M. SEEMANN’S JOURNAL. . 83 
ever, is destitute of that grandeur by which Hong-Kong is so emi- 
nently distinguished; but Singapore, from its geographical position, 
its salubrious, though hot climate, the great capacities of its soil, and 
the incalculable advantage arising from its being a free port, is of far 
greater importance than Hong-Kong ever has been or ever will be. 
While the latter is merely a place carrying on a limited trade with a 
certain portion of the Chinese empire, the former concentrates all the 
rich commerce of the Indian Archipelago, and will continue increasing 
in proportion as the resources of these regions are developed. 
I have said that the greater portion of Singapore is still covered 
with jungle, but this does not seem destined to remain Jong. Every 
year immigrants arrive from almost every part of Asia,—China, Bengal, 
Cochin China, Siam, etc. The forests, which so long remained undis- 
turbed, are fast disappearing, substantial roads intersect the colony in 
different directions, and extensive plantations are everywhere spring- 
ing up. ÎThe cultivation of the Nutmeg has lately been prosecut 
here with great zeal. When the settlement was established, much wi 
judice existed with respect to it. A general belief then prevailed, that, | 
with so great an investment of capital which such plantations require, : 
and without protecting laws, much risk was incurred. Now, however, | 
the fallacy of these views has been demonstrated. Several far-sighted | 
individuals, who early commenced the cultivation of the spice, are now 
reaping a golden harvest from their enterprise. Others have been in- | 
duced to follow their example; for it has been found that the Singa- | - 
pore planters, with free labour, and without protecting laws, are enabled 
to produce their nuts and mace at a cheaper rate that the Dutch, with 
all their antiquated institutions. Another decisive proof, if any indeed 
was wanting, that industry only desires to be free and unfettered, in 
order to be productive of the best results. 
The perseverance, care, and foresight which are required in order to | 
cultivate the Nutmeg successfully, are truly astonishing. The prepa- | 
ration of the soil, manuring, shading of the young plants, etc., are very 
laborious operations ; and how often do they meet with disappoint- 
ment! After years of attention and the expenditure of great sums, 
the trees begin to blossom, when, alas! not unfrequently more than 
one-half turn out to be either male or monccious plants, only 1 to be felled | 
by the axe. This circumstance is of great importance; in order to 
remedy the evil various experiments have been made to propagate the ej 
