174 
NAN-CHANG-FOO. 
Some of the representations on the cups and other vessels sold in 
Nang-chang-foo, gave us the lowest opinion of Chinese sentiments 
of decency. Although infinitely too gross to admit any description, 
they were not only exposed in the most open manner on the 
shelves of the shops, but were handed about by the salesmen as 
objects of peculiar interest. 
The shops in which the porcelain was sold were capacious, and 
very neatly fitted up. Indeed I scarcely recollect seeing any spec- 
tacle in China that gratified me more than a first-rate porcelain 
warehouse. The various articles of all forms, dimensions, and 
colours, were so arranged as to produce the best effect. Our 
purchases were inconsiderable, in consequence of the difficulty of 
transporting such brittle goods, and of the usual exactions of the 
soldiers. The prices asked for the large vases were from fifty to 
eighty Spanish dollars. 
A fire broke out in the suburbs whilst we remained at this city ; 
which, although it raged at first with great violence, in the midst of 
houses, built chiefly of wood, was speedily extinguished. Two engines, 
brought over as a present to the Emperor, were offered by His Excel- 
lency to the legate on the occasion, but were refused. Our senses, 
indeed, soon informed us that they were not required. Although our 
boats were anchored on the opposite side of the river, we could dis- 
tinctly see water pouring in streams upon the flames ; but had no 
opportunity of seeing the machines which raised it. 
Leaving Nan-chang-foo on the 27th, the Embassy re-commenced 
their route, and entered a country highly ornamented with useful 
and beautiful plants. Of these the species of Camellia , which pro- 
duces much of the oil consumed by the Chinese, was the most re- 
markable. Its figure given in the next page, will convey a correct 
notion of its appearance to the general reader. This beautiful shrub, 
which I have called Camellia oleifera , is the Tcha-Yeou of the Chinese ; 
fa^on singuliere, on y ait donne quelque attention, et qu’on en ait fait usage en- 
suite pour imaginer une nouvelle fa9on de porcelaine. 
