ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [Bengal to the Malay. 



called Buga, fronts the entrance of the river, the proper channel into which 

 is to the E. of the island, between it and the main land, having a bar at the 

 entrance ; the distance from which to the town of Martaban is about seven 

 leagues. 



Martaban was formerly a place of considerable trade, and once the capi- 

 tal of an independent kingdom ; but it was taken by the King of Ava, who 

 reduced tbe place to ashes, and sunk large vessels with stones at the mouth 

 of the port, so that at present only small ships can enter. It still retains its 

 potteries, and manufactures large jars, some of which will contain two hogs- 

 heads. 



TAVAY. — Tavay Point, on which stands a pagoda, is in lat. 13° S3 N., 

 and long. 98° & E., and forms the W. side of the entrance of Tavay river. 

 The river runs in a N. direction, and about eight leagues up are the fort 

 and town of Tavay, seldom visited by Europeans. Inside the Point there is 

 good anchorage for large ships ; it is convenient for wooding and watering. 

 Water is procured at a small brook, a short distance to the N. of the Point. 



MERGUI is situated on the principal branch of the Tenasserim River, 

 in lat. about 12 3 1^ N. and long. 98" 24' E. Large ships anchor in the 

 roads, with a small island called Mandramacan, which forms the S. W. side 

 of the river's entrance, bearing S. distant 3 or 4 miJes. The town of Mergui 

 is about six miles up the river ; vessels of moderate size, by taking pilots, 

 can go over the bar into the river, and anchor opposite the town, in 5 fa- 

 thoms water. 



Trade. — It is frequented to procure provisions and refreshments. 

 There are many Mahometan merchants, and natives of India, who carry on 

 the remaining trade of the place, which under a better government would be 

 much increased. The articles principally in demand, and which are imported 

 from several parts of India, are iron, Madras piece-goods, salt, tobacco, &c. 

 Their principal exports are tin, elephants 1 teeth, and rice. Chintz, and other 

 fine painted goods, will, if the market be not overstocked, find immediate 

 vent. There is abundance of fine timber, and many carpenters here. 



Provisions and Refreshments. — The oxen here are good, but, from 

 religious motives, are difficult to be procured. Other articles are plentiful 

 and cheap. Fish are very fine, abundant, and cheap. Fire- wood and water 

 are easily procured. 



Coins. — The principal is the tical, worth about half a Spanish dollar. 



Weight. — The China pecul is mostly used. 



TENASSERIM is situated about 30 miles up the river, on the S. side, 

 and is a place of considerable trade. The whole of this coast from Marta- 

 ban formed a part of the dominions of the King of Siam ; but after conti- 



