350 LOWER CLASSES. [1845. 



conformation to the military chiefs, of whom they take 

 precedence, and are of the same class as those of similar 

 rank in Loo-Choo. Probably from less exposure, their 

 complexions are clearer, but their features are more elon- 

 gated ; they are of a larger mould and approach nearer 

 to the European, attaining the height of five feet eight to 

 ten. All the lower classes are nearly similar, being 

 fishermen ; they are a very sturdy well-knit race, but do 

 not attain any great height. They are powerful, lifting 

 much heavier weights than our people, who on their part, 

 beat them in activity. Of their women none were noticed 

 but those belonging to the labouring class, excepting an 

 occasional inquisitive portion of face, which merely enabled 

 one to assert that they appear fair. Those of the labouring 

 class were only noticed when taken by surprise, and they 

 certainly had no cause for their extraordinary alarm and 

 rapid flight. They are small, very short legged, parti- 

 cularly from the knee to the heel, with an apparent tendency 

 to heaviness about the feet and ankles, and withal dis- 

 gusting. Their manners, excluding the superior class, 

 differ from any nation with whom I have held communi- 

 cation : they are filthy in person and habit. 



Their fishing vessels are very few, and of the most mi- 

 serable construction ; many rafts were noticed, and from 

 these facts I suspect that fishing is barely permitted to those 

 licensed to pursue this vocation. It is highly probable 

 that Quelpart, occupies the position of one of the penal 

 settlements of Korea, and the information from my friend 

 at the south city, would tend to confirm this opinion ; 

 viewing it in this light, we must not feel surprised at the 

 gross manners complained of, and it will readily account 



