Geographical Notes

Abstract

IN a paper (accompanied by a map) in the last number of the Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society, we are told by the author, Captain Langen, that the Key, or Ké, Islands derive their name from the native word Ké (pron. Kay), which signifies “What do you say?” The native tradition runs that when Macassar traders first landed there, and inquired in the Malay tongue after the name of the land they had set foot on, the Key natives answered “Kay?” which expression was mistaken by the questioners for the name of the islands; and under this name, which has been changed into “Key,” or “Ké,” we find them on charts of the East Indian Archipelago. The islands are very incorrectly laid down on all nautical charts, and Captain Langen's brother has taken great pains in drawing up a map according to his own survey, which is given in illustration of the paper. The group consists of two larger islands, of which the westerly one bears the name of Nuhu-roa, or Little Key, and the easterly one Ju-ud, or Great Key, surrounded by a number of smaller islands. There is no doubt that Great Key is geologically much older than Little Key and the other surrounding islands; it possesses elevations of from 2000 to 3000 feet, whilst Little Key and the other islands are very low. Great Key principally consists of a rocky and volcanic formation, whereas Little Key and the surrounding islands are formed of coral and interveined by flint and quartz. The traveller will find on the highest inland elevations of Little Key (200 feet) shells of various species, greatly damaged through long exposure to wind and weather. About thirty-five years ago, according to the most reliable chiefs, Little Key was raised out of the sea during the shocks of a severe earthquake, attended by a tidal wave; since then no earthquakes occurred until 1884, in the month of April. The members of the European settlement report that the day opened sultry and stifling, the sun shone till about 9 a.m., when the sky became overcast, and at 10 a.m. the first shock was felt, which caused our saw-mill, then in course of erection, to sway to and fro. No sooner had the workmen felt this first shock than they rushed out of the building, and after a short lapse of time two more slight shocks were felt, but fortunately without doing any serious damage. About half an hour's walk eastward from Doelah, is an extinct crater, filled with fresh water, of a great depth, and of a very dark blue colour. Every island belonging to the Key group is covered, down to the water's edge, with dense tropical jungle, gigantic creepers winding themselves from one tree to another, thus forming a close network and great impediment to travelling. These forests contain choice kinds of timber, which formed one of the principal inducements for the establishment of the present German colony.