( i« ) 



ON 



THE COPPER OF SUMATRA, 



I HAVE the satisfaction of laying before the 

 Asiatic Society a specimen of copper-ore, the 

 production of the island of Sumatra. It is found on 

 and in the hills of Mucchy near the sea, between 

 Annalaboo and Scossco, to the north of our extreme 

 English settlement of Tappanooly. The soil, which 

 generates the ore, is a mixed loam, consisting of 

 clay, small stones, and red sand, founded on an under- 

 scil of soft rock, intersected with veins of this useful • 

 substance. The space affording the ore is consider- 

 able; extending above a degree in length, and 

 further east, or into the country, than has been yet 

 ascertained. A considerable quantity of ore is an- 

 nually collected on the surface of the hills; to which 

 the indolence or ignorance of the inhabitants, at. 

 present, confines their search. Its being found on 

 the surface, may probably be ascribed to the efforts 

 of earthquakes, which are very prevalent on this 

 coast, and over the island in general. The natives, 

 from inexperience, are incapable of conducting a 

 mine, and pursuing a metallic vein. They are 



content 



