SINGAPORE. 423 



bow in the colours of the rainbow, did not fail to attract our attention. 

 We were also amused with the junk-like form of the tiny boat, but 

 these, as well as the Chinamen themselves, are so well represented in 

 Chinese pictures, that no one can be at a loss to conceive their pecu- 

 liar form. Words fail to express the content and pride with which 

 the Chinaman sits and enjoys his aquatic excursions; and though 

 ridiculous in appearance, and ill fitted in every way to contend with 

 the elements, yet there is something about the junks that commands 

 a certain degree of respect. 



The trade of Singapore, although it has but lately grown up, has 

 nevertheless reached the large aggregate of $24,500,000. About one- 

 sixth of this amount goes to Great Britain, and $600,000 to Con- 

 tinental Europe. There are no duties on imports or exports, and 

 every vessel is left free to come and go as they please ; all that is 

 asked is of what the cargo consists, its value, and the size of the 

 vessel. These particulars are published weekly in the only paper. 

 Every thing is sold for cash, or on a very short credit, and all 

 accounts are kept in dollars and cents. Perhaps in no other port is 

 business conducted in so prompt a manner as at Singapore, and this 

 has probably grown out of the transient character of the visiters of 

 all nations, who come and go as they please, which makes it neces- 

 sary to receive payment for the goods as soon as they are delivered. 



From what has been already said, it will appear that very little of 

 the importance of Singapore is owing to its own productions; yet 

 there are many things shipped here that are the product of the Straits, 

 or of the territory under the Straits Government, as it is called. 

 Among these are pepper, cloves, sugar, nutmegs, coffee, and gambeer, 

 to which may be added the betel-nut. These products are procured 

 from Pinang and Prince of Wales Island, and reach a large amount. 

 Tortoise-shell may also be included in this trade, for almost all that 

 is taken in the Eastern seas is now brought to Singapore for sale ; 

 and it may indeed be said to be the chief mart of that article. 

 Any attempt to give a catalogue of the trade of Singapore would 

 fall short of the truth, for it may be considered as an entrepot where 

 all articles arrive and are distributed. The expenses of doing busi- 

 ness are established and published in the gazettes, so that any one 

 may inform himself of the charges he is liable to incur, and of the 

 advantages it has in that respect over the other ports in the Eastern 

 seas. What renders the traffic at Singapore still more convenient is, 



