SINGAPORE, 
399 
was more interesting to us than the vessel: this consisted chiefly of teas 
and china-ware; the latter, to our surprise, we found neatly and care¬ 
fully stowed in bulk in the hold. The lighter articles of Chinese manu¬ 
facture are arranged about the vessel, and even hang over the poop and 
sides. The wooden anchors, cables, grass ropes, odd and curious 
paintings, the grotesque mode of external ornament, with the large eye 
on either 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 repre¬ 
sented in Chinese pictures, that no one can be at a loss to conceive 
their peculiar 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 conti¬ 
nental 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 necessary 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 business are esta¬ 
blished and published in the gazettes, so that any one may inform him- 
