NIAS  , the largest

island in the chain off the. west coast of Sumatra, Dutch East Indies, lying about 1° N., 970 30' E . It is roughly oblong in form, measuring about 8o m. by 28, and appears to be partly of volcanic origin and to consist partly of older rocks corresponding with those of Sumatra . Its extreme elevation is about 2300 ft . A number of islets (Nako, Bunga, &c.) lie off the west and north coasts . The island is thickly populated by a pagan people, who by some authorities, including F . Junghuhn, have been associated with the Battas, but are probably a distinct branch of the pre-Malayan or Indonesian race . Slavery and head-hunting are universal, despite the efforts of Dutch and German missionary societies . The natives are skilled in such crafts as weaving and metal-work, as well as in agriculture time, finding him asleep, he stabbed him; but Sigurd, before he died, and road-making . Coco-nut oil is produced on Nias and also more especially on the Nako group . A Dutch commissioner is established at Gunong Sitoli on the east coast, a settlement of Malay and Chinese traders .