NOTES ON MALACCA.
By J. B. Westerhout, Esq.,
Assistant Resident at Malacca.
The Malayan Peninsula may generally be described as a region mountainous and hilly, with very extensive plains or valleys; the aspect altogether is very picturesque. The greater part of the interior is covered with extensive forests, containing fruit trees and in which savage animals roam; but they are peopled and cultivated here and there; the largest mountain is Gunong Ledang or mount Ophir which is about 5,600 feet above the level of the sea.[1] There are also two large rivers the Muár and the Lingey, the latter is about 150 yards broad and navigable for vessels of about 200 tons.
Gold.
The mineral productions of Malacca are principally gold and tin. The Gold mines of Ophir were worked till the year 1817 by the Malays. About that time from 20 to 30 Chinese also commenced working, and have increased from time to time, so that the average number at present employed there is about 250 men. Eight Klings from the Coast of Coromandel have gone up this year, the gold is of 9 touch; the mines are at the foot of the mountain, and their general depth is from 70 to 200 feet. The Malay process of gathering the gold dust is very simple. They dig till they come to the rock, then break and pound it, carry it to a stream and wash off the gold dust. The miners have to pay a duty to Inchi Ahat the uncle of the present Tamungong of Muár, Toonku Sahid. The gold gathered is 24 catties annually; which is all brought to Malacca. The gold mines at Gámunchí were accidently discovered about 80 years ago by Panghulu Topay, who picked up a stone that was lying on the ground, and breaking it, found that it contained gold. The Malays then commenced working and found a small quantity. After which the Panghulu died and his son (illegible text) succeeded. During his time he got people to go up from Malacca,
- ↑ According to Mr. Thomson the height is only about 1,320 feet. Ante p. 137.—Ed.
