Chap. VIII. KOO-SHAN — SUNEISE. 



143 



town of Foo-chow-foo stands. The river was wind- 

 ing through it, and had its surface studded with boats 

 and junks sailing to and fro, and all engaged in active 

 business. Its fields were green, and were watered by 

 numerous canals; while in the background to this 

 beautiful picture were hills nearly as high as Koo- 

 shan, from amongst which the river runs, and where 

 it is lost to the eye. 



A sight which is much prized by the Chinese is 

 the view of the sunrise from the peak of Koo-shan. 

 Many sleep in the temple, and by torchlight reach 

 the summit of the mountain in time to see the rising 

 sun. I can easily imagine what a striking effect 

 would be produced upon the mind of a Chinaman — 

 particularly if a native of an inland province — when 

 he saw for the first time the sun rising apparently out 

 of the ocean. 



Pleased with what I had seen, I lingered for a 

 long time amongst this beautiful scenery. At last 

 my servants reminded me that it was time to take 

 our departure for Foo-chow, so, bidding adieu to the 

 priests, we descended to the plains. When we 

 reached the foot of the mountain we found our boat 

 waiting for us, and with a fair tide we soon sculled 

 up to the bridge of Foo-chow. 



Being engaged to dine with my friend Mr. Comp- 

 ton, who resided inside the city, and between two 

 and three miles from the bridge near which I was 

 staying, I lost no time in securing a sedan-chair, 

 and hurried to his house. These chairs are the cabs 

 of Foo-chow : every one who can afford it goes about 



