Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 362

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Topography of the Province of Sz'chuen.

June,

XXIV. Mei chau H. or the inferior Department of Mei, contains three hien districts.

3 丹稜 Tánling.

1 青神 Tsingshin,

2 ¥ t Pángshán,

XXV. Kung chau

RH, or the inferior Department

1大邑 Táyih,

2 4 † Púkiáng

of Kung, contains two hien districts.

XXVI. Lü chau, or the inferior Department of Lü, contains three hien districts.

1 納溪 Náhki,

2 AI Hohkiáng,

3

Kiángngán.

I. The department of Ching-tú lies in the valley of the Min, its chief town being in lat. 30° N., in one of the most fertile regions in China. The river here is divided by nature and art into numerous branches, between which are towns and villages almost without num- ber. The capital lies on the eastern side of the valley, and though it is still one of the most important cities in the western provinces, it has lost much of its former renown. It has had many names, and was for many reigns the capital of the principality of Shuh, and for a short time the seat of imperial government under the Hán. During the wars of the Manchu conquest, it was held by a patriot general, and was al- most ruined before it was subdued. The plain around Chingtú is the largest one in the province, and according to the testimony of travelers presents one of the most charming landscapes in the kingdom when viewed from a lofty eminence. The population has increased greatly, so that the larger towns have been set off as independent jurisdictions. The mountains furnish many animals and birds for the hunters, and also herbs for the druggist; among other remarkable products are apes of great size, and “fowls with wool instead of feathers”—the latter be- ing doubtless the silke ncock, specimens of which are found in Canton. These birds are even mentioned as wonders by Sir John Maundevile, who remarks, "In that contree ben white hennes withouten fetheres : but thei beren white wolle as scheep don here."

II. The department of Páuning lies in the north-eastern part of the province, north of Shunking fú, along the valley of the Kiáling; the chief town lies at the junction of the East R. with the main branch. Páuning fú is mountainous, especially on the north, along the borders of Shensi, where is a high range separating it from that province,