About the book (from a different edition):
In 1864, when this book was written, the Straits Settlements were eager, that they “should no longer remain the dependency of a dependency”, but to be directly administrated by the Colonial Office and not via India. Therefore the book emphasizes all positive aspects of Singapore for the empire: “…to give some glimpse of the great beauty, some conception of the valuable commerce and some grounds upon which to estimate the importance in a political point of view…and to preserve the predominance and permanence of British interests – commercial and political – in the Eastern archipelago”.
J. Cameron describes as well with enthusiasm and in great detail all facets of social and natural life in tropical Singapore: the various colourful cultures, the mighty jungle, opium smoking, amok assaults, the exotic fruits, the growing city and the busy harbour. The author does not forget the menace of tigers: “I am fully convinced, that 365 mane per annum have their lives dashed out by the crushing stroke of the tiger’s paw.”
