CHAPTER II.

Leave Prince of Wales’ Island.--Luminous Appearance of the Sea.--Pulo Dinding.--A gigantic Ærides.--Malacca.--Deserted Appearance. Slaves.--Little Camiron.--Islands.--Vegetable Phenomenon.--Singapore.--Unrivalled situation as an emporium between the Indian and China Seas.--Serenity and security of the Atmosphere and Seas.--Monsoons scarcely felt.--Climate salubrious, contrasted with that of Upper India, so fatal to Europeans; effects of on Vegetable and Animal Nature.--Creeping plants.--Malay race.--Mangroves, utility of.--Character of the Chinese.--Their Ships.--Malays of the Sea or Orang Laut.--Description of the New Settlement.--Conduct of the Chinese, and manly Conduct of Captain Richardson.--Natunas Isles.--Pulo Ubi.--Seeds discovered in the Wild Plantain.--Botanical Observations.--Groups of Islands.--Joss Sticks.--Fu-Kok.--Arrival at Paknam in Siam River 33