occupied by the governor of the Straits; there are several other country houses perched amongst the tops of the hills, and available for rent. The rains and fogs are very frequent and very heavy; and the temperature is about ten degrees lower than that of the town; 72, while below it is 82 degrees, but it is a very dull abode for a stranger. There is much trouble in obtaining supplies, and few people like a long residence there.
The population of Penang is extremely mixed, being Malays, Burmese, Chinese, and Hindostannies. Penang is one of the penal settlements of India, and a large number of felons are there undergoing punishment. A resident magistrate, and an assistant-surgeon are stationed here, and the wing of a regiment from Madras.
4. MALACCA. is the next station in proceeding down the Straits. It is very little frequented by strangers; the country is low and swampy, here and there varied by a little rising hill. The scenery is not agreable, either dense groves of cocoa-nuts or impenetrable forests. The atmosphere is intensely damp;the sky generally cloudy and overcast, with frequent heavy showers. The town is of considerable extent, of Dutch construction, and may contain 15,000 inhabitants, of whom Chinese and Portuguese form a large proportion. The Chinese are the most wealthy, and
