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- 



