180 PREJUDICES AGAINST FOO-CHEW-FOO 



these respects everywhere the same, similar effects 

 would be produced at any port to which our trade 

 may be extended. 



Moreover, if we are to look to an extension of the 

 cultivation of tea, as a mode of payment for im- 

 ports, and as the principal means by which an ex- 

 tension of our imports into China may be rendered 

 profitable, where can we hope to accomplish this 

 end with the same promise of success, as in the 

 vicinity of the districts where it may be said, with- 

 out any exaggeration, that nearly the whole of our 

 black teas are manufactured, and whence, by a 

 circuitous, tedious, and expensive route, they are at 

 present procured ? The whole line of the river Min 

 and its tributaries, with their mountainous as- 

 pects, and their vallies, with running streams, may 

 afford suitable and untried sites for the cultivation 

 of tea ; and here, in fact, the tree may be seen 

 growing wild among its native hills. There is 

 much reason also to think, that superior modes of 

 manipulation prevail in the Bohea districts, which 

 must be adopted in other provinces before the teas 

 of such provinces can be rendered available to the 

 European. 



With respect to the navigation up the river Min 

 beloAV bridge, and the approach from sea, Mr. Al- 

 cock observes — U I must believe from all the inform- 

 ation to which I have had access, that the entrance 

 to the river, and its navigation to Pagoda Island, 

 to an experienced pilot offers no insurmountable 



