PALEMBANG, the capital of the above district, and a great emporium of inland commerce. It is situated in a marshy tract of flat ground, a few miles above the delta of the river, and about sixty miles from the sea. It is so intersected by the branches of the river, forming a number of islands, that it has received the appellation of the City of Twenty Islands. It extends about eight miles along the banks of the river. The houses of the sultan and his son are square areas, surrounded with very high brick walls. Each of these palaces contains several detached buildings of the pavilion form, having portions of ground planted with fruit-trees and ornamental shrubs. In front of these palaces is an extensive battery facing the river. There is also a lower range of batteries; and between the two is seen the Maidan or Plain, at the extremity of which appears the hall where the sultan gives audiences to the public. The sultan, before the arrival of the British, had been engaged in the construction of a new harbour, for which he had found materials in the Dutch factory, which he had demolished. It joins the inner palace, but the buildings are still incomplete. A large reservoir of water, with pleasure-boats in it, occupies the middle of this area, which is surrounded by numerous detached buildings for the females of the court. The principal mosque is a pretty large building, nearly square; and adjoining it is a high octagonal tower, from which the muezzin calls the people to prayers. The houses of the common people are made of bamboos, with mats, and thatched. Some of the houses float on the river, to the banks of which they are attached. About two miles above Palembang the river divides into two large branches; that on the left leading to a country-seat of the sultan, consisting of several bungalows and gardens delightfully situated on a cluster of small islands. The inhabitants amount to between 20,000 and 30,000, and consist of Malays, Chinese, and Arabs. Long. 104. 54. E. Lat. 2. 58. 51. S.