404 



ORIENTAL COMMK11CK. 



[China. 



French keep on another island, called French Island, where they generally 

 have their bankshalls. 



The Commanders of all European ships arc allowed, as a gTeat favour, 

 to wear a flag in their boats, which prevents their being stopped at the 

 hoppo, or custom-houses, of which there are several between Whampoa ami 

 Canton ; but all other boats, whether belonging to ships, or the Chinese, 

 must have a chop, which is renewed at every custom-house in their way up 

 to Canton. It has occasionally happened that some Commanders have 

 abused this favour : this ought carefully to be avoided, more particularly 

 with such a people as the Chiuese. 



Immediately on a ship's arrival, two hoppo, or custom-house boats are 

 stationed alongside, one on each quarter, to prevent clandestine trade ; and 

 no goods are landed, or received on board, without their permission ; and 

 they remain with the ship till her departure from the second bar, homeward- 

 bound. 



CANTON. — This city is situated on the N, of the river, called by the 

 Chinese, Choo-keang. in latitude 23 5 7 N., and longitude 1 13° 14' E. ; it is 

 defended towards the water by two high walls, having cannon mounted, and 

 two strong castles built on two islands in the river ; on the land-side it is 

 defended by a strong wall and three torts. The city wall is about 6 miles in 

 circumference, and on the E. side has a broad and deep ditch close to it. It 

 has several gates ; within side of each is a guard-house, and no European is 

 permitted to enter. 



The English factories extend a considerable distance along the banks of 

 the river fronting the city, at about 100 yards' distance from the water's side: 

 they consist of large and handsome houses, each having a Hag-staff before it, 

 on which is hoisted the flag of the nation to which it belongs. The English 

 factory far surpasses the others, both in elegance and extent ; it has a large 

 verandah, reaching nearly down to the water's edge, raised on handsome 

 pillars, paved with square marble slabs, and commanding an extensive view 

 both up and down the river ; adjoining to this verandah is the long room, 

 where the Company's table is kept for their supracargoes, to which the Com- 

 manders of their ships had formerly free access, but at present have factories 

 of their own, and only visit the Company's by invitation. 



The streets in the suburbs are in general very narrow and confined, and 

 paved. The principal one is denominated China-street; it contains nothing 

 but shops, in which are to be met with the productions of every part of the 

 globe, and the merchants are in general extremely civil and attentive. Each 

 trade seems to have a particular street allotted to it ; no dwelling-house if 



