460 



ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 



[China. 



Window Glass. — This article sometimes sold to advantage ; but since 

 the Company have imported it, the price has fallen considerably. 



Camlets. — This article the Company reserve to themselves, and a 

 heavy penalty is attached to any individual who may bring them out, not- 

 withstanding which, they are sometimes illicitly imported ; but the price 

 obtained has seldom left a profit, more particularly when they have been 

 brought in foreign vessels, which they sometimes are to the extent of 6 or 

 7000 pieces ; they have then fallen to 20 dollars per piece. 



Clwks. — Some years ago immense quantities of clocks, and other valu- 

 able pieces of mechanism, were annually imported into Canton ; and when 

 they pleased the fancy of the IIoppo, or officer who measured the ship on 

 her arrival, sold at a great profit, and the Security Merchants were under 

 the necessity of making him a present of them. This exaction became so 

 great an evil, that representations were sent to Europe, requesting that no 

 more such valuable commodities should be sent ; in consequence of which, 

 the Court of Directors have prohibited any Commander or Officer from 

 carrying out any clock, or other piece of mechanism, the value of which 

 shall exceed «£100. 



Watches. — The quantity which were formerly sent to China was very 

 great, varying in price from 40s. a pair, to the most costly that were made. 

 They must be in pairs, to suit the taste of the Chinese. 



A few other articles are sometimes brought, ©is. cutlery, hardware, 

 looking-glasses, coral, &c, ; but the demand is very limited, as the Chinese 

 manufacture the inferior kinds nearly equal to the English. 



Exports to England in Private Track. — The Commanders and 

 Officers are allowed to ship goods, under certain restrictions, in the tonnage 

 allowed them by the Company, which is, according to their respective 

 ranks, as follow : 



Commander w — 



*«Tons 38 



Surgeon's Mate 



Tons 3 



Chief Officer 





Fourth Officer, 



2 



Second Officer 





Fifth Officer 







3 



Boatswain ^v***-^. 



, 1 



Purser » w 





Gunner — 









Carpontpr — 





Besides which, it is customary to allow the Commanders and Officers 

 an additional quantity of 30 tons as extra indulgence, to be stowed in parts 

 of the ship wherein the Company's cargo is not permitted to be stowed, 



