Directory_and_Chronicle_1918 — Page 1287

MALACCA

1207

its name to the Peninsula and that it was the cradle of Anglo-Chinese study attest its former importance. Its area is embraced by boundaries some 42 miles in length, with a breadth of from 8 to 25 miles. It is governed by a Resident in subordination to Singapore.

The geological formation of the territory of Malacca consists chiefly of granite rocks. overlaid in several places by the red cellular clay iron-stone called by geologists laterite. Many of the low plains are alluvial, the soil composed of decayed vegetable mould interlaced with sand. The metallic ores are iron, gold, and tin. The surface generally zis undulating, consisting of low round ridges and narrow valleys, the only mountain of considerable elevation being the Ophir of the Portuguese, 4,400 feet above the level of the sea, or less than one-half the height of the principal mountains of the volcanic gislands of Java, Bali and Lomboc, or those of the partially volcanic neighbouring island of Sumatra. The Ledang of the Malays (4,400 feet) is just outside the Malacca Settlement. The mineral products of Malacca were at one time looked upon as offering valuable prospects. Gold to the extent of 1,500 ounces yearly was obtained in 1857-8, but the yield decreased to such an extent that it is no longer worked. Tin, about the same period, assumed considerable importance. The first mines were opened in 1793, but no great enterprise was displayed until 1848, when some 5,000 cwt. was the annual product. This increased until 1858, and a large number of Chinese were employed in the industry. The superior yield of the Native States, however, combined with the exhaustion of the surface workings, resulted in mining enterprise in Malacca being virtually abandoned. A little tin mining still goes on in the Jasen district and gold, also, probably exists in workable quantities.

The climate of Malacca as to temperature is such as might be expected in a country not much more than 100 miles from the equator, lying along the sea shore-hot and moist. The thermometer in the shade ranges from 72 to 80° Fahrenheit, seldom being so low as the first of these, and not often higher than the last. The range of the barometer is only from 29.8 to 30.3 inches. Notwithstanding constant heat, much moisture, and many swamps, the town at least is remarkable for its salubrity, and, with the exception of the early period of its occupation by the Portuguese, has always enjoyed this reputation.

Malacca offers numerous attractions to the ornithologist and entomologist, but it is less rich in mammals than many other tropical districts. Nine species of quadrumana, the tiger, black leopard, wild cat, several species of viverrida (such as the musang and binturong), the elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, tapir, six species of deer, and two of the wild ox comprise a nearly complete list. Fair sport can be obtained by those fond of shooting, from tiger to snipe. It is noteworthy that the existence of the tapir was unknown until 1816, although European intercourse dates back to some three centuries before. Tigers in the early days of Portuguese occupation were so plentiful that the want of inhabitants was seriously attributed to this cause. As with the birds and insects, so with the reptiles. The snakes, lizards, and crocodiles are, as a rule, those of the peninsula generally, the birds alone presenting a rather larger variety than those of other districts. Nor does the vegetation present any exclusive features, being that of the surrounding States. The coast line is poor in shells, and the absence of limestone accounts for the few species of land shells found within the district.

Beyond its interest to the sportsman or naturalist, Malacca possesses no attrac- tions except to those who like to visit scenes famous in the annals of discovery for the bloody fights they have witnessed between the natives and the European nations who contended for their possession. Its population in 1917 was estimated at 140,000. There are about 300 European residents in the Settlement, of whom 250 or more are

planters.

The trade is largely with Singapore and the Federated Malay States but rubber is shipped fortnightly by Japanese Mail steamers to Europe. The cultivation of tapioca was formerly the principal industry, but rubber is now extensively planted, several large companies having taken over a number of small estates. The cultiva- tion of tapioca and gambier is declining rapidly in favour of coconuts and rubber, there being 17,481 acres under rubber and 48,114 acres growing coconuts, pineapple and other fruits. The amount of rubber exported was 12,357 tons in 1916, The total values of the foreign imports and exports for 1915 and 1916 are given below:-

1916

Imports Exports.

Total

1915

$3,161,895 $ 9,555,067 16,099,728 18,595,006

$28,150,073

$19,261,623