Directory_and_Chronicle_1850 — Page 434

396

Topography of Sz'chuen.

JULY,

these rough paths and light their way in this darkness, the miners bind a sort of wooden clamp on the forearm, and tie a lantern, to their foreheads; for this severe toil, the daily wages are about ten sous.

"The varnish tree is also found in this region; the sap is drawn off by making incisions in the tank of the tree, and catching it in proper vessels At first it is of a yellowish white color, but exposure changes it to a reddish tint, and after a while it becomes black. Many persons can not endure the odor, nor even look at this sap, and if they come too near while it is liquid, their skins shortly after swell, and are covered with pustules and ulcers. This does not generally happen, however, and I have myself often stood by it, and even touched it, without any ill effects.”

VII. The department of Kweichau comprises the eastern part of Sz'chuen beyond Suiting chau, along the Great river, and consequently enjoys great advantages for trade. Its chief town lies at the junc- with the Yangtsz', and a transit

tion of the Fanshwui ho

duty is here levied on merchandise passing the city, which renders i a place of great trade. The bottom lands in this prefecture are among the richest in the province, and famed for their oranges; but the mountainous districts adjoining Shensí furnish little food for man, and are said to be inhabited by a half savage class, greatly inferior to their countrymen in the lowlands.

VIII. The department of Suiting formerly belonged to the preced- ing under the name of Táh chau; and is but a small prefecture lying between it and Shunking fú along the banks of the Ku ho and its branches, the Tungchuen kiáng ||| I and Tangtsz' ho J. The surface is rough, and only partially cultivated; the mountains furnish musk, and salt is obtained from pits dug in them; galls, varnish, and maple timber, are also mentioned among the pro- ductions.

IX. The department of Lung-ngán is in the N.W. of the pro- vince along the borders of Kánsuh, west of Páuning fú, and east of Sungpwán ting and Mau chau. The region included in this prefecture was formerly very large, inhabited by tribes of aborigines known un- der the general designation of Sifan, and the obedience they still pay the Chinese depends not a little on the treatment they receive; dis- turbances frequently arise, and a large number of military posts are maintained, the most important of which have been set off from it. Shih- tsiuen hien, on the Shih-meh ki

or Stone-honey creek, is

famous as the birthplace of the Great Yu, founder of the Hiá dynas- tv. The chief town licз on the headwaters of the Pei R., one of the main branches of the Kialing. The Min Mts. are in the north, and the country is generally rough; tin, quicksilver, tea, and deer's horns are enumerated among the products