Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 186

180

Topography of Humán.

MARCH,

XIV. Kweiyáng chau or the inferior

Department of Kweiyáng, comprises three hien districts.

1

武 Linwú,

2嘉禾Kiaro

XV. Tsing chau

3

Lánshán.

or the inferior Dopartment of

Tsing, comprises three hien districts.

1

2

Hwnitung,

Tungiai,

3 綏寧 Suining.

XVI. Chin chan or the inferior Department of Chin, contains five hien districts.

1 興寧 Hingning,

2

3

Yunghing,

Kweitung,

4 桂陽 Kweiyáng,

5. 宜章 Icháng.

1. The department of Chángshá occupies the country south of the Tungting lake, its capital being the residence of the governor, and of other provincial officers; it lies in lat. 28° 12′ N., and long. 112° 47' E., in a inost advantageous position for trade, at the junction of the Siang and Liúyáng rivers. The city is famous for the institution of the festival of the Dragon Boats, in commemoration of the death of Kiuh Yuen (see Vol XI, page 436). It is now held in all parts of the empire. The surface of this department is level, and its fertile soil is irrigated by many streams, which also furnish abundance of fish, eels, mollusks, &c. Mines of cintabar and talc occur in the hills.

II. The department of Yokekau lies in a more favorable position for trade and agriculture than even Chángshá, its capital commanding the oulet from the lake into the Yangtsz', and its districts occupying the eastern shores, between it and Hupeh. Most of the smacks covering the lake resort to Yolchau with their fish, and the external commerce of the whole province passes through it into the Great river; it is called the Gate of Three Rivers, and its possession controls the trade of the whole province.

III. The department of Páuking lies in the southern part, between Hangchau fú on the east, Yungchau fú on the south, Yuenchau on the west, and Chángten fú on the Tsz' kiáng, near the junction of the Tsz'yang and Túyü rivers; one of the district towns, Wúkáng chau, is situated on the former of these two streams, and above it is well-known rapid, the passage of which demands great care.