COCHINCHINA. 321 
and by various other modes ; all of wliich, though taking the 
name of Inventions, have been in common use among the 
Chinese for more than two thousand years. 
The annexed print will convey a tolerably good idea of 
such Cochincliinese craft as frequented that branch of the 
river Fai-foo which fell into Turon bay. 
Although the present King of this country has to a certain 
degree broken the fetters of custom, as far as regards the 
construction of ships of war, 3'et, in doing this, he has not 
been unmindful of popular prejudice which, in Asiatic 
countries in particular where they are wholly guided by 
opinion, is stamped with a character too sacred to be torn 
up at once by the roots. Out of deference to this pre- 
judice, he caused that part only of the hull or body of 
the vessel to be altered which is immersed in the water ; 
all the upper works, the masts, sails and rigging, re- 
maining Cochinchinese. Indeed it may be questioned if the 
pliant bamboo, which forms so material a part of the upper 
works of their vessels, could be displaced with any advantage 
by solid timber, than which it is more light and equally 
strong. It is impossible not to admire the good sense of this 
wise and active Prince who, in steering, this middle path, ob- 
tained a real advantage without introducing any visible change. 
Of tenacity to ancient custom a curious instance ap- 
peared on the part of the Emperor of Japan, when the Dutch 
carried to this Sovereign from Batavia, a few years ago, 
among other presents, the model of a ship of war. The Am- 
T T 
