392 
present being so small ; but we have an unanimous assurance of very 
lar^e ones in future which time must produce. To further this great 
work we design to assemble all the Rajas and great men to recom- 
mend to them the planting of Pepper. (Despatch to Court of Mana- 
gers, Feb. 7, 1703, Vol. V Sumatra Records.) 
On the Company’s own plantations slave labour was employed. 
There are pregnant references in the reports home to the system. 
Here is one. “ A supply of slaves we entreat your honours would 
send us (we) being at present reduced to a very small number oc- 
casioned through the sickness and mortality that has happened this 
year.” (Fort York, Jan. 3, 1705 - 6 Sumatra Records Vol. V.). 
Planting in the modern sense of the term did not really com- 
mence until Penang was occupied. Francis Light, the builder of that 
particular corner of the Empire, immediately after he had taken 
possession of the island, set about establishing a system of cultivation 
with the double purpose of providing an ultimate source of reserves 
and of creating supplies which would be serviceable for the victu- 
alling of ships. Almost anyone who would undertake to clear land 
received a free grant. Under date Nov. 25, 1786, we find Light re- 
‘ porting to the Governor General in Calcutta as follows 
“ Captain Scott and Captain Glass and several Malays, Chmese, 
and Christians have applied for a portion of land ; the subedars &c. 
and marines likewise expect an indulgence, The Tamuls, a hardy 
industrious people have sent a deputation for land sufficient for one 
hundred families.” (Straits Settlements Records Vol. I.) 
On Feb. 13, 1788, Light sent the following details in reference to 
cultivation. 
“ A considerable number of fruit trees, coconuts and plantains 
have been planted lately. The wild hogs, deer and monkeys are our 
greatest enemies. In one night they destroy the labour of many 
days.” (Straits Settlements Records Vol. III.) 
In a description of Penang’s progress communicated in a letter 
to the Government in Calcutta, Light, (Jan. 14, 1790) wrote 
At the Comporn now called Salisbury Plain resides Pornglim 
Dr Hakim with 30 families. "** On the plains are Crayton’s Grazing 
Farm, Messrs Pigou, Raban, Mylne, James, Glass and Sergt. Major 
Greggs Plantations. A little further on the west side of Pinang 
River is James Scott’s Plantation consisting of 200 oorlongs of newly 
cleared ground. On the East side of Pinang River is Francis Light’s 
plantation of 200 oorlangs, newly cleared and planted with paddy. 
Interspersed are several Chinese Gardens that supply the bazaar 
with greens, brinjalls, Cucumbers, Radishes, Sweet Potatoes, Yams 
and Pineapples. .Straits Settlements Records, Vol. V.) 
In “ an account of lands cleared and cultivated from Teehouse 
Point to Pinang as taken by Malay measurement in 1796 appear the 
following European names: — Captain Lownds, 7 l /z Oorlongs or 
acres, Joan Baptiste, Oorlongs ; Parkhall, 11 Oorlongs (Note : 1 he 
