198 Miscellanies. 
from the height at which sugar is cultivated above the level of the 
present surface, that the greatest depth in the rainy season does not 
exceed 10 feet. Being entirely fed by mountain torrents, its rise # 
must be often very sudden, but I did not observe any traces of de- 
vastation in its course. Its name, Nganke, or ‘ peaceful stream,’ is 
probably derived from this circumstance: the valley on each side 
seemed well cultivated, the banks being principally occupied by su- 
gar cane. At every village the people poured out as usual to see 
us, vying with each other in marks of civility and kindness. The 
day, however, becoming very hot, we took shelter from the sun un- 
der the roof of the boat, to the disappointment of many who waded 
into the water to gratify themselves with a sight of the strangers. 
’ Coming at last to a high bank close to a populous town, they actu- 
ally offered the boatman 400 cash if he would bring us to; and on 
his refusal, the boys began pelting the boat with clods and stones 
On this, Mr. Gutzlaff went on degk to remonstrate, and Mr. Ryder 
to intimidate with his gun. Betwixt both, the effect was instantane-. 
ous, and the seniors of the crowd apologized for the rude manner in 
which the boys had attempted to enforce the gratification of their cu- 
riosity. We had been in vain looking out all yesterday and to-day 
for a glimpse of tea plantations on some of the rugged and black 
looking hills close in view, though at almost every place where we 
halted, we were assured that such were to be found hard by.” 
“ Arrived at Toa-be, we were hospitably received by the family 
of our guide, and soon surrounded by wondering visitors. 
** Mr. Gutzlaff speedily selected one or two of the most intelligent 
of them, and obtained from them ready answers to a variety of ques- 
tions regarding the cultivation of the tea plant. They informed him 
that the seed now used for propagating the plant was all produced 
on the spot, though the original stock of this part of the country was 
brought from ceserahon that it ripened in the 10th or 11th month, | 
and was immediately put into the ground where it was intended to 
grow, several being put together into one hole, as the greater part 
was always abortive ; that the sprouts appeared in the 3d month af- 
ter the seeds were put into the ground; that the hole into which the 
seeds are thrown is from three to four inches deep, and as the plants 
grow, the earth is gathered up a little around the root; that leaves 
‘are taken from the plants when they are three years old, and that 
there are from most plants four pluckings in the year, No manure 
is used, nor is goodness of soil considered of consequence; neither 
ye , 
