Mr. R. Swinhoe on Formosan Ornithology. 199 



tells us, of making voyages to India through the Straits of 

 Malacca. They had, moreover, possessed the compass, and 

 knew well the use of it ; but they were then, I presume, as they 

 are now, timid mariners, and feared to venture out of sight of 

 land. This, however, can scarcely be alleged as an excuse for 

 the lateness of the discovery, as, on a clear day, the mountains of 

 Formosa can plainly be discerned from the opposite coast of China. 

 For whatever reason it was so long delayed, it was reserved 

 for a eunuch of the court of the Emperor Suen-te (a.d. 1430) 

 to be the first man to visit it. This individual was bound on 

 an homeward voyage from India, and, falling across a typhoon, 

 got blown on the island. While the crew were engaged in 

 repairing the damaged vessel, he employed his time in taking 

 notes on the advantages of the new land, and in collecting herbs 

 and simples. He shortly after arrived safely in China, and laid 

 a full report of his discoveries before the Emperor. But it was 

 not for the Ming dynasty to plant a colony on the terra incog- 

 nita. The Ming fell away before the conquering Mantchoos, 

 who installed the present or Ching dynasty (whence the name 

 China). In the 42nd year of Kia-tsing (1564), when the present 

 provinces of Canton and Fokien were still independent king- 

 doms, constant struggles prevailed, both by land and sea, be- 

 tween the usurping Tartars and the natives of the free states. 

 In one of the sea-fights the Tartar admiral gave chase to the 

 enemy, who ran for refuge into the large harbour of the Pesca- 

 dores, or Punghoo. The Ta- tar was delighted at his discovery, 

 and took possession of the islands in the name of his Emperor. 

 The enemy, who is reported to have been a pirate from the 

 kingdom of Canton, fled to the further shores, where, in the 

 intricate navigation of the numerous shoals, he eluded the 

 Tartar; and having recaulked his vessels, it is said, with the 

 blood of the unfortunate aborigines that, in their innocence, 

 came to render him assistance, he returned to his native land. 

 The Tartar Emperor deputed a governor to the little group of 

 islands; and farmers and fishermen soon began to emigrate 

 thither with their families. In the first year of Tien~ke (1620) a 

 Japanese fleet passed down the coast of Formosa; and finding 

 the neighbourhood of the present city of Taiwanfoo a pro- 



