68 



Sketch of the I\falai/an Peninsula, 



and affirms that Sumatra was unknown to them, denouncing the des- 

 criptions given by Strabo, Pomponius Mela, Plinj' and Ptolemy, as 

 obscure and contradictory. Admitting the tradition of the Malay 

 peninsula and Sumatra having once formed one large undivided tract, 

 to be based on truth, it might both account for the circum- 

 stance of so extensive an island as Sumatra, and one so rich in 

 gold and spices, having, as seems to be the case, escaped the notice of 

 ancient geographers, and strengthen the opinion which has applied 

 the term of " Aurea Chersonesus" to this part of the continent of Asia, 

 How far geological observations will corroborate this sup))osition re- 

 mains to be shewn. The quantity of gold dust exported niinually from 

 the south-west coast of Sumatra "and Achin alone, according- to Mars- 

 den and Hamilton, amounts to 26,400 oz. The former stales, that Cupyq 

 are no fewer than twelve hundred gold mines in the dominions of 

 Menangcahoice (in the interior of Sumatra) alone, a considerable por- 

 tion of the produce of which (perhaps one half) never comes into the 

 hands of Europeans. 



The annual produce of gold of the Malay peninsula, on a rough esti- 

 mate, amounts to 19,800 oz. It is chiefly got at Ulu Pahang, Prin- 

 gaun, Kalantan, Johole, Gominchi Rwd. Jellye, at Reccan, and Battang 

 Moving, and other places at the foot of Mount Ophir. It occurs dis- 

 seminated, and in thin granular veins, in quartz; and in alluvial de- 

 posits, such as beds of streams. It has been found near beds of tin ore. 



Jron.—k small quantity of iron is found in the interior of Quedah. 

 Siam and Billiton produce this metal in abundance. 



I do not tind that silver is produced in any part of the peninsula, 

 although Perak from its name, which in Malay signifies silver, and 

 which is conjectured by Marsden to have been the Ap'iv^a of Ptolemy, 

 might have been supposed to have derived its appellation from the 

 presence of this metal ; for which probably the tin was in those day* 

 at first mistaken. 



Zoology. 



Mammalia :— Quadrumana.— In this cursory sketch of the zoology 

 of the peninsula, a few only of the most remarkable animals will be 

 mentioned. Commencing with the Mammalia, the order Quadrumana 

 ranks first. It has been stated that the Orajtg Utan is found 

 on the peninsula, but I much question, whether this has been 

 ascertained by naturahsts. It is probable that the Pongo IVurnibii, 



