442 IDOLS. 



It is very delightfully situated in the bosom of a wooded 

 and verdant valley, and appears to be well and regularly 

 built. At some little distance from the city, we noticed 

 the Prince's palace, a large square building surrounded 

 by a high wall. We were informed that the Prince, or 

 probably Viceroy appointed by the Japanese, is quite a 

 prisoner in this royal abode, never being allowed to travel 

 beyond the precincts of his enchanted castle. Near 

 Abbey Point, in the rude cavernous recess of a rock, we 

 saw the image of the Goddess " Kwan-yan," called by 

 Beechey, the Goddess of Mercy, and of which he has 

 given a representation in his work. The natives did not 

 seem, however, to evince much awe or reverence as they 

 passed this favourite deity ; indeed Gutzlaff observes that 

 "they disavow practical idolatry because their reason dis- 

 approves the theory; yet they do in fact persevere in their 

 unreasonable worship." There are various other idols in 

 other parts of the island, some formed of wood, and many 

 carved out of stone. La Perouse, who visited these 

 people, observes, speaking of the inhabitants of Kumi, 

 that "each had a dagger, the hilt of which was gold." 

 Beechey has a variety of arguments to prove they were 

 formerly acquainted with the use of arms, and, in con- 

 nexion with the same question, Gutzlaff observes: "Upon 

 inquiring, we found that they had among them the same 

 severe punishment as at Korea ; that they possessed arms 

 likewise, but are averse to use them." Both Hall and 

 M'Leod, on the other hand, aver that these people are 

 totally unacquainted with the use of arms. Thinking to 

 throw a little light on the subject, I enquired casually of 

 A- sung, our Chinese interpreter, who was much among 



