266 May 30, 1939. Anchored at Labhua on the west coast of Batjan about 6 PM. Could see little of the island for clouds. Except for many coconuts all along the coast the island seems undeveloped and unoccupied. The Moluccas throughout show no evidence of inland population such as one sees along most of the elevated coasts of New Guinea. May 31, 1939. Called at the little port of Namlea on the dry north coast of Buru. Although I should say at some time in the remote past a forested country this slope of the island is now for the most part grassed. Some of the hills carry nothing but grass dry enough to burn and some few scattered small trees. Others again are covered with an open savannah of low gray trees (Melaleuca). On some are remnant strips of forest in the gullies, but otherwise nothing but grass. Others again are more or less covered with low closed forest tailing off into dark patches of trees and rather dense stands of Melaleuca. The grassy hills gradually diminish in height towards the coast and for many miles to the N- to NE of Namba end abruptly in a gently, evidently moister and partly forested, slope of 1-300 yards ending on a narrow white beach. Habitations, gardens and patches of coco-nuts are scattered all along the beach line. The forest there is tall and dark and of uniform growth and appearance (possibly a closed high stand of Melaleuca?). Buru is a poor island, noted for its exports of cajepoeti oil. We shipped here 240 bags of copra and also oil. Cases of beer, bottles of cheap wine tied up in bundles, and large earthenware jars probably containing spirits, were conspicuous articles going ashore. Siere-veldt went ashore here to inspect a new land drome. Arrived at Ambon about 9 PM and took on more passengers. Resident Jansen