Description of a View of CANTON, now Exhibiting at the Panorama, Leicester Square 26 27 29 *0 1. Chinese Fort, or Dutch Folly. 6. Middle Pagoda. 11. Entrance to a Temple. 16. Creek. 2. Chinese Fort, or French Folly. 7. Chinese gambling. 12. One of (he Hong Merchant’s Houses. 17. Chinese smoking. 3. War, and other Junks. 8. Tea Boats. 13. Custom House Boat. 18. Preparations for an Entertainment. 4. One of the Hong Merchant’s Houses. 9. Passage Boats. 14. Mandaiin Boat. 19. Serving Tea. 5. Whampoa Pagoda. 10. Timber Yard. 15. Duck boats. 20. A Mandarin. 21. Landing Place, or Ferry. 22. Honan. 23. Chinese Fort. 24. Egg House Boats. 25. Canton River. 33 34 36 '*U! 39 37 III/. i 40 42 53 44 47 *£221 26. Dutch Flag. 27. British Flag. 28. Library of the British Factory. 29. American Flag. 30. French Flag. 31. Pagoda between Canton and Macao. $. Hog Lane. 38. Joss Hmse. 43. Five-Story Tower. 13. Summer-house on the American Factory. 39. Reside.ce of Messrs. Jardine and Co. 44. Residence of the Commander-in-Chief. 14. Private Factory. 40. Pagodi 45. Residence of the Lieut.-Governor. I 35. Camera Obscura. 41. Mahonedan Mosque. 46. Mandarins’ Residence. \ 36. Joss House, or Temple. 42. Padre Till. 47. Palace of the Viceroy. J | 37. Silk Dyers. u * \ \\\ v' V \V W\\\\\vV' \\\ nnN ' 49 S3 48. Official Residence of the Hoppo. 49. Hong Merchants’ Factory. 50. A Play. 51. Music. 52. Chinese eating.' PRINTED BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET. DESCRIPTION OF A VIEW • OF CANTON, THE RIVER TIGRESS, AND THE SURROUNDING COUNTRY; NOW EXHIBITING AT TUE LltKglSTIIR §@dM(3 PAINTED BY THE PROPRIETOR, ROBERT BURFORD. LONDON: PRINTED, BY T. BRETTELL, RUPERT STREET, HAYMARKET. 1 8 3 8 . IN THE UPPER CIRCLE flg !&D®W ©PHIRffg A SPLENDID VIEW OF NEW ZEALAND. Admittance , One Shilling. CANTON. China stands alone amongst nations, not so much on account of its remote antiquity, and high state of civilization, as for its strict laws, here¬ ditary usages, unaltered manners, and many curious customs peculiar to itself. Attention is irresistibly drawn to a nation so singularly constituted, and curiosity is considerably stimulated, both by its distance from Britain, and the difficulties opposed by its government, in sedulously checking intercourse with strangers. Few other countries, unconnected with us by the ties of alliance or subjection, present so many points of attraction, none will so amply repay the researches of the curious. Canton, or Quang-tchoo, the only port to which the restrictive policy of the Chinese government permits foreigners to trade, forms the subject of the present Panorama; but as it is in point of size one of the first, and as regards wealth (foreign commerce being here concentrated) the very first of Chinese cities, and as the general disposition of the towns and style of the buildings are surprisingly uniform, it may be safely said to be the most interesting—presenting, as it does, a fair epitome of the whole celestial empire. The native manners are also seen here in all their purity as perfectly as in the interior, having the double advantage of being viewed in connexion with Europeans, and under circumstances which commerce calls forth. The present view was taken from a terrace on the summit of the British Factory, by Toonequa, a native artist of Canton; it is remarkable for its Chinese (proverbial) correctness, and will be found to equal what the most brilliant fancy, or glowing imagination, could have conceived of this extraordinary people. Immediately in front of the Spectator, are the European factories, extensive buildings of handsome architecture, little more than the roofs of which, with the national ensigns floating above, can be seen from this spot; beyond the factories, the river Tigress stretches to an immense distance, both to the right and left, thickly covered with boats of various descriptions, from the war and trading junks of 800 or 1000 tons burthen, to the smallest sampan capable of containing only one person ; their gay colouring, decorations, and gilding, curious sails, and innumerable flags, together with the picturesque costume of the boatmen, and residents of these floating habitations, form an extraordinary and busy scene, not to be equalled on any other river in the world. Beyond the 4 Tigress, the extensive Island of Honan presents many curious and inte¬ resting buildings, and forms a pleasing contrast to the gay appearance of the river. The Hongs of the native merchants join the European factories, surrounded by a considerable and thickly populated suburb, beyond which lies the city of Canton, over wdiose walls rise pagodas and temples, palaces occupied by the different branches of the administration, and magazines. In the immediate vicinity of the city, the country is flat, and for the most part under rice cultivation, which imparts a luxuriant beauty to the view ; various canals and arms of the river, covered with craft, intersect the level ground, which is pleasantly diversified by small towns, villages, and picturesque villas, embellished by the pride of a mandarin, or the luxury of some great man, as asylums for pleasure. At the dis¬ tance of ten or twelve miles the scene is closed by mountains of consider¬ able elevation, of peculiar character, and the most varied and delicate tints, forming altogether a novel, interesting, and unparalleled scene. In the immediate foreground, and on the extensive platform which the spec¬ tators are supposed to occupy, an artist’s license has been taken, to intro¬ duce various groups of Chinese—illustrating, in a striking manner, the singular costume, and some of the ordinary pursuits of this peculiar people, which, from the narrowness of the streets, and the style of the buildings, could not have been introduced in any other part of the painting. A mandarin of rank is received with due honour and etiquette, a table is spread for his refreshment, and a play is performed for his amusement; other great men are playing at various games, smoking, or drinking tea and wine, whilst attendants are placing beautiful flowers in vases, and arranging lanterns for an illumination at dusk ;—the whole offering a multitude of varied and uncommon objects to interest the curious observer, and more than one subject for reflection to the philoso¬ pher and moralist. Canton is, by tradition, said to have been a place of considerable im¬ portance in the time of Yaou, shortly after the deluge. Europeans are reported to have first visited it in the Han Dynasty, and in the year 700 it had a regular market for foreign commerce. In 879, it was beseiged and desolated by the Cochin Chinese, and the trade, which was then im¬ portant, for a time suspended. When the Mongol Tartars, under Kublai Khan, invaded China, the trade was again stopped, and the city pillaged ; but subsequent to 1300 it was carried on for two centuries with increased vigour. In 1G50, the city was beseiged for eight months, taken and sacked, by the Manchoo Tartars, on which occasion some writers affirm, that more than 700,000 persons were massacred; from this period the Tartars have held possession, and the trade and wealth of the city has gradually increased. In November 1822, a fire broke out to the north of the factories, which, from the narrowness of the streets, and the inflammable materials of the buildings, spread to a fearful extent : above seventy streets were laid in ashes, between 14,000 and 15,000 houses destroyed, and at least 50,000 Chinese rendered houseless ; the factories were partly consumed, and a vast amount in merchandise burned. The city of Canton, the capital of the Province ofQuangtong, is situated on one of the finest rivers in the empire, about eighty miles from the sea, and at least twelve hundred from the capital. 1 he City Proper is sur- rounded bv a wall about thirty feet in height, forming an almost regular square, which, being again divided by a wall running from east to west, forms the Old and New Towns. There are sixteen gates, which are strictly guarded by soldiers, or armed police; the whole is estimated at about seven miles in circumference, as it may with ease be circumambu¬ lated in two hours. The suburbs, which are alone accessible to the members of the factories and foreigners, are fully as large as the city itself, and in every respect resemble it in the style and character of the houses and shops; to the west, they spread out nearly in the form of an isosceles right-angled triangle, opening to the north-west, and having the river and the western wall of the city for its two equal sides; and towards the south, they occupy the space between the wall and the river, stretching altogether at least five miles along its banks. Canton contains about six hundred streets, most of them so narrow that they are not seen into from the present position, Old and New China streets, near the factories, are by far the best, and those are scarcely fifteen feet in width ; they are paved with small pebbles, and flagged at the sides, barriers at each end are closed and guarded at night. The Governor’s palace is very spacious; the temples and public buildings are tasteful and magnificent in their peculiar style, neither care nor money being spared in their erection ; but very few private dwellings have any pretensions to either grandeur or elegance, the laws of China strictly forbidding luxury in this respect. The houses are mostly built with a greyish brick, coloured and glazed, some few of wood or plaster, and are covered with concave tiles; the better sort are gene¬ rally of two floors, the lower being an open shop, and the upper, workshops or private dwellings, containing the harem of the owner, should he not possess a country house. There are no windows seen towards the street, they open into a small enclosed court or garden ; many of the best houses have ornamental roofs, which are more curious than handsome ; the shops are entirely open in front, and samples of the goods for sale are exhibited, the remainder are kept in boxes or baskets; from above the shop a huge signboard projects over the street, having the name of the proprietor, a description of the articles dealt in, and some remark characteristic of the keenness and industry of the people ; these boards, which are frequently in English in the suburbs, being gilt and varnished, and of fanciful shapes, give the streets a gay appearance. The different trades reside in particular streets, which accordingly take their names. Very few houses have glass windows, or fire-places ; the furniture is simple, and what we term luxuries and refinements, hardly exist. The population of Canton has been estimated at 1,500,000, which appears immense for the size of the city; but when it is remembered that nearly one half the boats that crowd the river contain whole families con¬ stantly residing in them, the amount is not so extraordinary. The em¬ ployment which European trade gives to all classes, diffuses an air of prosperity not to be met with in cities where such a powerful stimulus does not exist; and the immense quantity of merchandise brought here from all parts, draws a crowd of merchants from the adjacent provinces, so that the streets during the day are so filled with a busy population, that it is impossible to move with comfort. Carts, waggons, or beasts of bur¬ den, are never seen ; all goods are transported by porters; no sort of con- i 6 veyance is permitted but the sedan chair, and the use of that is confined to the Mandarins, and a few principal Chinese. In the singular costume of the Chinese there is much to admire, and the dresses of state are particu¬ larly splendid; that of the male portion of the middle and higher classes is nearly similar, and seldom alters from either fashion or caprice; a pair of full trousers and a long loose robe, of silk or linen, with large sleeves, are worn over a body dress of thin silk ; a belt is fastened round the waist, to which are appended the indispensable fan, worn like a sword, a pipe, pouch for tobacco, &c., and sometimes a knife and pair of chopsticks ; in winter, a spencer, lined with fur, is worn over all. The summer cap is a cone of bamboo, the winter, velvet or fur, turned up all round. Boots of quilted satin, or shoes, with soles above an inch in thickness, complete the dress. The head is closely shaved, with the exception of one lock, from the top, which is platted, and hangs down the back, and the nails of the right hand are suffered to grow to an enormous length. The higher class of Chinese females are never seen abroad—indeed, the cruel muti¬ lation of their feet in early childhood, to make them small, almost prevents their walking; they employ themselves at home in embroidery, music, or drawing; their dresses are usually very splendid, a robe of richly embroi¬ dered silk, with large long sleeves, is worn over another that descends to the knees ; loose trousers fastened at the ankle, and a small embroidered shoe. The hair of young maidens hangs loose,.that of married women is gathered into a knot with large bodkins. The lower classes usually go barefooted and bareheaded. Beggars are numerous, but not more so than in most European cities, which is rather singular, considering the immense population, and the very few establishments for their relief; but public opinion considers, and enforces the claims of the poor on their richer rela¬ tives. Blindness, and distortions of the limbs are very common. EXPLANATION OF THE ENGRAVING, 1 .—Chinese Fort. A small island with a fort, in a very ruinous condition, called by Europeans the first folly, or the Dutch folly. In the front of the fort is a watchhouse, or observatory, on one of the factories. Canton, from the closeness of the streets, the inflammable nature of the building materials, and the use of paper or gauze lanterns, being exposed to danger from fire, persons are stationed in these elevated places to give immediate alarm of such an occurrence. 2 .—Chinese Fort. A fort similar to the first, called by Europeans the second folly, or the French folly. 3 .— War and other Junks, The large Junks, which are nearly of 1000 tons burthen, present to the eye a huge unsightly mass ; the hulls have often been compared in shape to a Chinese shoe, which they certainly much resemble, both ends are extremely high, they have flat bottoms, and no keel, and the sterns are cleft in an extraordinary manner, to admit a clumsy rudder, ill formed, badly fastened, and worked by ropes from the sides the whole is gaudily painted in various colours, and amongst other decorations a large eye always ornaments the fore-part—it being a matter of surprise to the Chinese, how the foreign ships can see their way without; various bamboo cabins are erected on the deck, and a joss house decorated with trinkets, &c. The war junks are armed with a few small guns, but the naval force is altogether insignificant: the rigging is of the simplest kind, consisting of two or three stout masts, each of a single piece, on which traverse large square sails, one to each, varying according to size, and sometimes one small topsail of cotton ; the large sails are made of matting, crossed horizontally by split pieces of bamboo, at intervals of two or three feet, to one end of which is attached a bow line leading forward, and to the other a sheet leading aft, by which means the sail stands better, and lies nearer the wind than European canvass can possibly do. Every thing is on a rude scale, heavy and clumsy, yet whilst they confine themselves to the vicinity of the coast, they sail well, and their distant voyages, which never extend beyond Japan, Batavia, or the straits of Malacca, are always undertaken in a favourable monsoon. There is but little discipline observed on board, the sailors being of the lowest rank in society, and usually having also a share in the cargo; the Chinese are also notoriously the worst sailors, but the best boatmen in the world. The largest junks are frequently worked by sculls on each side the middle of the vessel, of such a size that it requires twenty men to each ; but for this method of sculling the large craft, it would be physically impossible for so many boats to move without extreme danger. 8 5 .— Whampoa Pagoda. Hwang-poo, or Whampoa, is about ten miles from Canton ; it is an island about four miles in length, and half a mile broad ; at the end towards Canton, is a fort called How Qua’s folly, and at the other are Whampoa roads, where all foreign ships are compelled to anchor, the cargoes being brought on to the city by native boats, and where all ladies are compelled to remain. The town is on the southern side near the middle; it possesses a handsome pagoda, custom house, &c. The inhabitants of the island are principally employed about the shipping, and are very expert smugglers; the channel on the north side is called Junk river. > 6 .—Middle Pagoda. So called from being situated half way between Whampoa and Canton; it is a very high, slender, and handsome structure, beautifully ornamented, and perfectly white ; it is supposed to be formed of porcelain, or bricks faced with white, and glazed. 7 .—Chinese Gambling. % The Chinese are much addicted to gambling, their games of chance are conse¬ quently numerous. Chess somewhat differently played to that of Europe; draughts, dice, dominoes, and cards, made of paper not more than two inches in length, are played by the better classes. The lower ordeis are given to cock-fighting, and breed quails for the same purpose; crickets are also used for the same cruel sport. Shuttlecocks played with the feet, and kite flying, are popular amusements. 8 . — Tea Boats. The chop boats are of great width, decked, and draw but very little water; they derive their name from being of a size to contain a chop of tea, which consists of from four to six hundred chests, the capacity of each chest being regulated by the quality of the tea ; the chest of black commonly weighs about sixty-three catties, or eighty-four pounds, the green not so much ; these boats usually take a return cargo of salt to the interior; the boats built expressly for the conveyance of salt, have their sterns thirty feet high, to keep their perishable cargo above water. Salt is monopo¬ lized by the government, and the duty forms a principal source of revenue, from the great consumption of salted provisions. 9 .—Passage Boats. The passage boats are of course very numerous, the river and canals being almost the oidy means of communication ; they are large, finely painted, gilt, and varnished, and display many flags and established signs, indicating the usual, or present destination of the vessel, or the rank of the party conveyed ; the Mandarin boats are painted yellow. The interiors are divided into ante, sitting, or sleeping rooms, with glass or painted gauze windows, and are comfortably furnished with couches, sofas, and other conveniences. The crew , occupy the high overhanging stern, and there are distinct gangways on each side of the vessel for their use. The tavern whence all these boats start, is a little above the European factories; when beyond the influence of the tide, they arc tracked by numerous gangs of men. 9 10 .— Timber Yard. A very extensive establishment, in which a vast quantity of fir timber is piled, with extreme regularity, for the use of the city, and the imperial dock-yard. 11 .—Entrance to a Temple. The large temple, or joss house, at Ilonan, called Haay-Tsong-Tsi, is very celebrated, and has been patronized and enriched by many great persons; it covers a great extent of ground, and consists of numerous buildings, some open, others closed, with paved courts, gardens, &c., the whole enclosed by high walls; the principal entrance here seen has two colossal statues of Chin-ke and Chin-loong. The great temple has finely gilt representations of the Budhist triad, called the precious Budhas, past, present, and 1'uture, and eighteen small statues; the hall of the four celestial kings has their statues, and several smaller halls for especial purposes have statues of demi gods, warriors, &c.; there is also a printing establishment, and library of works, containing the doctrines and worship of Fo, dwellings for more than one hundred priests, offices, and a mausoleum. A sacred piggery is attached, in which are kept twelve hogs of enormous size, who are well fed, and never killed, but when one dies, his place is immediately filled by another; the priests live solely on a vegetable diet, and are under vows of celibacy. In China three religious sects are tolerated, that of Yu, or Confucius, may be considered the principal or state religion, although not so by law ; Fo or Budhism, to which the present temple belongs, and which is most general, and the sect of Taou or rationalists. Lord Amherst and the embassy were lodged in this temple, and the last Russian mission was received here; Lord Macartney resided at the house of a Hong merchant named Lop-qua, adjacent, whose premises communicated with the gardens of the Temple. 15 .— Duel: Boats. Large boats expressly employed in breeding and rearing ducks ; a platform of bamboo extends a considerable distance beyond the sides of the vessel, which is covered with netting, and contains some thousands of live ducks; a portion of the interior is also titled with stoves, for hatching eggs by artificial heat. When near the shore, the ducks are allowed to land, and ramble about the mnddy banks in search of food; and so well are they trained, that at the whistle of their master, or the ring of a bell, they assemble with alacrity, and return to their prison with the greatest regularity. They are prepared for eating, by being split open, salted, and dried in the sun ; most passage and cargo boats have also baskets of ducks hung over their sides, and a few pigs in the fore-part. 16 .— Creek. A small stream, communicating with the heart of the city, which it serves to drain; it is crossed by several small bridges in the suburbs. This creek is a very great nuisance to the neighbouring hongs, particularly at high water, for it is then covered with boats, taking in cargoes of merchandize, and returning with cargoes of the most disgusting description; for so valuable is manure, that every kind of filth and ofi'al, capable of being thus used, even to the barbers’ shavings, is diligently husbanded. — 17 .—Chinese Smoking. AH classes of society, both male and female, enjoy the pipe, and tobacco of various qualities is raised in every province. Opium is a luxury much esteemed, and generally indulged in : its introduction into the empire is strictly forbidden by law, as hurtful to health and morals, but some idea may be formed of the extent to which 10 it is smuggled, when it is known to have formed one of the principal articles of British commerce for a long period, and in 1833 amounted in value to one-half the company’s imports, being 11,618,167 dollars, or nearly thiee millions sterling ; it is inhaled from a peculiar pipe, a small piece being enveloped in tobacco, or the tobacco steeped in a solution ; after three or four whiff's, its narcotic effects become apparent. 19 -—Serving Tea. The common beverage of the Chinese is tea, which is taken on all occasions, and is offered to guests at any period of the day ; it is usually served in the same porcelain cups in which it is made. A small quantity of the finest black tea being put into a cup or bowl, and boiling water poured thereon, it is closely covered with a lid or saucer, and suffered to infuse a short time, and is then drank without the addition of either milk or sugar ; a tea-pot is sometimes used, but very rarely. 20 .—A Mandarin. Titles and rank are not hereditary in China ; with very few exceptions they are all bestowed; there are certain literary degrees to be obtained by young men in their own provinces, which entitle them to become candidates for other honourable degrees, bestowed at triennial examinations before the Emperor at Peking; all who give evidence of superior intelligence and learning, thence become eligible for public employment, and governorships, offices of state, naval and military rank, See., are bestowed as opportunity serves, without regard to birth or possessions. There are three great literary degrees, and nine ranks of Mandarins, the civil always taking precedence of the naval or military. The dresses of the Mandarins differ very little from each other, or from the better class of Chinese, the colour of the ball on the cap being the principal mark of rank, and an embroidered badge, representing a bird, or some quaint device, worn on both the breast and back of the ceremonial habit, denotes the employment; a peacock’s feather, of one, two or three eyes, pen¬ dant from the cap down the back, is also a mark of distinction. They are not at all magnificent either in their establishments or style of living ; the whole is regulated, even to the number of attendants, their dresses, and the colour of the sedan, by the Government; it is their policy to affect simplicity, and as there is but very little social intercourse, their manners are consequently cold and formal, and encumbered with ceremonies. 22 .— Honan. The island of Honan divides the river opposite Canton, and is several miles in extent; towards the city there is a large joss house, or temple, and a considerable fort. How Qua, Pan-que-ka, and several of the rich hong merchants, have country houses here, with gardens laid out in all the peculiarities of Chinese taste. There is also a large manufactory of soy, and several establishments for preparing, sorting, and packing teas, for the foreign ships. 24 .— Egg House Boats. The Tan-Kea, so called from their shape, are very numerous, the number on this river alone being estimated at 50,000; they are usually about twelve feet in length by six in breadth, resembling the longitudinal section of an egg. They are covered by a mat on a bamboo frame, resembling the tilt of a waggon, but so low that a person can scarcely stand upright in them ; in these uncomfortable habitations, whole families are born and die, possessing no other home; here they rear their children, to whom when young they attach a large gourd, to prevent their sinking in case ol' falling overboard ; here they follow various trades, and are happy and contented iu spite of their squalid misery. The small sanpans, or boats for hire, are usually worked by two women; one pulls an oar in the bow, and the other stands in the stern with an oar, and either pulls or steers, as required. Some, even large boats, are managed entirely by oue man, who rows, sails, steers, and smokes his pipe at the same time ; he holds the sheet of the sail with one hand, steers with the other, and pulls an oar with his foot. 25 .—Canton River. This fine river, more generally called the Tigress, runs in a direction nearly east and west; towards the east, beyond Whampoa, it bends a point towards the south, passes Macao, and finally disembogues into the sea at the Bocca Tigress. Above the < city it flows a few miles due west, and then gradually bends towards the north, to the foot of the Meilan Mountains ; the tide flows to about thirty miles beyond Canton, and the river is altogether navigable nearly three hundred miles, to Nan-shoo-foo, from whence is a canal to Peking. From Canton to the sea, the Chinese name is Choo-Kiang, or Pearl River, and upwards the Pekiang, or northern river. Nothing can exceed the beauty of the scenery on both sides, through its whole extent, particularly upwards, the low grounds being richly cultivated, and the high banks, raised to prevent inundations, planted with orange, peach, and other trees. The river opposite Canton is about half a mile in width, and sufficiently deep to float the largest junks, and it is impossible to conceive a more extraordinary and interesting scene than that which here meets the eye, from the immense number and great variety of the ships and boats of various descriptions, adapted to the river and canal navigation, as there are during the season frequently no less than 5000 traders at one time in the river, and no inconsiderable portion of what is called the population of Canton reside entirely on it, distinct from those on shore, under separate regula¬ tions, and never intermarrying with them. In some parts there are regular streets of boats scarcely ever moved, each inhabited by two or three generations, who were born and bred in them ; there are also shops for the sale of all sorts of necessaries, which float up or down the stream as business may require ; numberless small boats are also continually rowed about, principally by women, who ply for fares, fish, or, as opportunity serves, become river pirates, picking up and appropriating any small articles that chance may throw in their way. Large rafts of fir are constantly floating down from the interior, several hundred yards in length, which are adroitly guided by persons who, with their families, reside upon them. Notwithstanding this crowded state of the river, a most remarkable degree of order reigns, accidents rarely occur, there is seldom any quarrelling, and the greatest politeness is observed, but the noise of the music, gongs, and other discordant sounds, defies description. At night, when all the boats display coloured lanterns, the scene is extremely pleasing. The water contains a vast quantity of sand, and is therefore unwholesome, but it abounds with fish of a fine quality. 26 —Dutch Flag. Tseik-e-hong, or the Dutch Factory, is next in extent and style of architecture to the English. Before the French revolutionary war, every European nation, with the exception of Russia and Germany, traded to Canton, but the British trade was always equal to that of all the others together. After the declaration of independence by America, that country coffimenced an active trade, which has gradually increased, as that of other nations, excepting England, has decreased. The Dutch commerce commenced in the early part of the 17th century; and for a number of years the amount of traffic and number of ships ranked next to Britain. Their factory was erected in 1702 ; and although their trade has much declined, is still kept up. 12 27 .—British Flat/. The foreign factories, public and private, are-thirteen in number, called by the Chinese, The Thirteen Hongs, or Commercial establishments ; they arc ail in the suburb parallel with, and at a short distance from, the river; the intermediate space, being planted in some parts, forms a promenade for the residents, and a thoroughfare tor persons having business with the hongs, or the various landing places in front. The whole of these buildings do not exceed 800 feet in breadth, by about 500 in depth ; this confined space is wholly inadequate to the increased number of traders, who, when they visit Canton, are obliged to reside within their walls, anti the Government strictly prohibits their extension. The buildings being also partly erected on piles, and on a muddy Hat gained from the river, are continually subject to inundation. Each hong is distinct in itself, and forms a sort of street or lane, on each side of w hich are buildings for the residence of the merchants, and warehouses; there is, however, no regular thoroughfare through these streets, the upper gates, opening into a long narrow lane, being constantly kept closed ; beyond the foreign hongs are those of the native merchants, with stone or wooden stairs to the river. Pow-wo-hong, or the British Factory, is by far the most extensive and handsome of these buildings; in front, it has a large veranda, supported on stone pillars, and paved with marble, which commands a tine uninterrupted view' both up and down the river ; the interior accommodations are well arranged, and contain a chapel, library, and large hall or saloon, which is decorated wiili full-length portraits of George IN', and Lord Amherst, by Sir T. Lawrence, and other pictures, and some tine cut-glass chandeliers. The British trade with China commenced early in the 17th century, and the Hon. East India Company alw'ays kept a most liberal resident establishment at Canton. On the 22nd of April, 1854, the trade of the Company ceased, according to Act of Parliament, after having existed two hundred years. Their average exports from China, during the last four y ears of their charter, was 31,500,000 tbs. of tea, one-sixth part of which was green ; their other exports were about equal in value. 28 .—Library of the British Factory. r lhe library is contained in a spacious and well lighted apartment, and every accommodation is afforded to those who are entitled or permitted to use it; the books are numerous, and well selected, and comprise the best works in the Chinese language. Standard works, periodicals, and newspapers, ate biought out by every fleet. 29 .—American Flay. Kwong-une-hong. The American trade with Canton commenced shortly after the declaration of independence; their Hag was first hoisted in 1802, and their trade has continued each year to increase, being now inferior only to that of England, they having had, in some seasons, forty vessels at one time in the river. Their consump¬ tion of tea may be estimated at 8,000,000 lbs. per annum. Bv the side of the American factory runs Old China Street, one of the best streets m Canton, in w hich reside various dealers in silks, carving, japanned work, curiosities, and other trifles, not monopolized by the hong merchants. 13 30 .— French Flag. Kau-knng-hong. The French trader! to Canton in the early pait of the IStii century, but their trade was very languidly carried on, their consumption of tea rarely being more than 2)0,000 lbs. in the year. In 1828 a consul was appointed, and since 1832 the trade has been increasing, and is now very considerable. 32 .—Hog Lane. A narrow dirty lane, of considerable length, running from the water side into the heart of the suburbs, which may be considered the Wapping of Canton—the small houses, or rather hovels, by which it is lined, being the residence of the lowest and most profligate of the natives ; the spirit and grog shops, with which it abounds, are the resort of the European sailors, where they are invariably plundered, and ill treated when their money is spent. So many affrays took place some time back, that the Company were compelled to interfere, and the place is now under somewhat better regulation. SI.—Silk Dyers. The dyers of silk are very numerous in and about Canton ; the platforms on the tops of their dye-houses, with the silks of various colours hanging to dry, give a gay and pleasing appearance to the view. 40 .— Pagoda. The seven and nine storied pagodas, or taas, are very numerous; they are connected with the worship of Fo, images of that deity being usually found in niches on the staircases. No religions ceremonies are now performed in them, and they are very generally going to decay. Where they are in repair, they are attached to large establishments, supporting a crowd of idle and ignorant priests, deriving incomes from adjoining lands. The apartments on each story of tire building have eight windows or doors, corresponding with its eight sides, and the floors of each project two or three feet beyond the walls, forming a gallery or balcony, and a roof to the compartment beneath ; the architraves and angles of these projections are ornamented with rich grotesque carved work ; and a spiral staircase in the centre leads to the top. 41 .—Maliomedan Mosque. A large temple, with a lofty minaret, or pagoda, standing within the walls of the city, and forming a conspicuous object. The Mahomedans are said to have traded to China as early as the seventh century, and the present mosque was erected in the Tang dynasty; they afterw-ards, in the Mongol dynasty, spread wide through the empire, and now abound everywhere, and, as many hold high offices, are fully tolerated ; they are supposed to number about 3000 in Canton. 42 .—Padre Hill. Called, by the Chinese, Goddess Hill—by the Europeans, Padre. Amongst the trees is a joss house of considerable size, maintaining one hundred priests, to which a large hall has recently been added by a son of the celebrated How Qua. Near the hill is a conspicuous building, called the five-storied tower. 14 43 .— Five-Storied Tower. In the eastern suburb, near this tower, is a large building called Ma-foong-yuen, for the reception of persons afflicted with leprosy—a disease which, from the con¬ stant use of rice, and salted provisions, is very general, and difficult to cure. The number of patients exceeds three hundred, whose situation is particularly wretched, as they are outcasts from their friends and society in general. In the same neighbourhood is a Foundling Hospital, which has accommodation for ' three hundred children, and a refuge foraged, infirm or blind people; also an infir¬ mary for the cure of opthalmia, recently opened, which completes the list of charitable establishments. 44 .—Residence of the Commander-in-Chief. The Tseang-Keun, or Tartar-General, commander-in-chief of the garrison, and of the military forces of Canton City and Province. The land force of Canton is estimated at 7000 men, but a portion of that number are only armed municipal police. The regular troops form a very contemptible body ; their dress varies in colour, but usually consists of loose trowsers of nankeen, and a large mantle. Their arms are a heavy matchlock, and bows and arrows; from a leathern girdle are suspended a pipe, a pouch for tobacco, and a fan; the two last articles being annual presents from the Emperor. In some of the provinces, particularly towards Peking, the military have a more soldier-like appearance. 45 .—Residence of the Lieutenant-Governor. The Foo-yuen, or Governor of Canton City, ranks at Canton next to the Viceroy. 47 -—Palace of the Viceroy. The palace of the Tsontock, or Viceroy of Quang-tong and Quang-se provinces, is an extensive and handsome building, near the Yewlan Gate; the poles and Hags denote his residence and rank. His proper seat is at Shaou-king-foo, 100 miles west; but he generally resides here. 48 .—Official Residence of the Hoppo. The Hae-kwan-keen-tuh, or, as he is generally termed, the Hoppo, as a civil officer, ranks next to the Foo-yuen, or governor. He is the first Commissioner of Customs at Canton, and has the full direction of the trade ; the place is usually bestowed on some Tartar favourite, who pays a heavy fine for it. Besides the regular duties, which he remits to Peking, he has to send three presents to the Emperor annually, squeezed from the merchants ; one on his birth-day, one in the fifth moon, and one at the close of the year, which amount to a very large sum. 15 49 .—Hong Merchants' Factory. The Hong Merchants are eleven in number, not forming a company, but being individually licensed, and paying a large sum annually to the government for the privilege ; all commercial transactions with foreigners are, or ought to be, carried on through them, and they become security for the due payment of all customs, fees, &c., and for the observance of all regulations by those on board foreign ships. The direct revenue accruing to China from the port of Canton, on imports alone, has been ascertained to exceed 1,200,000 taels ; the indirect, levied or exacted by the Ilong mer¬ chants in every possible way, varies according to circumstances, but is at all times immense, particularly, as is often the case, when they are called upon for patriotic gifts to the Emperor. The Chinese have only one coin, called tung-tchen, or cash, a mixture of copper and zinc, valued at one-third of an English farthing; a tael, or Chinese ounce of silver, is equal to 1000 cash. Commerce is carried on by barter, dollars, or pieces or ingots of silver, every tradesman carrying his scales. 50 .—A Play. The drama is a popular source of amusement to the Chinese, and the government, although it does not provide the spectacles, gives them countenance and encourage¬ ment, by permitting the erection of stages in the public streets, and at some festivals even in the portals of the temples; but the profession of a player is considered infamous, both by the laws and customs of the empire. The performers are usually itinerant bands of ten or twelve persons, whose merit, rank, and pay, differ according to circumstances, those coming from Peking are the most esteemed ; there are never any females in the company, boys always acting their parts. The stages are of bamboo and matting, decorated with gaudy drapery and flags, but they have no scenery to assist the deception ; the dresses are gorgeous in the extreme, and much embroidered with gold and silver, they are said to be fac-similes of the dress of the ancient Chinese, before the Tartar conquest. The sing-song, or play, is historical, or mythological, a mixture of serious and comic, interspersed with singing in the most impassioned parts, when a terrible din is kept up by the band; the pieces are seldom made the medium of enlightening the minds, or improving the morals of the people, but are more generally a mirror in which their vices are reflected, with an accuracy truly degrading. A long list of plays is always ready for inspection, any of which can be performed at a moment’s notice. The law forbids the representation of emperors, sages, or gods, but the highest authorities witness them with delight; indeed the list contains plays suited to every occasion, and every class of society. The Chinese are very expert tumblers, and excel in feats of agility, activity, and sleight of hand. i • 51.— Music. Chinese instruments of music are very numerous ; they have several kinds of lutes and guitars, flutes and wind instruments, one much resembling the bagpipes in sound, also a squeaking fiddle with three strings, a species of trumpet, harmonicons of wire, sonorous metal, and bells, drums, and the everlasting gong. Their instru¬ ments are all tuned in unison, and there is but one melody, however numerous the band ; they have no idea of accompaniments, no knowledge of semi-tones, or counter¬ points; what is wanting in harmony, is made up by noise. i 1 (> 52 .—Chinese Eating. Knives and forks are never used by the Chinese, spoons but very rarely. The food is served in small china bowls, and is cut into portable pieces, which are conveyed to the month by two long slender pieces of wood or ivory, called chopsticks, held between the finger and thumb of the right hand ; when the fare is rice, or anything too small to be thus taken up, the bowl is held in the left hand, and the contents are shovelled into the mouth with the chopstick, as by the figure represented. At a dinner of persons of rank, the first course consists of salted fish, &c. as a whet; then a course of bird’s-nest or shark’s fin soup, after which comes an almost intermi¬ nable succession of ragouts of all kinds of fish, flesh, and fowl, including dogs, cats, and rats, which are esteemed delicacies, and are bred only for the table. Hot wine, called Sham Shoo, is repeatedly served in small china cups, and lastly comes a bowl of rice for each person; the repast then concludes with a dessert of fresh and dried fruits, at which period the entire surface of the table is usually covered with the blossoms of various flowers of gay colours, particularly camelias. The general fare of the lower classes is fish and rice, but the most offensive and disgusting oftal does not come amiss to them. LONDON : PRINTED BY T. BRETTEI.L, RUPERT STREET, IIAYMARKET.