rather a difficult undertaking, particularly as
regards the last part of it, where the precipitous cone is no longer
covered with vegetation, and the sulphurous exhalations oppress
the breath. The mountain is celebrated for its orchid-flora. In fine
clear weather, the prospect across the sea and the islands is
indescribably beautiful.
(2). A ride or a walk to the Laguna and Castello. — As the
inhabitants of Ternate are kind and hospitable, it is generally
possible to obtain a horse from some one, but in case we should, for
some reason, not succeed in this, then an excursion on foot will
afford us also great pleasure, as the road is well sheltered and the
distance not great.
The road leads at first in a southern, then in a south-western
direction, at some distance from the shore, and parallel with it,
through partly abandoned gardens, and past swampy wildernesses
of mangroves (rhizophorae) and sago-palms. Many old gate-posts
indicate the places where formerly the well-to-do people of Ternate

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168 KONINKLIJKE PAKETVAART MAATSCHAPPIJ.
had their country-seats. Here and there, we find nutmeg- and
cocoa-trees in course of cultivation. We also pass two old stone forts.
