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, Myrtacese, Melastomaceas, and Rubiacea;. 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 



