410 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [Eastern Island*. 



of the Malays, who are under the government of a native Prince, resident 

 at Mattan, about 40 miles S. of the ancient Succadana. Numbers of Chi- 

 nese reside here. 



This is an excellent market for opium, and it is occasionally visited by 

 the country ships. 



Directions.— On your arrival, first visit the Shabundar, or Custom- 

 Master. It is the custom here, as at all eastern ports, to make presents. 

 The Shabundar will enquire what you have brought for sale, and will be 

 inquisitive about the quantity ; but you must evade giving him this infor- 

 mation, till you have ascertained the market prices, and what goods are 

 most in demand. It has been the custom of this place for the Rajah's 

 family to engross all the opium trade. No strangers are allowed to purchase 

 of the Europeans, nor are the Chinese. All other trade is free; but per- 

 mission of the Shabundar will be necessary, as also to keep on good terms 

 with him. 



In bargaining for opium, or other goods, you must settle what returns 

 you are to have. This is generally arranged according to the demand the 

 goods are in. If in great want of them, insist on having nil tin ; if other- 

 wise, in proportion, half tin, and half pepper ; or one-third tin, and two- 

 thirds pepper; or eise a proportion of tin, pepper, and gold. Be sure to 

 agree al)out the price, and let your agreement be in writing, and signed by 

 the party agreed with, whether King or subject, to prevent their flying off, 

 and evading payment, which they will do, if' possible. 



Trade. — The imports are similar to those already enumerated at 

 Banjar Massin, but in smaller quantities. This place used to be resorted 

 to for diamonds, of which considerable quantities were to he got; they were 

 not considered equal to those procured in India, being generally of a dull 

 water. Gold, tin, and pepper are to be got here ; if gold is taken in return 

 for goods, you must trust to the King for its goodness, by having it 

 inserted in your agreement that he is to seal it, and be answerable for 

 its quality. This is the only sure way to take gold at any of the Ma- 

 lay ports; but if you are going to China, the less gold you take, the 

 better. 



Ditties and Presents. — There is a charge of 250 dollars for anchor- 

 age, if you sell goods to that amount ; if under that sum, no anchorage is 

 paid. The customs are 5 per cent, upon both goods and dollars. The 

 presents to the principal people should be — the King, to the amount of 

 50 dollars, the Rajah about 30, and to the Shabundar, and agents, SO 

 each. The King's is generally given at the first audience. 



Coins. — Spanish dollars are the only coin in circulation in the trade 



