380 
SINGAPORE. 
the animals, for they now frequently seize men working in the imme¬ 
diate vicinity, but because the sum is too small to be an equivalent for 
the risk and trouble. From a stuffed specimen we saw at Singapore, 
it would appear that these animals do not differ from those of Bengal. 
While walking with Mr. Balestier around his plantation, he pointed 
out to us the spot where two of his men had been killed by tigers, 
and he said it was no uncommon thing, when he first began his planta¬ 
tion, to see the tracks of tigers about his house in the morning. Since 
the jungle has been cut away to a greater distance, this occurrence is 
not so frequent. Tigers have been known to attack persons in the 
daytime, but they seldom frequent the highroad. It is considered too 
dangerous for an individual to venture near the jungle. 
Some accounts speak of vestiges of the primitive inhabitants of 
Singapore, consisting of mounds, temples, &c., but I could not get 
at any well-authenticated account of them. Some, indeed, suppose 
that the island of Singapore may contain many remains of a former 
race, but there seems to be little or no foundation at present for such 
an opinion. . 
Although it was impossible from the number of tigers for our gen¬ 
tlemen to frequent the woods to any great extent, yet many very 
interesting plants were procured here. Through the kindness of Mr. 
Balestier, Captain Scott, (the captain of the port,) and others, Mr. 
Brackenridge obtained many live plants, which we succeeded in 
bringing safely to the United States. 
The soil of the island is a stiff yellow loam, in which the nutmeg, 
coffee, black pepper, chocolate, and gamboge, (Garcinia,) grow to a 
great extent. The three first appear to be particularly well adapted 
to the climate and soil. As I have before mentioned, the cultivation 
of sugar is attended with success. Captain Scott is planting the 
durian, which, independently of its fruit, yields a timber highly valued 
for ship-building. This gentleman has left numerous forest trees 
standing on his plantation, many of which are of large dimensions, 
being full one hundred feet in height. These consisted chiefly of 
species of Quercus, Myrtaceae, Melastomacese, and Rubiacese. The 
undergrowth is almost impenetrable, on account of the vast number 
of creeping plants which intertwine and clasp around the trees. Two 
species of Nepenthe (pitcher-plants) were found in the swamp, which 
were preserved and brought to the United States. The Botanical 
Report will embrace many more varieties, and to this I must refer the 
reader for further information. 
Fruit seemed to be very abundant, and it is said, that there are one 
hundred and twenty kinds that can be served as a dessert: among 
