56 PLANTS OF PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND. 



their great height, and the larger circumference of the trunk, 

 it is very difficult to climb the large trees, so as to obtain the 

 flowers. These can only be got, either by cutting down the 

 trees, or by tying bamboos along their trunks, to climb upon. 

 Colonel Kyd, in his reports, has given the names of some of 

 the trees, and mentioned the properties of the timber which 

 they yield. But the timber of those trees has yet been seen in 

 most instances to disadvantage, as they have never been allowed 

 time enough to be seasoned. 



On the eastern side of the Island, or that part intercepted 

 between the hills and the harbour, almost all the great timber 

 has been cut down ; but much ground still remains to be clear- 

 ed of underwood and planted. The soil is various. In low 

 valleys, nearly surrounded by hills, there is much vegetable 

 mould ; on higher spots and extensive plains, we find a stiff 

 red clay, mixed with sand. 



The chief article of cultivation is pepper. Large groves 

 of Betel-nut and Cocoa-nut have also been planted, as these 

 trees require but little labour. Almost the only grain raised 

 on the Island, is rice, and that in very small quantity. The 

 price of labour is here, as in all newly settled countries, 

 excessively dear ; and therefore crops of small value will not 

 defray the expense of cultivation. 



The eastern side of the Island is divided into districts, in 

 the following order commencing from the north. 



Poolo-Tikoos ; a narrow plain, rather elevated, and open to 

 the sea. 



Pooh Penang ; extensive plain, containing many planta- 

 tions of pepper and betel-nut. 



Ayer Hitam ; a valley, inland, and surrounded on three 

 sides, by hills. In this are situated the Honble. Company's 

 spice plantations. In the parts of this valley which lie near 

 the banks of the river, is some of the richest soil on the Island. 



Batoo Lanshun ; receives it name from a hill, of no great 

 elevation, close on the shore -of the eastern straits; which 

 commands a most interesting prospect of the town, the harb- 

 our, and almost the whole eastern plain. 



Soongey Groogur ; a small district, of very uneven surface. 



Jour. Straits Branch 



