1838.] Junhceylon — Salang. 593 



all evil from them. The people of Salang had statues of this dog, the 

 last of which was it is said carried off by some Malays. There is little 

 doubt that the Malays also were once infected by this superstition, and 

 it is worthy of notice that although so many centuries have elapsed 

 since they were converted toMuhammadanism,yet it is curious to observe 

 the large number of their former superstitious observances which they 

 still retain and cling to, although denounced by Muhammad. 



The animals in Junhceylon are buffaloes, hogs, and deer. There are 

 no wild elephants, but leopards are rather numerous in the wilder parts ; 

 common poultry was procured, but a large supply must not be expected 

 here. 



The situation of Junhceylon is sufficiently far to the northward of the 

 line to give it all the advantages which the two regular monsoons afford, 

 without subjecting it to the greatest violence of either. 



Its climate is temperate, and the air is refreshed even in the dry season 

 by copious showers. From June until November may be deemed the 

 rainy season. The air is then cooled by the dry northeast monsoon. 

 From February to June the weather is warmest. The soil of the 

 island is various — clayey within the mangrove belt on the east side, 

 sandy along the open beach on the west, and where hilly composed of 

 the debris of the granite rock and vegetable matter. The extensive 

 flats and gentle slopes are fitted for most tropical production, and 

 the lower ranges of hills seem peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of 

 indigo and coffee. 



The island might not perhaps furnish grain for a crowded population, 

 but its products would probably ensure a supply to it, under such a 

 state from other quarters. 



Many of the hills near the east shore seem to have been once culti- 

 vated to their tops. The harbour and creeks swarm with excellent fish 

 and the shores with oysters. 



Salang yields a very scanty revenue to its present possessors, but 

 under good regulations it might be rendered more valuable. The reve- 

 nue may perhaps be thus computed. 



Yearly duties arising on sales of tin, ...... Drs. 3000 



Customs and profits arising from the services \ 9000 



of the subject, J 



Sps. Drs. 5000 



Tin is the product which gives to this island its chief value, for how- 

 ever neglected the mines may now be from deficiency of miners, we 

 find in Capt. Forrest's account that they yielded in his time about 500 

 4 e 2 



