CONTENTS. 
ix 
Women — Religious ceremonies — The Potomac ordered to Depart by the Chinese 
Authorities — Second Excursion to Canton — P&ssage up the river — Forts, Pago- 
das, Scenery, &c. — Wampoa, aquatic Population, &c. — -Wonderful Skill of the 
Pilots — The Factories at Canton — Hospitable reception of the Party — The great 
Temple, or Jos-house — The officiating Priests — The Jos Pigs, clericar Cells, 
Card ens, &c. — The great Bazar — Dramatic Performances- — -Anniversary of the 
Snake-boat — Police of Canton — Its Walls and Gates — -Forcing an Entrance — 
The Hong Merchant's expedition in Business — Mode of Computation — Description 
of Canton — Return of the Party . : 336 
CHAPTER XIX. 
The Empire of China — ^Unknown to the ancients — Its history involved in fable and 
tradition — Founded by Noah — Patriarchal form of government — Location, size, 
cities, towns, villages, monuments, hbraries, &c. — Immense population — Observa- 
tions on acclimating her productions ....... 358 
CHAPTER XX. 
European rivalry in the east— Formation of the East India Company — Its conquests 
in. India — First American vessel sails from New- York, and visits Canton — Inter- 
esting correspondence — Tabular view of our trade — Expiration of the Company's 
charter — New state of things opening in the east — Increased vigilance necessary 
on the part of our government — Free trade with China .... 367 
CHAPTER XXT. 
The Potomac sails from Canton — The Bashee Straits — The northeast tradewind 
Cause and description of the tradewinds — Periodical winds — Monsoons The 
sirocco, the simoon, land and seabreezes— Perennial and variable winds — An East 
India voyage ; its natural facilities — Period for commencing one — Reflections 
arising from the subject — Arrival at the Sandwich Islands . . . 388 
CHAPTER XXH. 
The Sandwich Islands, their number and location — The Island of Oahu — Indolence 
of the natives — Presentment at Court — Town of Honoruru, markets, houses, fur- 
niture, food, &c. of the natives — Hospitable reception and entertainment — A 
Luau, or barbecue — Arrival of the young king — Dinner on board the frigate — 
Honours paid him — His attention to the Americans — Indian war-dance — A royal 
banquet — Battle-ground of Tamehameha — A supper at the palace— Dramatic 
performances — The Commodore's official interview with the king- — Taking leave 
— Sailing of the frigate — Reflections on her visit — Missionaries and foreign resi- 
dents . .■ . . . 399 
CHAPTER XXHI. 
Passage to the Society Islands — Island of Otaheite, or Tahiti — Matavia Bay — De- 
scription of the natives — Dress, houses, food, &c. — Appearance of the country — 
A banquet champstre — Divine worship — Increase of temperance among the na- 
tives — The queen-dowager — A sprig of royalty — Dinner on board the frigate — 
State of the Island — Sail for Valparaiso . . . . . . . 424 
