Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 673

1842

Topography of Fukien

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pated, and their posterity entirely cut off All we, however, who cherish a faithful heart within our breast, must have no shifting or changing of opinion we must look forward to the time when we must utterly cut off the barbarians, when each shall be able to enjoy his estate in peace, and perpetuate his virtue to succeeding genera- tions. Thus shall we fulfill the great duty we owe our country Those who have done meritorious deeds on a large scale will be re- warded with the glories of official employment; those who have labored, on a more humble scale, will be rewarded with money. It is right then for all of us who have blood and breath valorously to exert ourselves, and strive to be foremost in the good cause. Let us not deceive ourselves, thereby burdening our memories with a still great- er load of shame. Let these sentiments be reverentially borne in inind by all. A respectful declaration.

Taukwang, of the Tá Tsing dynasty, 22d year, 4th month, 29th

(June 7th, 1842.)

day

ART. IV. Topography of Fukien: situation and boundaries of the province; its area and population; subdivisions, mountains, rivers, harbors, &c.

THE opening of two ports of Fukien, Fuchau fú and Amoy, give new importance to a province, which long ago had acquired celebrity on account of its productions and foreign commerce. With a popula- tion of 14,777,410, on an area of 53,480 square miles, comprising 34,227,200 English acres, Fukien may well be regarded as no mean province." Lying between the parallels 23° 30′ and 28° 30′ N., and those of 1° W., and 4° E. of Peking, it enjoys a temperate climate, in a position favorable for both domestic and foreign com- merce Its ancient name is Min, still often used instead of the

more common one

福建 Fukien," Happy establishment.”

It

is bounded on the north by Chekiang; on the west, by Kiángsí; on

sen.

the sonthwest, by Kwangtung; and on the south and east by the Its seacoast is full of harbors, many of them spacious, commo- dious and safe. There are also, not far from the main, many islands, the principal of which are, Năm-u, Tungshán, Himun, Komun, The Min is the principal river; its branchos extend

and Haitan