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he himself killed and the French expelled, the influence of the priests vanished; the number of their converts, instead of increasing, rapidly diminished; and the two individuals, who went to live with the Siamese priests, were never more heard of. Though the French missionaries have maintained their station here to this day, yet at times they have been driven to great straits, and subject to frequent imprisonments.

It is astonishing that, while in all other countries, where Romanists have entered their converts have been numerous, there have never been but a few in Siam. At present, only a small number,—mostly the descendants of Portuguese, who speak the Cambojan and Siamese languages,—constitute their flock; they have at Bankok, four churches; at Chantibun, one; and lately, a small one has been built at Jutaya, the ancient capital. Yet, all this would be of little consequence, if even a few individuals had been converted to their Saviour, by the influence of the Holy Spirit. But, to effect this change of heart and life, seems, alas! never to have been the intention of the spiritual guides, or the endeavour of their followers. I lament the degradation of people, who so disgrace the name of Christians; and would earnestly wish that never any convert of such a description was made.

The labours of the protestant mission have hitherto only been preparatory, and are in their incipiant state. However, the attention of all the different races of people who inhabit Siam, has been universally roused; and they predict the approach of the happy time, when even Siam shall stretch forth its hands to the Saviour of the world.

A country so rich in productions as Siam, offers a large field for mercantile enterprise. Sugar, sapanwood, beche de mar, birds' nests, Sharks' fins, gamboge, indigo, cotton, ivory, and other articles, attract the notice of a great number of Chinese traders, whose junks every year, in February, March and the beginning of