one of the Comora islands, lying between Madagascar and the continent of Africa, otherwise called Anzuanne, Anjuan, Juanny, and Johanna. As the accounts given of it by the abbé Raynal and Major Rooke seem to contradict each other, we shall lay before our readers the substance of Sir William Jones's description of it, by whom the island was visited, and whose regard to veracity will not be controverted.

It resembles a vast amphitheatre, of which a general notion may be formed, by conceiving in the mind a multitude of hills infinitely diversified in figure and in magnitude, thrown together with artless symmetry in all conceivable positions. A series of mountains forms the back ground, one of which is pointed, almost half a mile above the level of the sea, and not more than three miles from the shore. The whole of them are richly clothed with fruit trees of exquisite verdure. Beyond this range is another tier, partly barren and partly verdant. Nearer the shore there is a vast multitude of cliffs, which bring their verdure almost to the water-side. The rows of palm trees with which it abounds, which give an enchanting beauty and variety to the scene, almost appear to have been planted by design.

The north side of the island floats out into two points, which are 26 miles distant from each other, with a large bay between them. It is justly considered as a proper place of refreshment for vessels bound to and from the East Indies, as it yields limes, lemons, oranges, and many other valuable antifebrutics. The town which is the king's residence, is on the east side of the island, which contains no more than about 200 houses, notwithstanding it is three-fourths of a mile in length.

The cattle of this island are a sort of buffaloes, with a large hump on their shoulders, which is reported to be most delicious eating; but there are no horses, asses, or mules in the island. The original natives may be about 7000, who occupy the hills, and carry on deftly wars with the Arabian interlopers living on the sea coast, and about 3000 in number. The expenses of government are defrayed by a tax on 200 villages, but the three principal towns are exempted. The kingly power is considered as elective by the principles of the constitution; but the line of succession has not been altered since the first election of a sultan.

The price of every article is under proper regulations, and ships who touch here can be plentifully supplied with bullocks, goats, and fowls. The people seem to be extravagantly fond of titles, and therefore lords, dukes, and princes, are common among them. A duke will dispose, in person, of the product of his own estate, which men of a similar rank in Europe will only do by the intervention of agents. The natives are said to be indolent, as is the case in most tropical countries, and neglect the cultivation of that exuberant soil which Providence has bestowed upon them.

There is a sacred lake, about half a mile in circumference, in the interior parts of the island, about fifteen miles from the town of Johanna. The wild ducks frequenting this sequestered spot are said to be worshipped by the natives, and consulted as oracles in all affairs of importance. These people countenance polygamy, and the keeping of concubines. The men are extremely jealous, and never admit strangers of their own sex to see the women.

The chewing the betel nut prevails greatly in Hinzuan, as in most eastern countries, and corresponds to the European custom of smoking tobacco or taking snuff, only with this difference, that the practice is still more general. They are very abstemious as to the use of wine, that article being prohibited by the religion of Mahomet, and perform the duty of prayer three or four times a-day. E. Long. 44. 15. S. Lat. 12. 30.