S XT M A T R A . igt 



which penetrates deeply inland, and is capable of containing all 

 the navies of Europe-, fo as to ride fecurely in any weather, 

 with fuch a multitude of harbors that a large fliip could remain 

 concealed fo as to elude allfearch. In this bay is found plenty of 

 that enormous fhell the Keemo or Chama Gigas *, it is often three 

 foot broad, and of the weight of five hundred pounds; and is 

 taken in deep water, by thrui1:ing a long bamboo between the 

 fliells while they are gaping, which clofe, and then are drawn 

 up ; the lliell is quite white, and worked by the natives like 

 ivory. The fifli weighs often thirty pounds, and is excellent 

 when ftewed. 



Sumatra is divided into numerous little kingdoms, but that Acheen; 

 of Acheen is the moft powerful. It once had aftrong and nume- 

 rous fleet, with which it contefted the fuperiority of the fea with 

 the adjacent princes. Acheen was the great emporium of the 

 ifland, and the refort of the Arabs for the gold, camphor, ben- 

 zoin, pepper, and all the commercial productions of the country. 

 The government is entirely feudal, being founded on the Ma- 

 layan plan. As to the genuine Sumatrans they are called Orang 

 ■Ooloo, or countrymen, from their refidence in villages. The 

 Sultan of the empire of Menangecabow, for a long time reigned Empire of 

 lord paramount over all the other princes, who owned their au- bo^^,^'^'^^*^'*' 

 thority to be derived from him : at prefent his real power is not 

 fuperior to that of a common Rajah ; yet ftill a fuperftitious re- 

 gard is paid to his perfon ; he is fovereign pontiff; the opinion 

 •of his fandity is fupported by the Mahometan prielts, and an 



* Bonan i. 83, 84. Argenville, tab. 23. fig, E. 



D 2 air 



