98
Notices of the Pei Ho.
FEB.
the water of which one of its sides is washed, the others are defend- ed by a broad wet ditch. The principal streets are straight, paved with broad flag-stones, having a raised foot-path on each side. The buildings are such as are common in other cities of similar size. The suburbs are extensive; and the adjacent country for several miles around, is level and fertile. Mr. Davis seems to represent the city as being a mile and a half distant from the river, which he describes as being very inferior to Tientsin.
'The avenue, or great road to the capital, lies across an open coun- try, perfectly level, sandy, and ill-cultivated. The middle part of the road, for the width of fifteen to twenty feet, is paved with granite slabs from six to sixteen feet in length, and about four feet broad. Each one of these enormous flag-stones must have been brought at least sixty miles: "the nearest mountains," says Barrow, "where quarries of granite are found, being those that divide China Proper from Mantchou Tartary, near the Great wall." On each side of this granite pavement is a road unpaved, wide enough for carriages to pass upon it. In many places the road is bordered with trees, par- ticularly willows of a very uncommon growth. A temple, on the right side of the road, and a bridge of white marble, having the ba- lustrade ornamented with figures, meant to represent lions or other animals, cut out of the same material, were the only objects that at- tracted any notice, until the walls and lofty gates of the capital ap- peared in view. Barrow's account of Macartney's advance to the capital is amusing, differing wholly from that given by Mr. Davis of Amherst and his suite. With the first embassy everything was "grand and magnificent," wearing a pleasing aspect; with the other all was
"mean and villanous," disgusting and detestable, in the ex- treme. Compare an extract in the preceding article with the follow- ing from Barrow's pen:
"According to the arrangement, on the 21st of August, about 3 o'clock in the morning, we were prepared to set out, but could scarcely be said to he fairly in motion till five; and before we had cleared the city of Tungchau, it was past six o'clock. From this city to the capital, 1 may venture to bay, the road never before exhibited so motley a group. In front marched about three thousand porters, carrying six hundred packages; some of which were so large and heavy, as to require thirty-two bearers. With these were mixed a proportionate number of inferior officers, cach having the charge and superintendence of a division. Next followed eighty-five wagons, and thirty- nine hand-carts, each with one wheel, loaded with wine, porter, and other European provisions, ainmuuition, and such heavy articles as were not lia- ble to be broken Eight light field pieces, which were among the presents