Directory_and_Chronicle_1881 — Page 476

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462

SINGAPORE-MALACCA.

is not exempt from the animal pests which usually infest intra-tropical locations. Tigers are occasionally seen and two or three deaths are reported annually from this cause; wild pigs and monkeys (both very destructive to gardens) inhabit much of the jungle surrounding the country residences; while the much dreaded cobra has been killed in most of the compounds near the town. The existence of the most formidable Asiatic snake, the Hamadryad, has also been demonstrated, though this fierce reptile is fortunately but very seldom seen. It should be added that specimens of the formidable python, up to 24 feet in length, are found in the jungle, and that alligators and sharks inhabit the still waters of the coast. Mosquitoes, however, form the rincipal plague, and cause far more irritation and vexation than the occasional isits of the snakes, centipedes, or scorpions, which are now and then killed in bath

bed rooms.

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Singapore offers but few points of salient interest to visitors, the Botanical Gardens at Tanglin and the Raffles Library and Museum being its only show places. Few, however, are unimpressed with its wealth of vegetation-of a certain sort. The jungle, crowded with kompas, betel, and cocoanut trees, here and there relieved by durians, mangoes, and mangostins, is grandly beautiful. But flowers flourish to only a limited degree. Orchids indeed abon: d, but their blossoms soon fade, while a few gorgeous flowering plants but poorly make up for the absence of roses, gera- niums, honeysuckle, and all the vast variety which are associat d with a well kept garden at home.

Food in Singapore is indifferent. Fowls, ducks, and eggs form the staple of animal food, one or two butchers supplying mutton or becf if bespoken. Neither can, however, be recommended. The choice of vegetables is equally limited. Fruits, however, are abundant, such as pines, bananas, mangostins, and the usual variety tropical growth. The much vaunted and much abused durian-the odour of which resembles a combination of asafoetida, rotten cheese, sugar, bad eggs, and cinnamon —has equally vehement friends and enemies.

of

Owing to the long distances, horses and carriages are in universal demand, and numerous hack gharries or palanquius on wheels, a shade better than the old London cab, are to be seen at almost every corner. The syces or drivers, however, are, like the boatmen of the port, a most extortionate set, and require vigorous regulation on the part of the Government.

The total value of imports into Singapore from all countries in 1879 was stated at $56,278,292, the United Kingdom figuring for $11,612,358, and the British Colonies (including India) for $20,016,590. The total value of the exports was $49,250,238.

MALACCA.

The settlement of Malacca excites more interest from a historical point of view than either of its sister towns but bas so completely fallen to the rear since the establishment of Penang and Singapore as to merit but brief notice in this compila- tion. Seldom visited by foreigners except for relaxation, its white population, including the troops stationed there, seldom reaches fifty individuals, the actual residents numbering only six or seven. Originally settled by the Portuguese in 1511, it retained its importance as the one foreign entrepot in the East until the founding of Penang, when its fortunes rapidly declined. At the present moment it is the least European of all our Settlements in the East, though the facts that it has given its name to the

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