Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 3.djvu/199

ASIATIC NATIONS. 183 not exceed 120, while others are as large as those of green prows. A considerable number of still smaller craft are also employed, and the king of Siam sends annually two junks on his own account, manned and navigated by Chinese, which are duty free in the ports of China, making probably the whole amount of the tonnage in this branch of the trade not less than 10,000 tons. The imports in- to Siam are the same as into the countries of the Indian Archipelago ; and the exports, Y>'ith few exceptions, such as the articles of rice, salt fish, and stick lac, the same also. The duties on the Chinese junks at Siam are extremely moderate. The king requires the refusal of such articles of their import investment as he may fancy, but their delivery is never compulsory ; and I have it from some of those engaged in conducting the trade, that they have no room to complain of extortion or oppression. — The great number of Chinese settled in Borneo occasions much intercourse between China and that island. Three junks, of 500 tons burthen, sail to Borneo Proper ; to Sambas there sail two from Chang-lim of 500 tons a-piece ; to Pontianak, three of the same size, and to Mampa- wa two, also of 500 ; and to Banjarmassin, one of about 600, making in all about 5600 tons. The whole number to Java is seven junks, three from Em-ui of from 1000 to 1200 tons, and four from Chang-lim of about 500 tons each, making in all