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 vessels, but where time is no object, and where the chief benefit to be obtained is at sea, I think the sading-vessel holds out most advanatages to the invalid.

3. PENANG.—The Straits and China is a favourite resort, especially in hot weather, for it is curious, that the climate of the Straits, though under the line, is less hot and less oppressive than during the warmest season in Bengal. Europeans do not dread the sun there as they do in India. Penang, or Prince of Wales Island, was in former years a good deal frequented, but now few visitors spend any time there. George Town, the capital, stands upon a large tract of level ground on the mainland side of the island. It is but of small extent, and the houses of the few residents are widely scattered, but it contains no hotel for the accommodation of travellers. The site of the town is so little raised above the level of the sea, that a large portion of it is flooded at high water; and where the sea is banked out, the soil is flowing with water, and converted into rice fields. Large tracts are planted with nutmegs and cloves, and nearly equal portions are in a state of nature, overgrown with mangrove and other jungle. The mountains are very steep on all sides, and clothed in deep forests. On the summit of the highest mountain, rising to 2,000 feet, stands a Government-house, occasionally