450 ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [China. 



SECTION XXVIIL 

 CHINA. 



The s. coast of China, from tlie Gnlph of Tonquin to the entrance 

 of Canton river, has several bays and harbours, capable of receiving large 

 ships ; but they are not visited by Europeans, in consequence of their ex- 

 clusion from all ports in the empire, except Canton, unless in cases of 

 distress. The principal place is Tienpak, or Tien-pe-hien, in latitude 12 22 

 N., and longitude 111 13 E., where immense quantities of salt are made, 

 and several hundred junks are employed in transporting it to Canton, and 

 the neighbouring places. 



The entrance of the river of Canton is fronted by an Archipelago of 

 islands, extending to the N. E. The southernmost of Uiese is the Great 

 Ladrone, in latitude £1° 5T N., and longitude 1 13 3 44 E. The approach 

 to this river is very safe, and there are no hidden dangers. Ships frequently 

 push through the nearest convenient channel for Macao roads, without 

 waiting for a pilot to conduct them. 



MACAO, called Ou-moon by the Chinese, belongs to the Portuguese, 

 and is the only settlement possessed by Europeans within the limits of the 

 Chinese empire. The town, which is in latitude 22' 10' N., and longitude 

 113° 32' E., is on the S. extreme of a large island, separated from the continent 

 by a small arm of the sea. The peninsula, upon which the town stands, is 

 connected with the remainder of the island by a long narrow neck of land, 

 not exceeding 100 yards in breadth ; across it a wall has been erected, which 

 projects into the water at each end, having a gate and guard-house in the 

 centre for Chinese troops, Heyond this boundary of their possessions the 

 Portuguese are seldom permitted to pass. The extent of their territorv, 

 which is completely under the jurisdiction of the Viceroy of Canton, 

 although the Portuguese are permitted to retain the nominal government 

 of the town, is from N. E. to S. W. about three miles, and its breadth not 

 quite a mile. 



Macao is a place of some extent; the houses are of stone, constructed 

 on the European plan, but without exterior elegance ; the streets are very 



