60 VISIT TO CHIEF MANDARIN. [1845. 



weather proved rather unpropitious, but I think that our 

 party numbered about twelve. The place appointed was 

 not as I suspected, at Pootsoong, but at a position infinitely 

 more convenient. This was at a building situated at the 

 inner angle of the stone causeway, projecting mid-channel 

 from Napa, at the point where the junks are moored, and 

 probably used as the Custom House. Here we found a 

 very convenient inclined jetty, enabling us to land without 

 difficulty, and within fifty yards of the gate of entrance to 

 a square court inclosed by substantial walls constructed of 

 hewn coral, on the right of which stood the house of the 

 Mandarin ; which being thrown entirely open, by the re- 

 moval of the sliding pannels, possessed, in addition to 

 coolness, the very great advantage of excluding the 

 rabble. This building is situated immediately upon the 

 angle which connects the town by another causeway, 

 and is, in fact, the only landing place to the town at low 

 water, the interior being laid dry by the ebb. At the 

 gate we were received by three Mandarins in state, and 

 conducted to the Chief within the walls, who not only 

 went through the customary obeisance, but shook hands 

 in the English style, and taking both my hands in his, 

 conducted me to my place at a small table, at which he 

 first seated himself beside me, but shortly after retired, 

 leaving us to be attended by the others. This, I suspect, 

 was in order to make arrangements outside about the 

 changes which were to be made in the courses. The 

 wine was, as usual, a species of weak whiskey, their 

 sake, about half the strength of the customary Hollands, 

 in which they occasionally pledged us.* Boys were in 



* These had red hatchee-matchees, which I was informed designated 

 the Students of the College as well as secretaries. 



