Buru

Buru, or BOEROE, an island of the Malay Archipelago, in the residency of Amboyna, from which it lies about 40 miles to the W. Area, with the small island of Amblau, 3360 sq. m.; population variously estimated at from 10,000 to 50,000. The marshy coast-lands are notoriously unhealthy, but lofty mountains rise in the interior, one peak (Tomahoe) attaining an altitude of 10,320 feet. A dense natural forest covers most of the country, and only a very small portion has been brought under cultivation. The soil is rich, and vegetation everywhere luxuriant; but the only important article of export is Cajeput-oil (q.v.).