148 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
ClIAP. IX. 
Poo-to, or the Worshipping Island, as it is commonly 
called by foreigners, is one of the eastern islands in the 
Chusan Archipelago, and seems to be the capital or 
stronghold of Buddhism in this part of China. This 
island is not more than five or six miles in circumference, 
and, although hilly, its sides and small ravines are pretty 
well wooded, particularly in the vicinity of the numerous 
temples. As it is only a few hours' sail from Chusan, it 
had been visited at different times by a number of our 
officers during the war, all of whom spoke highly of its 
natural beauties and richness of vegetation. I was also 
informed that the resident priests were fond of col- 
lecting plants, particularly Orchidacese, and that their 
collections were much increased by the itinerant habits 
of the begging priests, who visit the most distant pro- 
vinces of the empire, as well as by the donations of the 
lay devotees, who come to Poo-to at stated seasons of 
the year, to worship and leave their offerings in the 
temples. I therefore determined to visit the place in 
order to judge for myself, and accordingly set out in 
July, 1844, accompanied by my friend Dr. Maxwell, of 
the Madras army. 
Leaving Chusan at night, with the tide in our favour, 
we reached the island at sunrise on the following 
morning. We landed, and pursued our way over a hill, 
and down on the other side by a road which led us into 
a beautiful and romantic glen. It is here that the prin- 
cipal group of temples is built, and when we first caught 
a glimpse of them, as we wended our way down the hill, 
they seemed like a town of considerable size. As we 
approached nearer, the view became highly interesting. 
