352 OBSERVATIONS ON SINGAPORE, EAST INDIES. 



There are good markets in Singapore for the sale of butcher's 

 meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Everything in the shape of 

 food is very cheap, and our mess bill was as small here as at 

 any place we visited in the course of our long cruise. 



Some idea may be formed of the commerce of Singapore, 

 when it is stated, that, for the last two or three years, it has 

 been valued at $25,000,000. It is a free port ; there are no 

 duties on imports or exports, and every vessel is allowed to 

 come and go when it pleases. There are many articles shipped 

 here which are the products of other places ; among these 

 are opium, nutmegs, cloves, coffee, sugar, teas, and a variety 

 of shells. Business is conducted upon a sure basis ; payment 

 must be made at the delivery of the goods. Accounts are 

 kept in dollars and cents, and almost every thing is sold by 

 weight. 



On the 25th of February we sailed for St. Helena, where 

 we arrived after a pleasant passage of thirteen days. 



