- Author:
- Moor, J. H
- Publication Info:
-
Singapore:
no recorded publisher,
1837,
pg 8
Text on page 8
RESIDENCY OP THE NORTH WEST COAST OF BORNEO.
often evaded as that mentioned above must have been, and if sach be the case, two thousand two hundred and ninety carats are less than the actual produce of the period in question. The number of persons employed during it, is unknown, so that no idea can be formed of the profit on mining speculations.* The deliveries of 1825 and 182$ were less than that of 1824 and will be still less this year, Government not advancing to an equal extent, in consequence partly of an outstanding balance against the miners, and partly to the disinciinatioa ofthe latter to receive copper money. Some natives are of opinion that the veins are not so productive as In former times; others, making due allowance for the decrease occasioned by tbe measures of Government, say that they are not worked with equal zeal.
Gold is found in almost every part of the Residency, also in the Ar6ng strata and takes many names, being invariably designated by tbe name of the place where it is procured. The gold of Sintansr, Sans;5o, and Landak are about nine touch; of Muntuhari about eight and a half, that of Mandor a shade below eight; these are places under Pontianak. That found at Mantradu under Mampawa is about eight touch ; and under Sambas, gold of nine touch is found; at Sapan of eight; and eight a half at Tiarak ; of eight, at Siminis; and of seven and a half at Salakao. The mines are worked in a similar manner to those already deseiibed and the Areng cleaned in the dulan, in the centre of which, the gold, from its greater gravity is collected. There are no data for ascertaining the amount produced, f or the number of persons employed. The prite at the principal ports may be taken at about two dollars and ninety cents per toucb; or say, twenty six Spanish dollars for Sintang gold of nine touch. ThA Sultaun of Sambas has in his possession a lump weighing twelve and a half bunkals, and says he has seen some which weighed twenty five.
Iron is principally procured from Jelle in tbe interior of Matan, in sufficient quantities to form an article of export, when it is known by the name of Bissi ikat, from the manner in which it is made op. Ten pieces, each piece about eight or nine inches long, one and a half broad and half an inch thick, form a small bundle; and five of these a lan*e one, which weighs about nineteen or twenty catties, and sells at Matan for about three dollars. It is collected by the Daya, and isof superior quality, as tools made of it are not steeled, and is in great demand among the natives. It is imported advantageously at Pontianak both from Matan and from Banjer-massin, at which place it is known by the name of Bissi desa, or country iron.
The animal productions which add to the exports of this Residency are war, bezoar stones and deer horns, but very little birdas nest is found. The wax is of good quality when* collected by the Daya who find the hives most commonly on the katapan tree; but,passing1 through many hands before exported, it is then generally adulterated. The bezoar stones of Batu Galiga, the Daya allege are collected by them from the muscular parts of animals, particularly the porcupine (Lanrfak) J and the various species of Simia, and they conceive that they are produced by wounds received from other animals especially the wild hog and Simia. On the coast, this account appears to be believed, although contrary to the received opinion that the bezoar is produced in the stomachs of certain raminating animals.
No meteorological journal has been kept; but, to judge from personal feeling, the climate must be very warm. Thus, the dense forests? and extensive marshes, would warrant the inference that tbe Residency is qnhealthy, but it is considered otherwise, with the exception of the diamond district. The prevalent diseases are diarroehia, dysentery, remittent and* intermittent fevers, dropsical, rheumatic and bilious complaints, small pox and the lues vene-ria. While the Cholera morbus raged, it made dreadful ravages. Once at Pontianak tha whole garrison were attacked, and the Resident/who fortunately escaped, was the only person to administer the usual remedies.
It cannot he expected that the local authorities should haw been able to draw up a census of the population, when it is remembered that tbe most numerous portion are either independent savages, or Chinese m open revolt,ahut it is probable that the whole population of this extensive tract does no exceed 400,000 souls.
* The grandson of Hajr Mahomet Salty *Aee expended between fr and 600 dollars fn employing $6 srennearly five months, and was unsuccessful smd says that be bas known other persont possessed of greater mean* disbars* 1/eble that amount without success.
f Tbe amoont of gold prodneedis^rppo^ tobeafeont 1J ptcnls or 8000 tmnkafc.
4 Tbt btst arepmnred irosrth* and'm the districtef Landak.4 Tbt btst arepmnred irosrth* and'm the districtef Landak.
