60 RAMBLES OF A NATURALIST. [Oh. IV. 



Tam-suy, which, like that of Ta-kau, is well pointed out hy 

 natural landmarks on either side. Two lofty and picturesque 

 hills render it very conspicuous, that on the north called 

 Tai-tun, which forms an imposing ridge, rising to the height 

 of 2,800 feet ; and that on the south side, known as 

 Kwan-yin, and having two prominent peaks, attaining an 

 elevation of 1,720 and 1,240 feet respectively. We were 

 soon boarded by a Chinese pilot, who was anxious to take 

 us in, and who magnified the dangers of crossing the bar 

 without his assistance ; but our captain knowing something 

 of Chinese character, was quite aware that the pilot was as 

 likely to run us ashore as not, and preferred trusting to his 

 own experience and skill. It being low-water we rowed into 

 the harbour, reconnoitring the bar as we crossed, and 

 proving its practicability ; but, meanwhile, a breeze sprung 

 up, and a heavy sea broke over it, while a thick haze 

 obscured the ship and shut it out of view. An attempt to 

 recross the bar in the boat proved tuisuccessful, and we were 

 fain to remain on shore, while the ship was forced to put to 

 sea and stand out till morning. Our rockets and blue lights 

 that night were unanswered, and we were therefore glad to 

 see with the morning light our vessel once more in the 

 offing; we speedily rejoined her, and at high-tide crossed 

 the bar and entered the harbour, much to the confusion of 

 the pilot, who soon after came on board and offered his 

 services in the new character of compradore. 



The town of Tam-suy, or as it appears to be otherwise 

 called, Hoo-wei, is situated upon the right bank of the 

 harbour. From land to land at the entrance is just haK a 

 mile, but a considerable spit of sand diminishes it by more 

 than one half. Within the harbour, however, it rapidly 

 increases to three-quarters of a mile, and even a mUe in 



