Chap. X. 



YUK-SHAN. 



193 



further appreciated when I state that through their 

 agency large quantities of our manufactures find their 

 way into the heart of the country. 



Passing over a fine stone bridge, we were soon at 

 the walls of the city. Having entered the gates, we 

 proceeded along one of the principal streets. It was 

 crowded with people, all hurrying to and fro, and ap- 

 parently engaged in active business. The shops were 

 of the same kind as I have frequently described, and 

 I am not aware of any particular kind of manufacture 

 being carried on in the place. Like their neighbours 

 at the head of the other river, the inhabitants seem 

 to be busy enough in housing and carrying the 

 merchandise brought here to be sent onwards. The 

 western suburb is very extensive, and adjoins the 

 river. To this part of the town we bent our steps, 

 and soon reached the Hong-le, or inn, recommended 

 by our chairmen, and with which they were con- . 

 nected. 



I had no object in remaining long in this town. 

 When we reached the Hong-le, therefore, I sent my 

 servant to engage a boat to take us on ; and so quickly 

 did he manage the business, that in half an hour we 

 had left Yuk-shan, and with a fair wind were sailing 

 rapidly down the river to the westward. 



Our boat was engaged to take us as far as the city 

 of Quan-sin-foo, a distance of ninety or a hundred le ; 

 and as the stream was very rapid, we arrived abreast 

 of that place early the next morning. It appeared to 

 be a fine large city, but a place of little trade. Its 

 walls and ramparts seemed in excellent order, and 



o 



