The NATIVE PROVINCES are divided between two native sovereigns: the _Susuhúnan_, or Emperor of Java, who resides at _Súra-kérta_,[19] on the _Solo_ River; and the Sultan, who resides at _Yúg'ya-kérta_,[20] near the south coast, in the province of _Matárem_. These provinces comprise several of the richest districts of the island, among which are _Bányumas_, _Rómo_, _Bágalen_, and _Matárem_, to the west; and _Mádion_, _Jagarága_, _Sukawáti_, _Pranarága_, _Kértasána_, _Blítar_, and _Kedíri_, to the east; and with the exception of the small district of _Pachítan_, which has been recently ceded to the European government, occupy the whole of the southern coast from _Chéribon_ to _Málang_, a distance of not less than two hundred and fifty miles, and form about a fourth part of the whole island.
The districts near the coasts are generally separated from each other by rivers; those in the interior often by ranges of hills and mountains. The districts are again divided, each subdivision including numerous villages.
The principal harbour of the island is that of _Surabáya_ in the eastern districts, formed by the approaching extremities of Java and _Madúra_. It is broad and spacious, secure against the violence of the sea and wind, and may be rendered impregnable to any hostile attack.
The next in importance is that of Batavia, more properly, perhaps, called the roads of Batavia, which are sheltered by several islands lying in the outer part of the bay. These roads, however, not admitting of any means of permanent defence from the attack of a superior naval force, the Dutch government, during the late war, were induced to fortify the small harbour of _Merák_ Bay, on the north-west coast of Bantam.
Along the northern coast, there are perhaps other positions which admit of being improved into convenient harbours; but where the whole coast affords excellent anchorage at nearly all seasons of the year, and where vessels of any burthen can approach all the principal stations, at a convenient distance for the barter of their merchandize, the purposes of commerce are in that respect already sufficiently provided for. The sea being usually smooth, and the weather moderate, the native vessels and small craft always find sufficient shelter at the change of the monsoon, by running under some of the numerous islands scattered along this coast, or passing up the rivers, which, though in general difficult of entrance on account of their bars, are for the most part navigable to such vessels, as far up as the maritime capitals, through which they run.