Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 330

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Topography of Anhum

JUNE

meet on boats at their anchorage beyond the western suburbs. The streets were as narrow as I had ever seen them in a Chinese city, nor were the shops very splendid; but many good dwelling-houses pre- sented themselves or rather their courts and gateways, for no gentleman's house in China ever adjoins the street. The palace of the lieutenant-governor we first took for a temple, but were soon undeceived by the inscriptions on the huge lanterns at each side of the gateway in front of the great open court. 'These official resi- dences seldoin display any magnificence. The pride of a Chinese officer of rank consists in his power and station; and as the display of mere wealth attracts little respect, it is neglected more than in any country of the world. On particular family festivals, as marriages, funerals, and the like, considerable sums are expended. The best shops that we saw were those for the sale of horn lanterns and por- celain." He goes on to say, that the porcelain was of the finest kind, that some of the tea-cups with covers were unusually elegant, and that the price was naturally very low in comparison with their sale value at Canton.

II. The department of Hwuichau forms the southeast portion of the province, comprising three vallies, being those through which flow the rivers Nán, Wú, and Sinán, the last entering Chekiang and the others Kiángsi. The head-waters of these streams rise on a range of hills running some forty miles distant from the Great river, and flow off to the south and east. This range forms the northern and north- western boundary of the department, separating it from the depart- ments of Ningkwó and Chí chau. On the east and southeast the department is bounded by Chekiáng, and on the south by Kiángsí. The chief town of the department, called by the same name Hwui- chau, is the residence of the magistrate of the district Hi, and stands on the eastern bank of the river Sinán. A second district lies due north from this, and a third due west, and near the centre of the department. From this third, a fourth lies northward, and a fifth westward, and a sixth southward. The inhabitants of this depart- ment are distinguished for their commercial activity; and there were also, in Du Halde's time, some bankers of great wealth, who had their establishments in almost all parts of the empire. In the moun- tains, Du Halde says there are mines of gold, silver, and copper. Some of the best teas are brought from Hwuichau; and also some of the best ink and lackerware. The produce of the country is carried down the Sman to the Tsientang, and thence to Hingehau.

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