Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 339

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2. 五帝紀 WUTI KT.

Names of the Sovereign.

1. 伏羲 Fuh-1. 2. 神農 Shinnung.

3. | Hi Hwang tí.

Cotemporary Chinesę Events.

Fishing, grazing, &c., instituted.

Agriculture commenced.

Calendar adopted.

4. ) f Shauhăn.

5. 顓頊 Chuenhiuh:

6. 嚳

Kuh.

7. #

Yáu.

8. 舞

Shun.

Destruction by a deluge,

焦 Bhung shwni wei hwán.

Fuh-1, Shinnung, Hwáng tí, Yáu, and Shun are regarded, by most historians, as the five sovereigns., During this period, from 2852 B. c. to 2204, very little can be ascertained concerning the persons who then lived, or the events that occurred; in Chinese his- tory, a few particulars are recorded, handed down by tradition. They are worthy of notice. chiefly because they are so frequently referred to by the Chinese in all their writings.

The capital of Fuh-í is reputed to have been situated on the southern bank of the Yellow river, in the province of Honán, near the present provincial capital Káifung fú, lat. 34° 52′ 5′′′ N., long. ľ° 55′ 30′ W., from Peking.

Shinnung, the Divine Husbandman, known also as Yen tí Shin- nung, is chiefly renowned for his attention to agriculture.

To Hwangtí credit is given for several useful inventions, of which that of the cycle is the most notable. The honor of inventing letters, the calendar, &c., are claimed for him and his principal ministers. He was born in Káifung the ancient capital.

Of Sháuháu called also Sháuháu Kintien, of Chuenhiuh called also Chuenhinh Kányáng, and of Kuh called also Kuh Káusin, little comparatively is recorded.

Of Yáu and Shun, volumes have been written; they are by the Chinese even to this day regarded as the illustrious patterns of all that is good in everything.