stood by them. Among other customs, two appear worthy of notice: on the decease of a householder, the brazen trays, dulam or talam, are broken up; and they have great pride in ornamenting their dwellings with these utensils and with elephants' teeth. Large quantities of tripan being procurable among these islands, and also some other merchandize, either the produce of them, or brought by Ceram and other craft, they are much frequented by native traders, few from Java, but the principal part from the Molucca Islands and Macassar.-Sing. Chron.

China

Java

Rhio

Siam

Cochin China..

Sumatra

203,788

186,936

330,163 297,595 65,073

186,298 103,707

6,735,251 6,217,703

6,217,703,

The Key and Aroo Islands.-The inhabitants of both these groups are chiefly Arafura. Some of the Key men nominally profess Islam, but are unmindful of its precepts, eating forbidden meats, and indulging in intoxicating liquors. The women are stricter, so much so, that their husbands, when inclined to indulge in swine's flesh, are forced to do it in secret, their wives not permitting it to be introduced in the house. Some of the Aroo men call themselves Christians, but have as little claim to be considered members of that faith, as their Key neighbours of the Mahomedan religion. It seems a general opinion that the Arafura are far better men than the professors of Christianity or Mahomedanism. In stature they surpass the civilized natives of Celebes. The dress of the men is a piece of matting or cloth, girded round the loins and drawn tight between the thighs, and a salendan or shawl. No fillet is worn round the head, the hair, which is woolly, being frizzed out like that of the Papua. The women are very scantily attired: a mat is worn in front and another behind; these are stripped off when a person of consequence dies, and the women rush into the sea, and tumble head over heels for some time. They are particularly jealous; are otherwise of mild disposition, and are indifferent to abusive language, unless applied to their ancestors, or their women. Compared with many other of the Polynesian races, they are punctual observers of their engagements. They have a dialect, but Malayu is under

Piracy. On the 23d June, the Hon. S. G. Bonham, Esq. embarked on board H.M. S. Andromache, to proceed with her commander, Capt. Chads, in the execution of a joint commission from the Supreme Government, for the permanent suppression of piracy in these Straits. We believe nothing authentic has, as yet, transpired respecting the intended plan of operation determined to be carried into effect by the commissioners, or whether that determination is subject to any conditional contingency.-Ibid., June 25.

Private accounts from Rhio convey information, that the Dutch commissioners, appointed by their Government to institute inquiries respecting piracy, had returned from their late mission to Lingin; that H. M. sloop-of-war Andromache, Capt. Chads, had been at Rhio, and had proceeded to the island of Gallang (so long and well known as one of the favourite resorts of the piratical hordes which infest these seas and straits), where she had executed a just and summary vengeance on its robber inhabitants. The crew of a Bugis boat which arrived here yesterday afternoon, and had left Gallang three days before, saw the Andromache's boats land, and witnessed the destruction of its pirate-nest by fire, the whole force of the island, in sumpans and proas, being also taken and burned. That a similar visitation awaits other haunts, equally or more formidable, is to be fully expected, and it is a consummation devoutly to be wished, that the mischievous chieftain of Lingin may not be permitted to escape unscathed.-Sing. F. P., June 30.

We have to announce the return of H.M.S. Andromache to this station, on the 25th inst., her cruize having occupied a month and two days. She had not, as was supposed, proceeded to the southward, or in the direction of Lingin, her movements having been confined to the coast of Bintang, and the islands in that vicinity, the southern extremity and eastern coast of the Peninsula. Besides a conference with the Dutch authorities at Rbio, re

lative to the objects of their mission, the only native chief of importance with whom the commissioners put themselves in communication, was the Rajah Bandahara of Pahang. There does not appear much cause of congratulation to result from the conference with the Dutch authorities at Rhio, as respects the prospects of any concerted plans of co-operation with the British government for the extirpation of piracy throughout the neighbouring seas. Not only was a pretext found for refusing the solicited aid of a couple of gun-boats, lying in harbour unemployed; but, so far from joining in a desire to call the Rajah of Liugin to account, or at least to obtain some explanation as to his supposed connection with pirates, and some guarantee or assurance for the future, the commissioners were informed that the Dutch government had already concluded a treaty with that chief, of which no particulars were communicated, and that he was in receipt of a pension from them of 40,000 per annum! The Andromache will again leave this in a few days, proceeding up the Straits of Malacca, and visiting the more important native states situate along the west coast of the peninsula, and will then pass over to the opposite coast of Sumatra, and proceed in the same manner along that line of coast. The Raleigh, meantime, remains here, to cruize among the neighbouring places.-Ibid., July 28.

Quedah.-The ex-king of Quedah succeeded his father (from whom the English obtained a grant of Penang and Province Wellesley) in 1801, and the arbitrary exactions of the Siamese appear to have commenced with his reign, and to have been the subject of complaint and remonstrance, on his part, to the British until 1821, when Quedah was finally invaded by a large force of Siamese, without any previous declaration of war. To these barbarians, taking and destroying are synonymous terms. The most fearful ravages were committed; the king, with much difficulty, escaped to Penang, where he obtained protection from Government, and was maintained in a style not unbecoming his rank. The Siamese, however, demanded his person, but were refused. This was in the year of Mr. Crawfurd's embassy to Siam, who failed in securiug any terms for the King. In 1824, the Burman war broke out, and it led to Capt. Burney's embassy to Siam, two articles of whose treaty with the Siamese not only for ever cut off all hopes of his obtaining our assistance to restore him, but engaged us on the side of his enemies the Siamese. It treats Quedah as a Siamese province, and stipulates that the British will not permit the former governor of Quedah, nor any of his followers, to attack, disturb, or in any wise injure the Quedah

territory, nor any other territory subject to Siam; and makes it incumbent on the English to prohibit the ex-king from remaining in Penang, Prye, Perak, Salengore, or any Burmese territory; with a provision that, if the English do not oblige him to live in some other country, the Siamese may continue to levy an export duty upon paddy and rice in Quedah. In 1831 occurred the unsuccessful attempt of Tuankoo Koodin, the king of Quedah's nephew, to expel the Siamese. In the same year, the ex-king was required by the Penang government to remove to Malacca, in compliance with the provisions of the article of the treaty, upon the fulfilment of which the Siamese now insisted. Since that time, he has resided at Malacca, in the enjoyment of a pension of 10,000 drs. per annum, (which had been long previously stipulated for), until he embarked for Delhi. This last step, though it places him at large, saves the Company 10,000 drs. a year. We believe that a difference of opinion has prevailed as to whether Quedah was a province of Siam, or not. Mr. Crawfurd thought it was. If this opinion be correct, our original title to Penang was of a very questionable sort; and, if true, the attempt of the king to regain his kingdom appears hopeless, as the stipulations of Capt. Burney's treaty render it incumbent on our Government to prevent any such.-Sing. F. P., May 19.

is thus incurred an annual expenditure of more than two and a-half lacs of rupees, in maintaining civil and military establishments in a place where trade has been for years declining, until it is now almost extinct; where agricultural industry is at the lowest ebb, and where the total value of the annual produce of a soil of about 1,000 square miles in extent, does not appear to exceed Drs. 50,000; when it must, we think, be universally conceded that, under such a state of circumstances, onehalf of the sum now expended is rather more than ought to suffice for the maintenance of a sufficient military force for the protection and defence, and the payment of a suitable establishment for the civil administration, of the settlement."

Siam.

By the American brig Maria Theresa, from Siam, we have received advices from Bangkok, to the 9th ult. From a private letter of that date, we learn that produce was plentiful and at moderate prices. Several junks had arrived, and the prices of imports were expected to decline a little.

There is no political intelligence of any interest. The war with Cochin China appeared to be at an end, at least no preparations for a renewal of hostilities were in progress.

The American envoy, Mr. Roberts (who died at Macao on the 3d June) had been received with every demonstration of cordial and reciprocal feeling by the king of Siam; and the treaty, entered into some years ago, between that sovereign and the United States government, had been duly and solemnly ratified. The treaty is almost a counterpart of that now existing between the British government and the king of Siam.-Sing. F.P., July 28.

China.

Tea.-Extensive contracts have been entered into, particularly for Congous and Twankays; in addition to which, much tea will be made by speculators, in consequence of the certain demand for the last two seasons, and the profits realized during the present. Although the name of Bohea may be dropped, the Woping tea, of which the Canton was principally composed, will come down either in its usual form, or more probably under some new process of manufacture; and the Fokien as low Congou or Souchong; and both will find purchasers at low prices. We may look, therefore, for an increased supply of almost all descriptions.

Most of the engagements for Congou, have been made to take equal proportions

of Pekoekeok and Souchong kind together; either at the market price which may rule when they arrive in Canton; or, where prices are fixed, the Souchong kind at the E. I. Company's appreciations, and the Pekoekeoks at 2 a 4 taels advance. For the latter description, the contracts far exceed the quantity which has ever yet been brought to Canton in one season; and I fear therefore that many of the engagements have little chance of being fulfilled, unless by a great deterioration in the quality generally. The competition among the manufactures is likely to occasion very high prices in the tea districts; and they are requiring unusually heavy advances from the merchants in consequence. Twankays have been contracted for at the prices paid by the EastIndia Company.-Report on Canton Market. 4th April.

The Canton tea manufactories are in full operation for the American market. The teas made here appear to be much improved within the last two years, both as regard flavour and appearance, more especially the latter; many of the young Hysons being in this respect far superior to the greater portion of the up-country teas. Letters from Woo-el-Shan state that the first picking of black tea had been abundant, but that, owing to the rather unseasonable rains, the leaf had expanded too rapidly, by which the appearance of the tea is likely to be injured. Reports from the green tea districts state that the growers were demanding higher prices than the tea-men generally were willing to pay, and that little had been bought in consequence.-Canton Price Curr., June 11.

Pina Cloth of the Philippines.-It has frequently been stated that the beautifully fine cloth manufactured in Luçonia, called Pina, is not made from the fibres of the pine-apple leaf, but our host removed our doubts, and shewed us how these fibres are obtained by an exceedingly simple process, which is as follows:-The fresh pine-apple leaves, after being cut off as long as possible, are allowed to soak in water during 24 hours, when they are taken out, and the green pulp or thick skin is scraped off with a blunt instrument, generally the rim of a plate, when these fibres are discovered in the middle of the leaf, and taken out in a bunch. These are bleached, assorted according to their fineness, and knotted together by the women, and afterwards wove into this beautiful cloth, which is the favourite dress of the inhabitants of all degrees and both sexes. Near Manila there are villages, the inhabitants of which gain their bread exclusively by the embroidery of Pina, and they embroider beautifully, displaying much taste in the patterns. Hardly an

Indian, even the poorest, is found without an embroidered shirt of Pina, costing not less than 12 or 16 drs., and frequently double that price. Spanish ladies and Mestiza women spend much money upon the same article for their dresses.-Corr. Canton Press.

The Fejee Islands.

The Rev. Mr. Watkins, a missionary of the Wesleyan Society, at the Friendly Islands, mentions some of the cruel customs of the Fejees. One is, the immolation of widows on the demise of the husband, by strangling. "When the husband dies, the hapless wife seats herselfthe cord is placed round her neck-one person places his hand on the head of the victim-others seize the extremities of the cord, and tighten it to effect strangulation; and the few struggles made are succeeded by the stillness and stiffness of death." Another is, burying alive,-a practice not unfrequent in Fejee.

"In

dividuals, too old or too ill to be of further service, are the victims of this cruel practice. Sometimes it is done at the request of the individuals themselves: no effort is made to dissuade them from it, but the willing murderers proceed forthwith to dig a hole of sufficient capacity; they then convey the sick or aged person to it, and, having placed him in the grave in a sitting posture, cast the earth upon him, which is pressed down by the feet of his own relatives or neighbours." He adds: "Connected with their wars is an evil for which I should think the Fejeeans to be pre-eminent, and that is cannibalism. Fejee, I think, exceeds New Zealand in that abominable vice. The accounts which we hear are sickening. It is not one now and then who furnishes a meal for his savage countrymen-nor ten -nor twenty-but hundreds! When I first heard it, I was confident that the statement was exaggerated; but on ap

pealing to the authority of a Fejeean chief at present here, I was assured by him that it was 'mooni aubito' (most true), and that some short time ago there were more than two hundred human bodies prepared for a single feast! They were the victims

of war."

Cape of Good Hope.

EXPEDITION TO EXPLORE CENTRAL AFRICA.

At a general meeting of the shareholdres of the Cape of Good Hope Association for exploring Central Africa, held on the 19th May,

Sir John Herschell, being called to the chair, addressed the meeting, observing, that this was an occasion of no ordinary interest, inasmuch as the spell, which had

hitherto so fatally prevailed over African discovery, seemed at length in a fair way to be dissolved, and the dreams broken which had rendered every account of expeditions for exploring this vast continent a record of little else than disaster, priva. tion, and misery. Such expeditions, he observed, had, for the most part, termi nated in the death of the adventurer, either by murder, sickness, or exhaustion; and in the few instances of his escape with life, his records and journals had for the most part been lost, and nothing, in short, brought back but his bare bones, with just enough of skin to hold them together. But in this case a large party had been safely, nay, commodiously, and luxuriously, transported in waggons, over an immense tract of unexplored country, almost to the tropic, and deep into the heart of those mysterious regions, the subject of so much speculation; returned, too in good case, fat and well looking. Bones, indeed, in plenty, and skins too, they had brought home, as the collection would abundantly testify, which had struck him with perfect astonishment. How it had been possible to transport so vast a mass (to say nothing of the variety and richness of its materials), to so vast a distance, appeared, indeed, little short of miraculous, Looking at the things themselves, there was no less cause for admiration in the prodigal display of beautiful objects beautifully preserved. The superb collection of drawings, &c. which adorned the meeting room, had excited a similar, and even a stronger feeling. That collection, be would venture to say, all circumstances considered, had never been surpassed, perhaps never equalled, whether the time in which it had been executed, the exposed situations in which the drawings had been made, or their exquisite finish and spirit were considered. The accomplished artist who had furnished the zoological part of this collection was himself a living and thriving proof of the salubrity of the coun try traversed, and the precautions by which, under Providence, the health of the party had been preserved. That individual was understood to have set out on this hazar. dous adventure in a state of health which

He

hardly allowed a hope of his being able to reach the frontier of the colony, and to have returned a strong, robust, and healthy man! Whatever merit might be duly claimed for successful exertion, it was ne cessary, for a while, to lay aside such considerations, and look to the future. would be sorry to see this enterprize evaporate in mere smoke; or, which in his opinion came to the same thing, terminate in itself, in mere unproductive glory. He trusted that, from this epoch, from the successful return of Dr. Smith's expedi tion, would date the commencement of a new and splendid era of African discovery

in the path which he had opened up, and which all appearances indicated might be trodden with such comparative facility and comfort. It was in this view of the matter, that the committee had proposed for the consideration of that day's meeting, certain resolutions. In this commercial community, it might well be that some of the subscribers had originally looked upon the expedition as a mere trading adventure, and had taken their shares with a view to the returns. And if such were the case, still, he hoped, that few among the shareholders had considered the matter so entirely in that light as not to have had regard, at least, to the probable hazard of their stake, and with a determination to look upon their shares as money thrown well away in the attempt to accomplish a public-spirited and praiseworthy end. But at all events he felt convinced, that by far the great majority of the subscribers, from the first announcement of the expedition's return, must have expected some such proposition as the committee have originated, and which in fact they could not have avoided doing without a desertion of their duty, though, of course, it still remained at the discretion of the meeting to adopt or to reject them; and, if adopted, they were bound to do so in such manner as to infringe on no vested claim and invalidate no compact.

Dr. Andrew Smith, conductor of the expedition, read a Report of its proceedings from the period of its departure from Graaff-Reinet to its return to Cape Town; upon which it was resolved, unanimously:"That the Report just read be approved."

"That the successful return of the present expedition holds out so favourable a prospect of future discovery, that it is expedient that this Association should not be dissolved, but should continue to exist as a permanent institution for the further prosecution of its original object."

"That it is inexpedient, in the present state of the undertaking, that the rarer part of the collections should be disposed of by public sale, at least until the scientific results to be expected from their description and examination shall be effectually secured."

"That, however the collections may now or hereafter be disposed of, their produce shall be held by the shareholders as a permanent fund for the support of ulterior operations,-subject to existing claims."

"That the shareholders do proceed to elect a new committee of management, in place of the present, whose functions will now cease, who shall be empowered to dispose of the articles acquired by the expedition, as they shall deem most advantageous to the Association (subject to the 3d Resolution), and that they shall be authorised, under the new aspect the So

Asiat. Journ. N.S. VOL. 22. No.85.

ciety has now taken, to make such modifications in the Regulations as may be required."

"That the only adequate thanks which can be rendered to Dr. Smith, are, that he be requested to undertake the next expedition."

"That the especial thanks of this meeting are due to Messrs. B. Kift, G. Ford, J. Burrow, C. Bell, C. Hastwell, E. Tenant, J. Mintern, H. Cockerell, and J. Low, who generously volunteered their services and accompained the expedition."

"That the thanks of this meeting are particularly due to the missionaries who have aided so much the objects of the expedition."

"That the thanks of this Meeting are due to the Treasurers, Messrs. Borradaile, Thompson, and Pillans, and the Secretary, J. C. Chase, Esq., for their most useful services to the Association."

"That the thanks of the Association are especially due to J. McQueen, Esq., for his very liberal subscription of £200, without which the objects of the expedition could not have been so immediately and effectually accomplished.

"That the shareholders desire to record an expression of deep regret at the death of the Corporal George McKenzie, of the 72d Regt., who was unfortunately drowned in one of the branches of the Caledon River, and whose services were so useful to the expedition as to occasion his loss being most severely felt."

Mocha.

:

A letter received from Mocha states, that slavery had lately been carried on at that port to an astonishing extent and it adds, that it is in fact encouraged by the Egyptian authorities, or rather regulations, owing to the duty of two dollars being levied on each slave passing through the custom-house. The writer declares, that "within ten days, near 700 women, or, more correctly speaking, girls, from ten to sixteen, and eighteen years of age, had been imported." They are described as looking wretchedly from starvation, receiving just food enough to keep them alive. The writer adds, that the Pacha was hourly expected, and that it was said he was likely to make some stay; that he was described as a young man about twenty-five years of age, and a grandson of Mahomed Ali; and that there appeared to exist a determination to carry on the war in Yemen with vi. gour.

By another letter from Mocha, it appears that the cholera was raging there. The Company's agent, the captain of the American brig Waverly, and forty-two others, were carried off by it in one day,

(E)