SAIL FOR SINGAPORE. 15 



was too high for this article ; but, unfortunately, 

 the speculation originated at Batavia, and being 

 the first ship chartered for the purpose from 

 thence, the parties were consequently ignorant 

 of the people and country, and of the kind of 

 merchandize most advantageous for barter. 

 From the number of ships requiring nut at the 

 same time, payment in dollars, and at an ad- 

 vanced price, is sometimes the only means of 

 procuring a cargo, unless the vessel remained 

 so long as to be ruinous to the speculators.* 



* A number of vessels from Penang come for the nut at 

 this season, to take it to that settlement in time for the 

 Indiamen, who purchase it for the China market. 



