The history of Sumatra

The History of Sumatra by William Marsden contains an account of the government, laws, customs, and manners of the native inhabitants, with a description of the natural productions, and a relation of the ancient political state of that island. The text says many large and beautiful lakes extend at intervals through the heart of the country and make communication easier between the different parts, though their dimensions, situation, or direction are very little known.

The text says waterfalls and cascades are not uncommon, as may be supposed in a country of so uneven a surface as that of the western coast. The text says the Sumatran governments are strangers to a firmness of authority, are without coercive power, and that the submission of the people is little other than voluntary. The text gives a faithful translation of the Malayan narrative, which says that when raja Jemal al-alum reigned in Achin the country was exceedingly populous and the nobles had large possessions.