1846.] THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE. 547 



It is doubtful, however, that these rocks have any thing poisonous in their com. 

 position, but more probable that they attract the poisonous matter emanating: from 

 the island ; for the same rock is largely exposed in and around Singapore, without 

 producing obnoxious effects. The frigate Constitution was anchored about two 

 and a half miles from this island, with the wind blowing from that quarter, but 

 without any of the crew suffermg from fever. 



It would thus appear that no definite condition of circumstances can be pointed 

 out which is certainly produelive of this poison; as for instance the Pontme Mar- 

 shes of Italy, and the arid burnt plains of the Estremadura, both highly produc- 

 tive of this effluvia, yet very different. Again, the arid plains of Brazil, and the 

 swamps of Sambas, both destitute of malaria. 



We may justly infer then that the poison which is so deleterious to the human 

 constitution is not always the same in nature, but producing the same effects on 

 the constitution ; or that it is always the same, but produced under an entirely dif- 

 ferent condition of things. One slate alone seems always necessary for its elimina- 

 tion, that is a high temperature ; for I believe that there is no instance on record 

 where it has existed under a low temperature. In all countries where there is a 

 regular change of seasons to wot and dry, it is always most abundant at the com- 

 mencement of the dry season. 



It is also capable of being driven by winds to some distance from where it ema- 

 nates, but probably never more than two miles. It also appears more abundant at 

 night, is sooner imbibed or takes more effect on the system. 



It is a subject fraught with much interest to mankind, and has occupied the at- 

 tention of highly gifted minds for many years, but so evanescent is it in its charac- 

 ter, that not only is its nature entirely unknown, but even its pathological effects on 

 the system are not known to be exerted first upon the stomach or lungs. 



Ajn-il, 1845 At 4 o'clock, A. M., April 8th, we left the Constitution for the city 



of Borneo, with three boats and about forty men, under the command of Lieut. 

 VV. C. Chaplin. 



The ship was anchored about seven miles from the entrance of the bay, which 

 is denoted by a low extent of land, which is an island partly enclosing the bay, 

 and runs parallel with the coast, and appearing at a short distance as forming part of 

 it. The trees on that part of the island around which it is necessary to pass are a 

 species of pine, and are standing solitary, and the ground is eltvatsd but a few feet. 



After rounding that point we took a southwest course, keeping in a parallel direc- 

 tion with the right hand shore, for the bay widens and is studded with islands, which' 

 makes it difficult to ascertain where the river emptips into the bay. After passing a 

 distance of perhaps eight miles, we came to a small island with six prominent trees 

 upon it, and containing perhaps ten acres of ground. The lower purt of the island 

 is quite low and is defended by a battery of seven or more guns, which are almost 

 even with the water's edge, and so much covered with grass that we were within 

 two hundred yards before we discovered them, but from appearance they were not 

 mounted on carriages. 



Judging from the muzzle, they were probably eight or ten pounds. There are 

 several large rocks lying on this side of thp island, perhaps fifteen or twenty feet 

 in height, whiiC the upper end is much more elevated, being thirty or forty feet in 

 height, and has somewhat the appearance of an artificial work. On the summit of 

 this elevation there is a small house; or shed, intended, no doubt, as a lookout. 



There is a small partly demolished house near the water's edge, on the river side 

 of the island, which is inhabited by a family. This island is situated immediately 

 below the mouth of the river, and is called, according to Mr. Lay, "Pulo Chermin" 

 or Mirror Island, as he supijoses, in allusion to the polinhed pieces of coal found upon 

 it. When approaching this island we met one of tlie Rajah's war proahs, com- 

 manded by an officer, it was said, second in command to the chief Rajah. They 

 had a largo ensign flying at the stern, of a pale reddish yellow silk, with a triangular 

 piece of red sed'in the outer margin, with the point nearest tha staff. This boat 

 carried about forty men, and was paddled by twenty-four men, silting along the 

 side from about two-thirds of the bow aft. The bow of tho boat was very little 

 elevated above the water, and near the stern was a covered part extending about fif- 

 teen feet, under which the oflicors woro seated. 



One small gun was mounted amidships, perhaps four feel long and of two pounds 



No. 4. 6 



