Chap. VIIJ. 
CHUSAN. 
115 
CHAPTER VIII. 
Return to the South of China — The Canton River described — Forts 
at the Bocca Tigris — Productions of the Country — The " Sighing " 
Willow — Cultivation of the Nelumbium — Boats on the River 
— The Barber's Boat — Splendour of the Flower Boats — Ap- 
pearance of the River at Festivals — Order which prevails in this 
floating City — Houses built over Water — Chinese Dexterity in 
swimming and diving — Fa-Tee Gardens — Chinese new Year — 
Attacked and robbed by the Chinese — A subsequent Attack 
made upon some Officers of the English Government. 
As the island of Chusan was my head-quarters in 
the north of China, I now proceeded thither with 
my collections from Shanghae, preparatory to sailing 
for Hong-kong and the southern ports of the country. 
The Chusan hills were now covered with snow, and 
the weather was piercingly cold. Large quantities of 
pheasants and water-fowl were daily brought to the 
markets by the Chinese, who found the English good 
customers. A small species of deer was also brought 
from the main-land, and frequently alive. Four or five 
fine pheasants were often to be purchased for a dollar, 
and duck and teal were also remarkably cheap : I 
believe from two to four rupees were generally given 
for a deer. 
The officers of the troops stationed at Chusan, who 
were fond of shooting, obtained excellent sport by 
engaging Chinese boats and going across tS- the hills on 
