From Lotta we had an almost continual ascent for six miles, which brought us on to the plateau of Tondano at an elevation of about 2,400 feet.

We passed through three villages whose neatness and beauty quite astonished me.

The main road, along which all the coffee is brought down from the interior in carts drawn by buffaloes, is always turned aside at the entrance of a village, so as to pass behind it, and thus allow the village street itself to be kept neat and clean.

This is bordered by neat hedges often formed entirely of rose-trees, which are perpetually in blossom.

There is a broad central path and a border of fine turf, which is kept well swept and neatly cut.