60 THE BAY OF CHINCHEW. [Cuapr. IV- 
formed a great contrast with the appearance of 
every thing around it. 
The natives bear the same character as those all 
along the coast in this province — that of thieves 
and pirates; but they are the best and most enter- 
prising sailors in China, and you meet them in 
every port you go to. Their trade will be much 
injured by the admission of English vessels into 
the northern ports. 
I must here notice the great kindness and assist- 
ance which I have always received from the 
captains of vessels at these opium stations, who 
were always ready to lend me a helping hand, and 
forward my views by every means in their power, 
