one of the Eastern Straits settlements, belonging to Great Britain, in the Malay Peninsula, bounded on the N. and E. by the native state of Quedah, S. by that of Perak, and W. by the sea; length, 53 miles; breadth, 4; area, 140 square miles. The surface, which is slightly undulating, slopes gradually towards the sea. The soil is in general swampy, but not unproductive, being very suitable for the cultivation of rice. In some places there are narrow strips of sandy ground, where cocoanut trees grow well. The geological formation of the district, like that of the island of Penang, is granitic. The climate is hot, but salubrious, the mean temperature being about 80°. When first occupied by the British, this country was covered with a thick impenetrable jungle, haunted by tigers, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and other wild beasts. It has, however, been since that time much improved, and about 120 square miles of the country are under cultivation. Rice is the principal crop, but sugar is also raised in the central and southern portions. The most important of the other productions are indigo (not of the best quality) and cocoa-nuts. Poultry and cattle are sent from this settlement to that of Prince of Wales Island. Province Wellesley was obtained from the King of Quedah for a sum of money in 1802. It is subject to the governor of Prince of Wales Island. Pop. (1855) 51,509.