MALAYAN PENINSULA. 135 



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he takes with him, that he may not lose his way. On these occasions 

 they use dammer torches. The eye of the swallow which builds these 

 nests, must be peculiarly formed to enable it to work and nestle in such 

 a labyrinth, where total darkness prevails. 



A pocket compass was placed close to that part of the cliff, which 

 seemed most strongly impregnated with iron ; but it was not affected. 



Near, and to the north of this rock, is a very rocky island, termed ^ 

 Ka Pesa by the Siamese, because, in their legends, it is related, that an 

 undutiful son having denied assistance to his parents, out of the profits 

 of a successful voyage, the gods sent a storm whicfi drove his vessel to 

 sea, where it was transformed into this rock. 



The general structure nearly corresponds with that of the rock just 

 noticed ; but it has a most singular aspect from a series of peaks which 

 rise from it — bleak and striated, and which, on a near approach, resem- 

 ble the cliimnies of glass manufactories. The geological features of this ^ 

 island may be best seen at the north end, where large masses have fallen 

 from the clifis. Here granular magnetic iron ore imbedded in a calcare- 

 ous and micaceous gangue, was found in considerable quantity. A nearly 

 similar sort of iron ore abounds on the high ground on the main land, at 

 the entrance of the Trans; river. 



These rocky islands are adorned by numerous beautifully flowering 

 shrubs and trees, and are frequented by the white sea pigeon (Columbadel- 

 maris), and by birds of passage. A coarse coral bottom prevails around 

 each ; but the depth suddenly increases at the distance of two or three 

 hundred feet from the shore : oysters are abundant. At the north side of 

 the narrow entrance to Tnvng harbour, in N. Lat. 7° 20' is a remarkable j 



calcareous i 



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