1835.] one of the Malacca States. 541 



The Malayan range, as far as has been hitherto explored, is of 

 primitive formation ; principally grey stanniferous granite. 



In the gold countries of Tringanu, Pahang, Gominchi, and Mount 

 Ophir, rocks and crystals of quartz are met with. At the southern 

 extremity, and in some parts of Salangore, porphyry occurs. 



The islands in the neighbourhood of Malacca, and those off the 

 eastern extremity of the Salangore coast, consist principally of granite 

 and laterite with sienite. 



According to Dr. Ward, " The small hills in the neighbourhood 

 of Malacca are formed of a conglomerate, the base of which is clay 

 iron stone, containing imbedded portions of felspar, in a state of 

 decomposition (having all the properties of yellow ochre), and small 

 grains of quartz and iron glance, scattered through its substance. 



" The specific gravity of the rock is 2*536 ; when recently dug, it 

 is soft, can be easily cut, and readily stains the fingers ; but after 

 exposure to the air for some time, it acquires such a degree of hard- 

 ness as to be broken with difficulty : and its durability is shewn by 

 the present state of the ancient buildings, which have stood unim- 

 paired for nearly 300 years. 



" In its dry state, it is porous, from the destruction of the ochreous 

 particles by moisture and exposure to the air, resembling old lava in 

 its external appearance. 



" In all its properties, it agrees exactly with the rock common on 

 the Malabar Coast, and described by Dr. Buchanan under the name 

 of laterite." 



The mountains at Penang are also " composed of fine grey granite, 

 and all the smaller eminences are of the same material." " Some of 

 the small hills near the coast are partly formed of the laterite already 

 described when speaking of Malacca ; and Saddle island, at the south- 

 western angle of Penang, is apparently entirely composed of the same 

 ingredient." 



At the Carimons, hornstone is found. Mr. Martin states, the 

 aspect of the Island of Singapore, (situate on the southern extremity 

 of the peninsula, in Lat. 1° 17' 22" north, and Long. 103° 51' 5" east,) 

 to be "low and level, with an extensive chain of saline and fresh 

 water marshes ; in several parts covered with lofty timber and luxuri- 

 ant vegetation, here and there low rounded sand-hills interspersed 

 with spots of level ground, formed of a ferruginous clay, with a sandy 

 substratum. The principal rock is red sandstone, which changes in 

 some parts to a breccia or conglomerate, containing large fragments 

 and crystals of quartz. The whole contiguous group of isles, about 

 thirty in number, as well as Singapore, are apparently of a submarine 

 4 a 



