Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 580

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Topography of Shántung.

Oer.

province of Shantung, and upon the whole a marked inprovement took place generally as we proceeded southward.”

I. The department of Tsinán is bounded on the north by Chilí; on the northeast by the department of Wúting; on the east, by that of Tsingchau; on the south, by Tái-án; on the west, by Tungcháng and Lintsing. This city, the capital of the department, stands on the southern side of the Great Clear river (Tátsing hó), the largest of those streams which intersect the canal. It is a populous and rich city; and by means of the river, carries on an extensive commerce. The soil is fertile, and produces grain and fruits in abundance. Silk of an excellent quality is manufactured, and commands a high price. The lakes and rivers are well stored with fish.

II. The department of Tái-án is situated directly south from Tsinan. Its chief city stands on a hilly country, and near a river which flows southward and westward, in a direction the opposite to that of the Great Clear river.

III. The department of Witing stands between Tsínán and the sea, forming the most northerly portion of the province. It is one broad plain-like that of Tientsin-and is traversed by the Great Clear river.

IV. The department of Yenchau stretches from Tái-án and Tung- ching on the north to Kiángsú on the south, having the departments of Tsáuchau and Tsining on the west, and that of I on the east. Its surface is very much diversified; its eastern parts are hilly; while the western and southern, through which the Canal flows, are low and marshy.

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V. The department of I' lies eastward from that last described, having Tái-án and Tsingchau on the north; the sea on the east; and Kiángsú on the south. Among the hills and mountains on the north, several small rivers rise, some flowing eastward into the sea, and others southward to the Yellow river.

VI. The department of Tsáuchau forms the southwestern por- tion of the province, having Hónán on the south; Chili on the west; and the department of Tungcháng, Yenchau, and Tsíuán, on the north, northeast, and east. A dozen or more rivers run across the department from west to east, the southernmost of which is the Yellow river.

VII. The department of Tungcháng is bounded by Lintsing on the north; by Tsínín and Tái-án on the east by Yenchau and Tsáu- chau on the south; and by the province of Chili on the west. Its features are like those of the departments on the east of it. Davis