.362 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



[Sumatra, 



The roads are in latitude 2° Iff N., and longitude 97° 38' E., at about two 

 miles from the mouth of the river, bearing E. by N. 



If a ship is likely to stay here any time, it would be advisable to run 

 in between a small island called Se Leaga, covered with trees, and the 

 main, where you are safe from all winds that blow. This is the place 

 where the Sinkellers used to transact all business ; but it is now represented 

 as entirely deserted. 



Trade. — The European and Indian articles in demand here are cutlery, 

 China-ware, gunpowder, gold thread, iron in flat bars, muskets, lead, 

 looking glasses, opium, steel, swivel guns, salt, and piece-goods from Ben- 

 gal and Madras, of similar kinds to those enumerated at Acheen. 



The principal exports are benjamin, camphire, gold-dust, and bees 1 wax. 

 You are generally paid for your goods in the two former articles, of the 

 kinds denominated belly and foot ; but for the head you frequently pay 

 dollars, and it is seldom you can procure gold-dust without dollars, unless 

 they are much in want of goods. In the examination of articles purchased, 

 particular attention is necessary, as the natives frequently adulterate their 

 commodities. 



Duties. — No customs are levied, but presents are expected, 

 CorNs.— Spanish dollars are the principal currency ; but accounts are 

 kept in tales, sooccoos and satalHes, vise. 



4 satallies make 1 sooccoo. 



4 booccoos I tale. 



1 tale , 4 Spanish doll.irs. 



Benjamin is bought here by the tompong or cake, which ought to 

 weigh 20 catties, each catty 56 ounces avoirdupois, and for camphire 56 

 ounces troy weight. 



Weight.— The Chinese pecul is in common use in buying and selling 

 most commodities. 



TAPOOS is about 30 miles S. E. of Sinkell ; it is proper to stand out 

 from Sinkell in 25 or 26 fathoms, to avoid the shoals in shore. It is not 

 easily seen at a distance. As you get well in, you will see a bay, in the 

 bottom of which are tall arroo trees. The anchorage in the bay is in 6 or 

 7 fathoms; Tapoos Point S. W.jW.; Pulo Carrang S. E. ; breakers 

 between them, S. E. by E. ; Tapoos River N. by E. ] E., distant about 

 two miles, and from the N. point of the bay about half a mile. Boats go 

 into the river; hut when the surf is high, it is best to land at the bottom 

 of the bay, and walk to the river side. The town is to the S, of the river. 

 There is seldom any surf in the bottom of the bay; and wood and water 

 may be got by employing your own people. 



