effects of its poison; all of which seemed so incredible, that my curiosity was excited to the highest degree.

I therefore resolved to investigate the subject thoroughly, and to trust only to my own observation. In consequence of this resolution, I applied to the Governor-General, for a pass to travel through the country. My request was granted, and having procured every information, I set out on my expedition. I had obtained a recommendation from an old Malayan priest, to another of the same order, who lives on the nearest habitable spot to the tree, which is about fifteen or sixteen miles distant.

The tree is surrounded on all sides, by a circle of high hills and mountains; and the country round it, to the distance of ten or twelve miles from the tree, is entirely barren. Not a tree, or a shrub, or even the least plant or grass, is to be seen. I made a circuit round this dangerous spot, at a distance of eighteen miles from the centre, and I found the aspect of the country, on all sides equally dreary. I now repaired to the house of the priest, to whom I had a letter of recommendation.

From him I learned the object of his residence in

this dismal spot-which was, to prepare for eternity the souls of those, who, for different crimes, are sentenced to approach the tree, and procure the poison: This poison is a gum that issues out between the bark and the tree itself; and into this are dipped the points of all their warlike instruments. It is of high value, and produces a considerable revenue to the emperor. Malefactors, condemned to death, are the only persons who procure this poison; and this only chance they have of saving their lives.

After sentence of death is pronounced upon them by the judge, they are asked in court, whether they will die by the hands of the executioner, or whether they will go to the Upas Tree for a box of poison? They commonly prefer the latter proposal, as there is not only some chance of preserving their lives, but also a certainty, in case of a safe return, that a provision will be made for them in future by the emperor. They are also permitted to ask a favor from the emperor, which is generally of a trifling nature, and commonly granted.

They are then provided with a silver or tortoiseshell box, in which they are to put the poisonous

gum, and are properly instructed how to proceed in their dangerous expedition. Among other particulars, they are directed to go towards the tree before the wind, that the effluvia from the tree may be blown from them. They are told, also, to travel with the utmost despatch, as that is the only method of insuring a safe return.

The criminals are then sent to the house of the old priest, to which place they are commonly attended by their friends and relations. Here they generally remain some days, waiting for a favorable breeze. During that time, the priest prepares them for their future fate, by prayers and admonitions. When the hour of their departure arrives, the priest puts on them a long leather cap, which comes down as far as their breasts, with two glasses before their eyes, and also provides them with a pair of leather gloves.

They are then conducted by the priest, and their friends and relations, about two or three miles on their journey. Here the priest repeats his instructions, and tells them where they are to look for the tree. He shows them a hill which they are to ascend,

and beyond which they will find a rivulet, which they are to follow, leading directly to the Upas Tree. They now take leave of each other; and amidst prayers for their success, the criminals hasten away.

The worthy priest assured me, that during his residence there for upwards of thirty years, he had dismissed upwards of seven hundred criminals in the manner I have described: and that scarcely two out of twenty returned. He showed me a catalogue of all the unhappy sufferers, with their respective offences; and also a list of those who had returned in safety.

I was present at some of these melancholy ceremonies, and desired different criminals to bring with them some pieces of the wood, or a small branch, or some leaves of this wonderful tree. I have also given them silk cords to measure the thickness of the tree. I never could procure more than two dry leaves, that were picked up by one of them on his return.

All I could learn of him concerning the tree itself, was, that it stood on the border of a rivulet, as described by the old priest; that it was of a middling size; that five or six young trees of the same kind

stood close to it; but that no other shrub or plant could be seen near it; and that the ground was of a brownish sand, full of stones, and covered with dead bodies.

This, however, is certain, though it may appear incredible, that from fifteen to eighteen miles round this tree, not only no human creature can exist, but that, in that space of ground, no living animal of any kind has ever been discovered. I have also been assured by several persons of veracity, that there are no fish in the waters; and when any birds fly so near this tree, that the effluvia reaches them, they fall a sacrifice to the poison.

Of the fatal effects of this poisonous effluvia, even at a distance, the following well established fact furnishes sufficient evidence. In the year 1775, a rebellion broke out among the subjects of the prince, who sent an army to disperse them and drive them out of his kingdom. Having no place to flee to, they requested the ruler to permit them to repair to the uncultivated parts round the Upas Tree. This request was granted, on condition that they fixed