China.] ORIENTAL COMMERCE. 509 



so transparent a nature, that when it is laid pure and unmixed upon boxes, 

 and other pieces of furniture, every vein may be clearly seem For the 

 most part a dark ground is spread underneath; it hardens to a transparency, 

 will not endure any blows, but flies and cracks almost like glass, though it 

 will stand boiling water without receiving any damage. It is an article of 

 trade with the Chinese, but is not imported into Europe. 



Vermilion is prepared from Cinnabar, and is imported from China 

 in the form of powder, which should be chosen of a deep cochineal red, 

 approaching to the greyish hue on steel, and leaving a most beautiful red 

 on white paper. Reject, that which is of a yellowish red, mixed with sandy 

 matter, or otherwise impure. 20 Cwt. are allowed to a ton. 



Ultramarine is prepared from Lapis Lazuli, by a very peculiar pro- 

 cess ; when genuine, it is an extremely bright bJue colour, somewhat trans- 

 parent both in and out of water. Ultramarine should be chosen of the 

 most beautiful blue, well-ground, and not gritty. To ascertain if it be 

 genuine, heat a little of it red hot on an iron ; if its colour be not changed, 

 it is good ; if it be adulterated, there will be dark-coloured spots in it. Its 

 principal use is in painting. It is imported from China occasionally. 



Unicorns* Horns. — What is commonly called the unicorn's horn is 

 the horn of the narvaul, or sea unicorn. They are from 5 to 7 feet long, 

 some more ; very sharp pointed, running taper all along, twisted or wreathed, 

 of the colour of ivory, but of a much closer arid finer grain, and very white 

 within* The larger and whiter they are, the more they are esteemed. 



Wanghees, sometimes called Japan canes, should be chosen 

 pliable, tough, round, and taper, the knots at a regular distance from 

 each other, and the nearer the knots are to each other, the more they are 

 esteemed ; those with crooked heads, if straight and regularly tapered, are 

 always in request. Such as are dark coloured, badly glazed, and light, 

 should be rejected. 6000 wanghees are allowed to a ton. 



The ports to the N. E. of Canton which have been visited at any period 

 by Europeans, are Amoy, Chinchew, the Chusan Islands, Ningpo or 

 Liampo, and Nankin. 



AMOY.— This harbour is in latitude about 24° 30' N., and is formed 

 between the Island of Amoy and the main. It is very safe, being sheltered 

 from all winds. It was formerly frequented by Europeans ; but an edict 

 of the Emperor having restricted all foreigners to the port of Canton, it has 

 not been frequented by them since that period. 



In 1676 a ship was dispatched from England to Amoy, with a view 

 of establishing a factory there, in which they succeeded ; but the trade was 



