MALAYAN ISLES. 



dirtance inland, and the approach impeded by deep and almoft 

 impenetrable forefts. Sulphur may be collected in any quantity 

 about their fides. 



Minerals. Tiie illand abounds with minerals. It has been long famous 



Gold. for its gold ; feme is dug out of the earth ; but by reafon of the 



unwholefomenefs of the climate, no Europeans dare attempt to 

 work, and the natives are too lazy to go to any depth. The 

 greateft part is taken out of the rivers, and waflied from the fand 

 and gravel. The amount brought annually to the weftern parts 

 of Sumatra, does not exceed ten thoufand ounces. Menanga- 

 caboWj a central and principal kingdom, has the greateft quan- 

 tity, the richeft mines lying within its territory. The Malayes 

 are moft fldlfal artifts in works of fillagree, in both gold and 

 lilver. Mr. Mar/den''^' gives an ample account of the manufac- 

 ture, which, with the coarfeft of inftruments, is carried on to the 

 moft amazing degree of elegance and perfection. On mention of 

 that gentleman, let me own my obligation to his admirable hif- 

 tory oi Sumatra, for moft of the articles on the fubjedt of that 

 ifland. 



Copper. I FIND no mention of any filver being found here ; but it 



produces abundance of copper, of the richeft kind. 



Tin. Tin is met with in vaft plenty, chiefly near Palambang, on 



the eaft coaft, and on the ifle oi Banka ; it is a confiderable ar- 

 ticle of trade, and, fmelted into fmall pieces, is exported in great 

 quantities to China. 



Iron. Iron is found in Menangacabow, where it is fufed for ufe. 



CoAi. Coal is a produaioa of Sumatra. Naptba, or earth oil, is 



• Sumatra^ p. 141. 



another, 



