( 251 ) 



CHINA. 



(See Plan, p. 140.) 



THE following particulars are taken from the official Yellow Book No. 11, Miscellaneous 

 Series, Imperial Maritime Customs, China which contains the special catalogue of the Chinese 

 collection. The Chinese Government placed the matter in the hands of Sir Robert Hart, 

 K.C.M.G., Inspector-General of Customs ; and, under his directions, an Exhibit intended to 

 illustrate the Swatow Fisheries, supplemented by some interesting objects from Ichang, Ningpo, 

 and Takow, has been provided. 



Swatow is situated at the north-eastern corner of the province of Kwangtung in latitude 23 

 20' 43" N. and longitude 116 39' 3" E., near the f rentier of Fukien. The river Han flows past 

 the city, and joins the sea, after many ramifications, a few miles below the town. 



In the district of Swatow, T'at'oupu and HaimSn on the mainland, and the Island of 

 Narnoa facing a mouth of the river, are the most noteworthy stations for deep-sea fishing. 

 Large fleets belonging to these places are daily engaged in exploring the waters. 



No restrictions are laid on the fishing grounds on the part of the Government, and fishing is 

 carried on all the year round. All boats must be registered at the port to which they belong, 

 and various fees, depending on the size of the boats, are collected by the authorities from 

 the fishermen ere they are allowed to put to sea. The licences issued generally hold good 

 for five years. At each of the above-mentioned places the division of the boats and the 

 distribution of the profits are different. The crews are always interested in the outturn of the 

 sales. There are no benefit societies of any kind where the fishermen might ensure their lives 

 to provide for cases of accident, nor are there assurance societies where the boats and gear might 

 be insured against the dangers and risks of the sea. 



The number of fishermen of the Swatow district is estimated at 12,500, but it is probable 

 that this figure is far below the actual number. 



The fish trade of Swatow is not very important as regards exports to Hongkong and native 

 ports. Cuttlefish and dried fish alone have gained attention hitherto. The principal buyers of 

 fish at the marts of T'at'oupu and Haimen are the inland districts. 



For cuttlefish the season extends from March to September, but during the months of 

 June, July, and August, the haul is generally most abundant. 



The stake nets are largely used in this district, near Namoa particularly, where there are the 

 largest fishing stakes in China. 



For small fish the Chinese use silk nets, which are very strong and durable. 



Digging for broken shells at the mouth of the river Han forms a considerable industry. 

 There being no limestone found in the districts adjoining the sea-shore, shells are burnt into 

 lime and about 350 boats of a carrying capacity, varying between two and three tons, are 

 constantly engaged in this trade. 



In the upper region of the river Han the fish are caught by strewing poisonous substances on 

 the water ; the river being so well stocked with fish no objection is raised by the authorities to 

 this process. For the same reason pisciculture has not received much attention in this 

 district, but the system of fishponds is worthy of notice. 



Ichang is situated on the Yangtsze, nearly in the centre of China, at a distance of 1000 miles 

 from the sea. The fishing divides itself into three kinds : 



1st. Fishing in the river itself. 



2nd. Fishing in the numerous mountain streams which fall into the Yantsze. 



3rd. Fishing in the shallow lakes and large ponds which abound in close proximity to 

 the town. 



Fishing with the live otter is perhaps entirely peculiar to this immediate neighbourhood. 



Ningpo. The city of Ningpo stands on the river Yung, twelve miles from the sea, in latitude 

 29 58" N. and longitude 121 22' E., about 90 miles south of Shanghai. It is the point of 

 convergence of an extensive river and canal system, and at the same time occupies a commanding 

 position with reference to the well-known Chusan Archipelago. Partly owing to the wealth 

 and enterprising character of its population, and partly to its favourable situation, Ningpo is 

 one of the most celebrated places in China for the extent and variety of its fishing industries. 



Takow, Formosa. The objects catalogued under this heading were gathered from so many 

 places besides Takow itself, viz., Anping, Lambay Island, the Pescadores Islands and the 



