510 
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 
while flooded with water, and the young rice plants set out in rows. 
Each “ setting” contains from two to four plants, and often six, if the 
field is rich. Little or no manure is employed on riceflelds. 
When rice alone is raised, the crop is usually gathered later — say, 
the 10th moon (October-November) — and the field remains fallow until 
about the 3rd moon (March- April) of the following year, when it is 
ploughed up and water run over it in preparation for the transplanting 
of the rice. 
In barley, rye, or wheat fields, the seed is sown in the 10th moon, 
and the crop gathered in the following 5th moon (May- June). Beans 
(or vegetables) are then planted, which in turn are gathered during 
the 9th and 10th moons. This ground is usually well fertilised at the 
different seasons for sowing. 
3. Guilds or Trades Unions . — There are no guilds or trades unions 
in this part of Corea, in the European or Chinese meaning of the term. 
If members of a calling or trade be unduly taxed, or if pressure be 
brought to lessen standard charges, they pass the word to one another 
and resolve to resist the innovation. 
4. Pawnshops and how they are Regulated . — There are no pawn- 
shops proper in this neighbourhood, and no Government measures 
regulating such concerns. Anyone possessing money is at liberty to 
lend on articles, and issue or not, as he pleases, a receipt for the 
articles left with him, stating the interest to be charged (which is 
usually mutually agreed on beforehand) until the articles are redeemed. 
5. Flora . — Some day, if I have time, I will try and send you 
some names of the numerous native trees, flowers, and shrubs in this 
neighbourhood ; but this is a work which will occupy many days. 
The rebels, so far, have given us no trouble. With our kind 
regards. 
Tours truly, 
J. H.' HUNT. 
17th. — 220 troops from Japan have arrived at Eusan for encamp- 
ment here to protect the settlement. — J.H.H. 
IV. — COBEAN CUSTOM OF TABOO. 
By the Rev . GEO. H. JONES , Chemulpo > Corea. 
Chemulpo, Corea, 
11th June, 1894. 
Dear Mr. Fox, — In reply to your question concerning “ super- 
stitions,’ ’ I would say that probably the most conspicuous example is 
the case of the “Taboo.” This is very common in Corea. The 
people hold to the belief in evil spirits, who are supposed to mass 
themselves on the 1st and 2nd, 11th and 12th, 21st and 22nd of each 
moon in the east, and that quarter comes under the taboo. All 
journeys, for instance, from any point to auother point directly east 
are considered unlucky. On the 3rd and 4th, 13th and 14th, 23rd 
and 24th, the taboo is transf erred from the east to the south; on the 
5th and Gth, 15th and 16th, 25th and 2Gth, it is in the west ; on the 
7th and 8th, 17th and 18th, 27th aud 28th, it is in the north. The 
9th and 10th, 19th and 20th, 29th and 30th, no general taboo is in 
force, and the days are regarded as lucky. 
