T H E K O R E A, 167 



from Korea an article of commerce to various parts of the Chinefe 

 empire. 



The natives of the northern part are a fine race of men, tall, Natives. 

 robuft, active, and without any of tlie "Tartarian afpe^l. Thofe 

 of the fouthern part refemble the Chinefe^ of a fallow com- 

 plexion, and tender conftitutions. 



Their government is regular, and its cuftoms and laws re- Goternment. 

 femble thofe of the Chinefe. This makes it likely that their 

 origin may more fafely be derived from China than Tartary. 

 The Chinefe pretend that they werefubdued as early as the reign 

 of Tau^ eighth emperor from Fo-hi, which may well account, 

 if true, for the fimilitude of laws and cuftoms. Their rulers are 

 abfolute and fole matters of the land, which is granted to every 

 man according to his family ; but the perfonal eftate defcends 

 from father to fon. Their religion is that of Fo, with all its 

 fuperftitions ; they are very fond of literature, and have triennial 

 examination of Dodtors, Bachelors, and Matters of arts. Thefe 

 adopt the pure dod:rine of Confucius, and defpife the ridiculous 

 idolatry of Fo. 



The Koreans of rank are very fplendid in their habits, wear 

 fur caps and brocade cloaths ; and affedt purple-colored filk 

 richly ornamented with gold and filver. Furs are much in ufe. 

 The learned are diftinguifhed by two feathers in their caps. 



The productions of the country are Ginferig, cotton, paper, Productions. 

 gold, filver, iron, mineral fait, the fkins of fables and beavers; 

 and a beautiful varnitti which refembles gilding, made from the 

 gum of a tree. 



The natives carry on a great commerce with China', about Trade. 



fixty 



