Directory_and_Chronicle_1880 — Page 325

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SHANGHAI.

that bribery doubtless works its organization and efficiency of this life and property more secure.

The climate of Shanghai is generally allowed to be fairly healthy. The death rate amongst foreigners ashore and afloat had decreased from 34 per 1,000 in 1870 to 22.3 per 1,000 in 1875 and to 23 per 1,000 in 1876, a rate which compares favourably with that of large towns in England. It rose to 28.3 in 1877 and to 31.3 in 1878. Of the deates amongst foreigners during 1877, 16 were owing to a partial outbreak of cholera, and there was the same numb r from that cause in 1878, but only one case among residents. The unusual numb r of eight deaths from heat apoplexy and seven from drowning account for the exceptionally high rate. If we exclude non- residents the rate was 19 per 1,000 in 1876, 23 in 1877, and 24 in 1878. The thermo- meter ranges from 25 deg. to 100 deg. Fahrenheit, the mean of several years having been 49 deg. in the six winter months and 76 deg. 1 min. in the summer. In the months of October and November there is generally dry, clear, and most lovely weather, equal to what can be found in any other part of the world; but when the winter has fairly set in the north-east winds are extremely cold and biting. The heat in the summer is sometimes excessive, but generally lasts only a few days at a time; last summer was, however, an exception, being the hottest that has been known for many years, the thermometer reaching 99 deg. for several successive days, and the average maximum for July and August being 92.7. Earthquakes occasionally ccur, but have not been known to inflict any s rious injury.

effects in Shanghai as elsewhere in China, the In few places is small force is highly creditable.

*

The streets of te English and French Settl ments all run north and south and east and west, mostly for the whole length of both settlemen's, crossing each other at right angles. Notwithstanding the s ft nature of the soil they are now kept in remarkably good order, at least those near the river, the district chiefly occupied by Europeans. Owing to the nature of the ground, expensive piling is necessary before any foreign building can be erected, and all sto e Las to be brought from a long distance. The Soochow Creek, between the English Settlement and Hongkew, is now crossed by five bridges, three of which are adapted for carriage traffic, and the French is connected with the other settlements by eight bridges. There are several gool driving reads extending into the country, two leading to Sicawei, a distance of five and a half mil s, and one to Jessfield, by the lanks of the Soochow Creek, for about seven miles. Another broad road, more recently con- structed, runs by the side of the river for six miles. It is intended ultimately to extend it to Woosung. Several other roads have been proposed, but although foreigners are prepared to pay high prices for the land the opposition of the officials has hitherto prevented their construction. At the time the Taipings approached Shanghai some roads for the passage of artillery were made by the British Military Authorities at the expense of the Chinese Government, one of them extending for seventeen miles into the country; but excepting those close to the settlement they have now been turned into ploughed fields. An inland carriage road to Woosung was also made at the expense of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co. and others, but it has now also been reduced to a narrow footpath.

Many foreign houses, nearly all of them with several mow of garden ground, have been erected near the outside roads, especially on that leading to the Bub- bling Well, which is the main outlt from the settlement and from which most of the other roads branch off. This road and its extension to Sicawei is planted with trees on both sides, forming a fine avenue of over five miles in length. A small but well laid out and admirably kept Public Garden was formed about ten years ago on land recovered from the river in front of the British Consulate.

Immense sums have been wasted in various attempts to drain the settlements, principally from the want of skilled direction; but the great difficulties in this matter, arising from the low lying and level nature of the ground, have now been fairly overcome. The Settlements are well provided with telegraphic fire alarms.

Many attempts have been made to inaugurate water works, which are very much needed, the supply of this necessary being at present obtained by buckets from the

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