Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 183

1842.

Topography of Chekiáng.

165

has recently been formed, with a view to prevent an advance from Ningpo on the cities of Shauling and Hángchau. The river, near its embouchure, is called Tsáu-ngò kiáng. Chúkí is near the south- west, and Siáushán near the northwest of the department.

VI. The department of Táichau forms an amphitheatre, opening towards the sea on the east. On the north, it is bounded by Ningpo and Sháuhing; on the west, by Kinhwá; on the southwest, by Chú- chau; and on the south, by Wanchau. The chief town of the depart- ment is the residence of the magistrate of the district Linhái, which occupies a central position in regard to the other districts. That of Taiping is situated at the southeast of the department; the chief town of the district Wángyen stands about midway between Taiping and Liuhái; Sienkü is a little to the southwest, Tientái to the north- west, and Ninghái to the north, from the chief town of the depart- ment.

VII. The department of Kinhwá is a rich and beautiful tract of land, if we may form an estimate of its qualities from the name it bears. Literally translated, Kinhwá fú means the region of Golden- flowers—or the richly adorned country. It occupies the central por- tion of the province, and includes that region from whence descend the numerous little streams, which joining their accumulated waters glide through a beautiful vale, passing westward, on the south side of the city Kinhwá, to the city Lánkí, where they are met by another river flowing in from the southwest: these two channels united con- stitute the principal river of the province, which rolls its swift current close by the provincial city, and then disembogues some forty or fifty miles to the eastward. It is bounded on the north by Sháuhing; on the east, by Táichau; on the south, by Chúchau; and on the west, by the department of Küchau and Yenchau. The chief city of the department is the residence of the magistrate of the district Kinhwá. Taking Kinhwa for a centre, the chief towns of the other districts form almost a complete circle: Púkiáng being on the north; I wú on the northeast; Tungyáng on the east; Yungháng on the southeast; Wúí on the south; Tángkí on the southwest; and Lánkí on the west. The city of Kinhwa is very irregular in its form, and has eight gates.

VIII. The department of Küchau is bounded on the north by Yenchau; on the east, by Kinhwá; on the southeast by Chúchau; on the south by the province of Fukien; on the southwest by the province of Kiángsí; and on the northwest by A'nhwui. It comprises that region of country from whence spring the several streams which,