Branch of the London Mmsionary Socictt/. 43 1 



Slianghal the most hearty hospitality. Even the presence 

 of tlic various embassies, and the momentous nature of the 

 operations of which the Gulf of Petcheli was the scene, proved 

 no barrier to a most flattering reception being accorded to 

 this the first maritime Expedition of a German power. 

 Foreigners of the most widely divergent races and standing, 

 — consuls, missionaries, merchants, naturalists, journalists, — 

 each in his own wav vied with the rest in ministerino: to our 

 comfort, and in aiding us in the prosecution of our objects. 



One of the most distinguished of the physicians and 

 missionaries of the London Missionary Society, Dr. B. Hob- 

 son, who since 1838 has resided at Canton in the honourable 

 caj^acity of a "medical missionary,"* and who, a few months 

 before our arrival, had, in consequence of the outbreak of 

 hostilities, removed to Shanghai, was so kind as to furnish 

 us, out of his own rich treasures of Chinese lore, with much 

 valuable information, and acquainted us with the various 

 objects aimed at by the praiseworthy activity of the London 

 Board of Missions. This body by no means confines its 

 operations to the diffusion of tracts and works 'relating to 

 Christianity published in the Chinese language, but com- 

 bines simultaneously with that sphere of action the excellent 



• In the hospital, in what is called the western suburb of Canton, which was 

 under the charge of Dr. Hobson from 184S to 185S, the annual number of patients 

 of both sexes under treatment averaged upwards of 20,000. During the most un- 

 healthj^ season (May and June) the number imploring assistance frequently amounted 

 to from 3000 to 3400. In the dispensary there were, morever, from 200 to 200 pa- 

 tients, who received medical advice three times a week, and were supplied with 

 medicaments gratuitously. 



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