388 cook's voyage to dec. 



over with a roof of bamboo, which may be raised or 

 lowered at pleasure ; in the sides were small windows 

 with shutters, and the apartment was furnished with 

 handsome mats, chairs, and tables. In the stern was 

 placed a small waxen idol, in a case of gilt leather, 

 before which stood a pot containing lighted tapers 

 made of dry chips or matches, and gum. The hire 

 of this boat was a Spanish dollar. 



I reached Canton a little after it was dark, and 

 landed at the English factory, where, though my 

 arrival was very unexpected, I was received with 

 every mark of attention and civility. The select 

 committee, at this time, consisted of Mr. Fitzhugh 

 the president, Mr. Bevan, and Mr. Rapier. They 

 immediately gave me an account of such stores as 

 the India ships were able to afford us ; and though I 

 have not the smallest doubt that the commanders 

 were desirous of assisting us with every thing they 

 could spare, consistently with a regard to their own 

 safety, and the interest of their employers, yet it was 

 a great disappointment to me to find in their list 

 scarcely any articles of- cordage or canvass, of both 

 which we stood principally in need. It was, however, 

 some consolation to understand that the stores were 

 in readiness for shipping, and that the provisions we 

 required might be had at a day's notice. Wishing 

 therefore to make my stay here as short as possible, I 

 requested the gentlemen to procure junks or boats 

 for me the next day, with an intention of leaving 

 Canton the following one ; but I was soon informed 

 that a business of that kind was not to be transacted 

 so rapidly in this country; that leave must be first 

 procured from the viceroy ; that the Hoppo, or 

 principal officer of the customs must be applied to 

 for chops or permits ; and that these favours were 

 not granted without mature deliberation ; in short, 

 that patience was an indispensable virtue in China ; 

 and that they hoped to have the pleasure of making 



