Eastern Islands.'] ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



415 



Molucca gold, and is in grains as large as bay salt, of a very irregular 

 shape, and about 22 carats fine. The bully is a smaller sort, like sand or 

 brass filings. The foot is much the same in appearance as the belly ; these 

 two sorts are often found mixed more or less with iron dust, or something 

 much resembling it, which comes out of the rivers. The natives clean it 

 by the help of a loadstone, which they rub among the gold-dust in a shell 

 or dish ; but it is never got clean out, therefore you cannot be too circum- 

 spect when you purchase any; the natives esteem the highest coloured gold. 



They have likewise gold in bars, which if you buy, you must cut half 

 through with a chisel ; then break and touch them, as they very often 

 cover a base metal so artificially with gold, that if you cut right through 

 with a chisel, instead of breaking it, you will draw the gold over it, and 

 prevent the discovery. 



The following articles are likewise to be procured : — Diamond?, fine 

 and large ; birds'-nests of the best sort, beech de mer, black wood, bezoar, 

 cloves, camphire, mixed ; dragon's blood, nutmegs, pepper, rattans, sago, 

 and wax. The wax and birds'-nests should be carefully examined, as they 

 generally are very dirty and foul. 



PaovisioNS and Refreshments. — Provisions of all kinds are in abund- 

 ance and cheap. Wood and water are easily procured ; but it is usual to 

 ask permission officially of the Dutch Chief for leave to procure refresh- 

 ments, this being considered your only plea for visiting the settlement. 



Coins. — Spanish dollars are the chief currency, with a few coins from 

 Batavia, and Chinese cash for small change. The following coins likewise 

 circulate : — 



Pillar dollars, which, if full weight, pass for the same as Spanish. 

 French crowns ; there is a loss on these, if taken to China. 

 Rupees of various kinds, liable to the same objection. 

 Ducatoons, which pass at the rate of 125 Spanish dollars for 100 du- 

 catoons. 



Weights. — Those in common use for gross articles are the pecul and 

 catty ; the small weights are teeas, mace, and malaboorongs : — 



3 malaboorongs equal to 1 tcea. 



G teeas ■ 1 mace, 



10 mace « 1 tale = 614 gra. 



Measures. — Grain is measured by the ganton, 230 of which are a last 

 of" rice, weighing 3066s lbs. avoirdupois. Cloth is measured by the covid. 



SUCCADANA is in latitude about 1° 16 S., and longitude 109° 18' E., 

 on the E. side of a deep bay, having good anchorage in the roads in 5 or 6 

 fathoms, with a group of islands to the S. It is now entirely in the hand? 



