244 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XV. 
CHAPTER XV. 
Return to Chusan — Its supposed Unliealtliiness — Mortality amongst 
the Queen's Troops when first stationed there — Subsequent Sa- 
lubrity — Its Advantages over Hong-kong as a British Settle- 
ment — Remarks on the Treaty with China — Ning-po — Gar- 
dens of the Mandarins — Manners of Chinese Ladies — Sail for 
Hong-kong — Tombs of the Chinese — Situations supposed to be 
the best — Soothsayers employed ■ — Their Methods of working 
on the Minds of the People — Mr. Lay consulted as to the best 
Site for a Grave — Inscriptions on the Tombs — Periodical Visits 
to them by Relatives — Different Modes of Interment — Coffins 
exposed in the Fields — Kept in Houses — Tomb near Sung- 
kiang-foo — Favourite Flowers for planting on the Graves. 
My first visit to Chusan in 1843 was during the 
autumn and winter, but in 1844 I had an opportunity 
of exploring this beautiful island, at intervals, from the 
commencement of spring until the close of the season. 
At this time the first impression regarding the unhealthi- 
ness of the climate had been entirely removed, and the 
island was looked upon as the most healthy in the Chi- 
nese seas. 
It will be recollected that, when the island was first 
occupied by our troops, the mortality was so great that 
the place was pronounced by every one to be the most 
unhealthy in China. Many a brave soldier fell a victim 
to the malignant fever which prevailed at the time. No 
regiment suffered more than Her Majesty's 26th, the 
