PENANG
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continuance. The average heat of the year at the level of the sea is 80°, and at the height of 2,500 feet, the highest inhabited point, 70°, the annual range being about 20°. Where there is free ventilation, the climate is equal in salubrity to that of any other tropical one, but in a few close valleys wanting this advantage, the malaria is deemed poisonous, and such localities, few in number, are not inhabited by Europeans.
Of mammals, the principal species are monkeys, loris, wild pig, and two species of viverrida-the musang and binturong. The ornithology calls for no special remarks. The island is a happy hunting ground for the entomologist, numerous fine species of lepidoptera frequenting the hills. The botany of Penang is perhaps better known than that of any part of the Peninsula, and, for the area involved, is particularly rich. Palms, bamboos, banana and other fruit-trees, and nutmegs clothe the hillsides, while ferns are also plentiful. The high land permits the cultivation of many flowers and other plants which will not thrive in the flat level lands of Singapore or Malacca.
As evinced by its name, the chief product of Penang is the betel-nut, which, with all kinds of fruit and nutmegs, is the only indigenous article of trade. Nutmegs were at one time a most important branch of industry, but the blight, which simultaneously affected the whole Peninsula, destroyed it. Their cultivation has, however, now been resumed, and Penang nutmegs stand high in the market. There is no agriculture properly so called. Pepper was at one period of its early history produced to the extent of three and a half million pounds annually; but the competition of other places, notably of Netherlands India, proved fatal, and it is now only cultivated in small patches, and is not classed as an article of export trade.
The town possesses few attractions, and the public buildings are mediocre, with the exception of the Government Offices, a fine new block erected in 1889 near the jetty. St. George's Church is an unpretending edifice of 80 years' standing, centrally situated. There is also a Roman Catholic Church and several mission chapels. The census of 1891 gave the total population of Penang and Province Wellesley as 235,618 as compared with 190,597 in 1881. The population of Penang island was 123,886, that of George Town 85,000, and of Province Wellesley 108,117. The value of the imports (excluding treasure) in 1897 was $43,176,367 as against $47,058,000 in 1896. and that of exports $42,443,225 as against $44,861,000 in 1896.
DIRECTORY
(For Government Departments see under G.)
ABRAMS, H., Horse Dealer and Trainer
ALLAN, MURISON, Barrister-at-Law
Nagapen, Tan Sin Leng, Cha Boo,
Lim Pak Seng, clerks
ALLEN & KENNEDY, Brokers, Commission Agents, and Accountants, Logan's Build- ings, Beach Street
J. Y. Kennedy
C. A. Law
A. Bowers Smith M. P. Doral
Agencies
Reuter's Telegram Company, Limited Perak Sugar Cultivation Company, Ld.
ALMA ESTATE, Province Wellesley
Boustead & Co., agents
A. S. Anthony
G. B. Nonis J. E. Doral Agencies
Apcar & Co.'s Steamers
Douglas Steamship Co., Limited Commercial Union Assurance Co. British Empire Mutual Life Ass. Co.
ANGLO-CHINESE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
SCHOOL, Maxwell Road
Rev. B. F. West, superintendent Rev. A. J. Amery, principal
W. E. Curtis, A. F. Wilkins, Ong Kim Cheng and native teachers
AVETOOM, T. C., L.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., ED., Medical Practitioner, George Town Dispensary
AYER ETAM HOTEL
E. Es. Chassériau, managing proprietor BAKER, Mrs. L., Confectioner and Baker, L. Es. Chassériau,
do.
ANTHONY & Co., A. A., Merchants, 56,
Beach Street
Joseph M. Anthony
33, Leith Street
Barnett, C. W., A.M.L.C.E., Civil and Con-
sulting Engineer, Logan's Buildings