COCHINCHINA. 277 
well acquainted ; and, through the translations into the 
Chinese character of the Encyclopedie by the Bishop Adran, 
he has acquired no inconsiderable knowledge of European 
arts and sciences, among which he is most attached to such 
as relate to navigation and ship-building. It is stated, on 
what appears to be good authority, that, in order to obtain 
a thorough knowledge of the practice as well as theory of 
European naval architecture, he purchased a Portugueze 
vessel, for the sole purpose of taking in pieces, plank by 
plank, with his own hands, fitting in a new piece of similar 
shape and dimensions as the old one he removed, till every 
beam, timber, knee and plank had been replaced by new 
ones of his own construction, and the ship thus completely 
renovated. 
The energy of his mind is not less vigorous than the activity 
of his corporeal faculties. He is represented, in fact, as the 
main spring of every movement that takes place in his ex- 
tensive and flourishing kingdom. Intendant of the ports and 
arsenals, master shipwright of the dock-yard, and chief en- 
gineer of all the works, nothing is attempted to be under- 
taken without his advice and in&tructiojis. In tlie former, 
not a nail is driven without first consulting him ; nor a gun 
mounted on the latter but by his orders. He not only enters 
into the most minute detail in drawing up instructions, but 
actually sees them executed himself 
To enable him the better to attend to the concerns of his 
government, his mode of life is regulated by a fixed plan. 
At six in the morning he rises from his couch, and goes into 
