214: SCHOMBURGK'S REPORT ON THE TRADE OF SUM. [June 11, WGO, 



which are some pagodas or wats, remarkable for their extent and 

 architecture. 



The banks of the river on both its sides about half-a-mile beyond 

 Paklat are occupied by some extensive fortifications, principally on 

 the right bank. The fort on the left is of less importance, but 

 attached to it is a strong beam, which can be thrown across the 

 river to impede the passage of any hostile vessel. 



The river itself offers from here, as high .up as the Palaces of the 

 Kings, sufficient depth for the largest ship, were it possible to 

 overcome the difficulty at the bar: as great a depth as 13 fathoms 

 are occasionally found in that distance. 



Merchant-vessels anchor usually between the British Consulate 

 And the First King's palace, in from 5 to 8 fathoms of water. As 

 some mercantile establishments are situated on the left bank of the 

 river below the Consulate, vessels may likewise be seen in that 

 direction. 



The river Meklong has been considered by some a branch of the 

 Menam. This is, however, erroneous : although at its lower part, 

 near its mouth, it is joined by an arm of the Menam. The soil 

 along the Meklong is extremely fertile ; producing rice, sugar, 

 sesamum or til-seed, besides numerous fruit-trees bordering its 

 43anks. 



A great number of the inhabitants who live at the lower part of 

 the river occupy themselves with the preparation of salt, which 

 they obtain by evaporation. Not only is a great part of Siam sup- 

 plied from here with this article, but a large quantity is likewise 

 exported. 



The town of Meklong is some distance up the river, but it can 

 only be reached in small boats. 



Banlam may be called the seaport of the district of Pecha-buri ; 

 the town of that name, likewise called Phiphri, lies some distance 

 up the river, but the latter is too shallow to admit of large vessels 

 coming up as high as the town. 



The province is fertile, and furnishes a large quantity of rice for 

 export, which, in a great measure, is conveyed by coasting-vessels 

 direct to the roadstead of Bangkok, and taken there on board of 

 the foreign vessels at anchor. 



Bangplasoi is at the eastern bight of the Gulf of Siam, and about 

 6 miles to the south of the river. Bangpatung has a tolerable good 

 harbour for vessels of a moderate draught. 



The Bangpatung flows through a fertile country, well cultivated. 

 The produce of its banks is principally sent to Bangplasoi, a town 



