226 WANDERINGS IN CHINA. Chap. XIV. 
Le. Days. 
Tsong-gan-hien to Hokow 280 6 
Hokow to Yuk-shan 180 4 
Yuk-shan to Chang-shan 100 3 
Chang-shan to Hang-chow-foo 800 6 
Hang-chow-foo to Shanghae 500 5 
Total 1860 24 
Three le are generally supposed to be equal to one 
English mile, and in that case the exact distance would 
be, of course, 620 miles. I am inclined, however, to 
think that there are more than three le to a mile, per- 
haps four, or in some parts of the country even five. If 
this is the case we may be possibly nearer the mark if 
we estimate the whole distance at 400 miles. In calcu- 
lating the time it will be necessary to allow about four 
days for time consumed in changing boats, for bad wea- 
ther, &c. This will make the whole journey occupy 28 
days, which is about the average time. 
With regard to the next item in my account, — namely, 
the cost and expenses upon these teas, — I must confess 
that I cannot speak with the same confidence of accu- 
racy as I have done on the previous items. Having 
myself travelled up and down their rivers, and over their 
mountains, I was in no necessity of depending at all 
upon Chinese statements having reference to distance or 
time. Their statements upon all subjects, and especi- 
ally upon those relating to the interior of their country, 
must be received with a great degree of caution. I 
have, however, been favoured with the assistance of 
Mr. Shaw, of Shanghae, who adds to his abilities as a 
