JUx\E 11, I860.] SCHOMBURGK'S REPORT ON THE TRADE OF SI AM. 215 



in which resides the governor of the district, and which numbers, 

 according to the information which I received from that official, 

 about 3500 inhabitants — of whom 2000 are Chinese. Its port, if 

 such the anchorage can be called, is quite safe for craft of a small 

 draught, but does not admit vessels of a larger description. 



The eastern coast of the Gulf of Siam abounds in fish, and not 

 only a large number of the inhabitants of Bangplasoi, but likewise 

 those of the village of Anhin, about 9 miles to the south of the 

 former, occupy themselves with catching and curing the fish, which 

 they convey to Bangkok. 



Between Anhin and Bangplasoi there are extensive rice-fields ; 

 the low ground, easily subjected to irrigation, being advantageous 

 to the cultivation of that grain. Til-seed (Sesamum indicum) is like- 

 wise raised and sent to Bangkok. 



The village of Anhin, in lat. 13" 21' n., long. 100° 55' e., is 

 famed for its salubrity. The First King and his court spend here 

 generally some time to enjoy the sea-air. Kot only His Majesty, 

 but likewise some of his ministers, possess houses in Anhin, and the 

 King has given orders for building an extensive residence. 



A sojourn at Anhin is principally recommended to those who 

 sufi'er from dysentery or diarrhoea, — maladies to which foreigners, 

 Europeans and Americans, residing in Bangkok, are much subjected, 

 and which prove but too frequently fatal.* 



About 11 miles to the south of Anhin commences a group of 

 islands, to which the name of the " Dutch Islands " has been given. 

 Kisi-chang is one of the largest of the group, possessing a fine har- 

 bour ; to which, in the case of severe weather, the shipping at the 

 roadstead of Bangkok retire for safety. The inhabitants cultivate 

 yams, sweet potatoes, but. principally maize or Indian corn. 



The harbour of the island of Kisi-chang has been recommended as 

 a naval station, affording complete shelter. A fine stream of fresh 

 water, which falls into the bay, furnishes, moreover, the facilities 

 for watering. 



These islands are famed as the resort of the swallow which con- 

 structs the edible birds'-nests, which are considered such a great 

 delicacy by the Chinese and likewise by European gourmands. 



The swallow (^Hirundo esculentd) builds these nests in caves formed 

 in the limestone rocks of which these islands seem to consist. This 

 calcareous formation is reported to contain rock-crystals, and Bishop 

 Pallegoix, who visited Koh-sichiang, speaks in high praise of the 



* I can attest from my own experience to the great benefit which I received, 

 when suiferiug under dysenteric diarrhoea, from a sojourn at Anhin. The First 

 King styles it a Sanatorium for white people. 



