TUNG-CHOW. 
127 
they modify its surface by any complicated process of a durable 
result. In short, whatever observations I have been able to make on 
the state of their land, lead me to the conclusion, that, “ as horticul- 
turists, they may perhaps be allowed a considerable share of merit ; 
but, on the great scale of agriculture, they are not to be mentioned 
with many European nations.” 
Circumstances have deprived me of the power of giving any de- 
tailed account of many insects which I had an opportunity of col- 
lecting at Tung-Chow. My memory only permits me to state, 
generally, that the Scarabceus molossus , Cercimbyx farinosus, frequented 
the corn-fields ; and that the mole cricket Gryllus gryllotalpha of a 
large size, entered the windows of our boats as soon as candles 
were lighted in the evening, and was occasionally found in our 
beds. 
During our stay at Tung-Chow, much sickness occurred in the 
Embassy, but its severe forms were confined to the band and 
guard. The complaints were chiefly dysenteric and inflammatory ; 
the former arising, I apprehend, in a good measure, from the nature 
of the waters of the Pei-ho ; the latter, from the habits of the men 
and the nature of their situation on board the boats. 
The water of the river had, from the time of leaving Ta-koo, given 
unequivocal proofs of its noxious effects on the digestive organs of 
every one, but especially of those who were at all prone to their dis- 
orders. To its effects in this respect I attribute, in some measure, 
the death of one of the men of His Lordship’s band, whose name wa§ 
Pybus, and who was remarkable for a mild and grateful disposition. 
He had been attacked with dysentery on board the Alceste, had been 
in great danger, but had so far recovered as to join his companions 
with eagerness on His Lordship’s disembarkation. After entering the 
Pei-ho all his symptoms returned with increased severity, and ter- 
minated his existence on the day previous to our departure for Yuen- 
Ming-Yuen. He was buried with military honours in a Chinese 
burial ground, which had received the remains of his countryman 
Eade, one of the followers of Lord Macartney. 
