VIEW OF THE TIN MINES ON BANKA. 803 
I proceed next to mention those districts in which from various 
causes, but principally on account of the attacks and ravages of the 
pirates, the mines have been entirely neglected or deserted. 
At the southern boundary of Pangkal-pinang, we meet with Koba , 
which was formerly one of the most productive districts of Banka. 
It supported 22 years ago 80 Chinese miners who worked 15 mines, 
and produced annually upwards of 3000 Ingots : it includes the sub¬ 
divisions of Rdngouw and Kayu-Arro , along the eastern coast of the 
island, while Pangkul and S ingie-Kurouw are generally added to 
the district of Pangkal-pinang. Pdku is situated near the center 
of the island in a direction west to Koba: although the inhabitants 
of this district paid more atte on to the preparation of Iron from 
the ores of the neighbourhood, a small quantity of Tin was also ma¬ 
nufactured. In the estimate of what may reasonably be expected from 
these various mines, I have calculated Koba, including Rangouw, 
Kayu-Arro, and Paku in the first periods at 1250 Ingots annually, 
provided a sufficient number of Chinese miners can he induced or 
encouraged to settle there and to recommence the working of the 
mines. More than double that number may be expected in a few 
years, after the works have been extended according to the oppor¬ 
tunities afforded by productive beds for collecting ore. 
The district of Banko-kutto takes in the long range of Permis- 
s&ng hills, in the environs of which various mines were formerly 
worked. These were dispersed through the subdivisions of Balar, 
Kabal, Permissang and Selan, in all which a very inconsiderable 
portion of a formerly extensive population is now remaining. It 
will therefore require time and care to derive those advantages from 
them, which they are capable of affording. From the most credi¬ 
ble information which I have been able to obtain, I have estimated 
the annual produce of these districts collectively, provided the neces¬ 
sary miners can be introduced, at 500 Ingots ; which number may be 
expected to increase as the progress of the settlement advances. 
In taking a view of the island of Banka, it will appear, that most 
of the larger districts have already supported an establishment; and 
although the greatest part of the south-east division is now deserted 
and waste, it formerly possessed an extensive population and very 
considerable mines. It is evident therefore any new situation for a 
mine, will be comprised in, or at least adjoining to, one or other of 
the districts already enumerated, for the general limits and extent of 
which 1 refer to the map. 
