EXAMINED AND ANSWERED. 181 



difficulty ; no clanger which is not equalled by 

 physical peculiarities of many flourishing ports in 

 different parts of the world. 



" The bad approach and troublesome navigation 

 are, doubtless, disadvantages ; which, together with 

 the long prevalence of the north-east monsoon, and 

 the want of a good harbour off the mouth in the 

 south-west, are unquestionably grave and serious 

 drawbacks, but no more." (Parliamentary Papers on 

 the Returns of the China Trade, January, 1847, 

 p. 10.) 



But I learn from Capt. Collinson, R.N., who was 

 emplo} 7 ed in making extensive surveys along the 

 east coast of China, that by fixing a " basket " on 

 some rocks visible, at low water, and by erecting 

 a small pagoda on one which is never covered 

 (privileges secured by treaty), ships may sail into 

 this port in a gale of wind without a pilot ; and 

 that by advancing up the river at a suitable time 

 of the tide, the navigation as high as Pagoda Island, 

 which is within ten miles of the city, is a less intri- 

 cate and less difficult navigation than either the 

 Thames or the Mersey. There are eddies and 

 currents in this river, but they offer no impediment 

 or difficulty at a proper time of the tide. 



It was long since suggested, however, that the 

 islands at the mouth of the river, and especially 

 one now known by the name of Wo-ga, would afford 

 all the requisites for a port of trade. Here is an 

 ample supply of water, and the anchorage is as safe 



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