or MANKASSER, called also by the Dutch Vlaardingen, a free seaport-town of the island of Celebes, on its S.W. peninsula; and capital of a cognominal government, is situated at the mouth of a river; S. Lat. 5° 9', E. Long. 119° 36'. It is regularly laid out in rectangular streets, is surrounded by a wall, and environed by Malayan suburbs. The harbour, which has excellent anchorage, is protected by Fort Rotterdam. A considerable trade is carried on with China and Australia in the various productions of the country. The town was built by the Dutch on the site of a Malayan village, and was declared a free port in 1840. Pop. about 20,000. (See Celebes.) The Straits of Macasar separate the islands of Celebes and Borneo, and extend about 300 miles from N. to S., with an average breadth of 126 miles, excepting at the northern extremity, where it contracts to about 60 miles. It is of very dangerous navigation, abounding with shoals, rocks, and rocky islands.