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C*1 E4E REPOS ITOKY.

Voi.. VII. — DiX'EMBKU, 18:58. — No. 8.

Art. I. Notires in Natural History: 1, the ma or horse; 2, the loo or ass; 3, the lo or mule; and 4, the lb or kumiss. Selected from Chinese authors

Seventeen pages of the Pun Tsnou are filled with an account of ‘he horse, treating of the uses of the \ rious internal and external pari? of nis body in medicine, and the mode of their exhibition in diseases The manner in which the subject is here treated affords a good instance of the usual order pursued by the compilers of that work, in their descriptions of the numerous articles included in Chinese ma- teria medica, — and we will far once follow them, as well to show our readers this order, as to tell th,.m what the Chinese say of that favorite and noble animal. To do this, it will not, however, be necessary to enter into all their minutire regarding pills, boluses, &,c , but simply to give the principal points under eacli section.

Sec. i. “ Name explained. Le Shechin says, ‘Gan Hen remarks, the horse is a warlike animal ; tne character ma represents its figure, head, mane, tail, and legs.’ What was originally written, in outline

plied to stallions and mares, and to colts of various ages and colors which are very numerous; for which see the f’rli Ya.

See. it. “Gan King says, ‘There are horses of many colors, but for medicine the pure white is the best; though if the animal has a few spots, as in his eyes, mouth, and hoofs, they need not be regard- ed.’ Le Shechin says, ‘ Wild horses are found in Yunnan and Shan- se; generally speaking those found in the north and west are superior VOL. VII. NO. VIII. 50

now reduced

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to those in the south and east, which are small and weak. The age is known by the teeth, which at first are small, but increase as the ani- mal grows older. Its eye reflects the full length image of a man If he eats rice, his feet will become heavy; if rats’ dung, his belly will grow long ; if his teeth be rubbed with dead silkworms or black plums, he will not eat, but this is removed by rubbing them with mul- berry leaves ; if the skin of a rat or wolf be hung in his manger, he will not eat. He should not be allowed to eat from a hog’s trough, lest he contract disease; if a monkey is kept in the stable, he will not fall sick.’

Sec. in. “ The flesh of a pure white stallion is the most whole- some ; if it is bitter or cold it is noxious.” Many authors are quot- ed with regard to the wholesomeness of horse-flesh, whose opinions differ. One says, “that of those who eat the flesh of diseased horses, nine out of ten die; it should be roasted and eaten with ginger and pork.” Another remarks, “To eat the flesh of a black horse and not drink wine with it, will surely produce death.” Le Shechin recom- mends eating almonds, and taking a rush broth, if one feels uncomfor- table after a meal of horse-flesh.— It may here be added, that we have- seen this article of food for sale in the shambles of Canton, and it is probably eaten more frequently in the northern provinces than in this region.

Sec. tv. “ The fat lying on the top of the head is sweet, and un- wholesome in only a slight degree. It will cause the hair to grow ; brighten a dark visage, and cure flabby skin on the hands and feet.” It is a general principle in Chinese pharmacy, of which this is an illustration, that any part taken from an animal affects the same part in the patient.

Sec. v. “ Le Shechin says, ‘ In the Han dynasty, a spirit was made from mare’s milk.’ The milk is sweet and cooling; when made into kumiss its nature is bland ; and drinking it reduces the flesh.

Sec. vi. “The heart of a white horse, or that of a hog, cow, or hen, when dried and rasped into spirit, and so taken, cures forgetful- ness: ‘ if the patient hears one thing he knows ten.’ "

Sec. vii-vin. The lungs, and liver, are here described. “ The liver is very poisonous. Woote of the Han dynasty says, 'When eating horse-flesh, do not eat the liver.’ ‘ He who eats liver of a horse will die,’ says another.” The Chinese ascribe the noxious properties of the liver to the want of a gall-bladder, which is known to be wanting in the anatomy of the horse. The gallbladder they suppose to

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lie the seat of courage; and in ridicule say to a poltroon, “ I'll send you to buy a horse's gallbladder. ” In Kanghe’s dt« t ion ary there is a inode of demonstrating the noxious properties of a horse’s liver, peculiarly Chinese : “ The horse corresponds to lire, and as lire can- not produce wood, (which is the province of water,) therefore, the horse has a liver without any gallbladder ; and as the gallbladder is the effluence of wood, (w hich corresponds to the liver,) and is not complete in the liver, therefore if one eat it he wiil die.”

Sec. ix— xi. “The kidnies,” says Le Shechin, “contain an inky fluid which is allied to the bezoar of the cow, and calculi of the dog, but its properties were unknown to the ancients.” The placenta ol the colt as a remedy in obstructed menstruation.

Sec. xti. “Above the knees, the horse has night eyes [warts], which enable him to go in the night. They are useful in the toothache.”

Sec. xm. “The teeth and grinders are to be burned to ashes, and if mixed w ith spittle and administered to children, the dose will cure their shivering tits.”

Sec. xiv— xvii. “The bones of the body, head, and legs, and the hoofs are efflcacious.” “ If a man is restless and jolly when he wishes to sleep, and it is required to put him to rest, let the ashes of a skull be mingled with water and given him, and let him have a skull for a pillow, and it will cure him.” The same preservative virtues appear to be ascribed by the Chinese to a horse’s hoof hung up in a house, as were supposed by our ancestors to belong to a horse-shoe when nailed upon the door.

Sec. xviii-xx. “The skin of a bay horse will hasten dilvery .” The mane and tail are useful.

Sec. xxi-xxiv. The brains, blood, perspiration and excrements, are prescribed; the first three are highly poisonous. “ Whoever has any of the blood of the living horse enter his flesh, in one or two days it will become a large swelling, and gradually joining his heart, kill him ; if in cutting a horse, he w’ounds his hand, and the blood enters his flesh, that same night he will die.”

In this manner are the various subjects, treated of in the Pun Tsaou, discussed ; and by means of general indices, and the use of different sizes of type, the student can quickly refer to any topic he is investigating. Wild horses are said to exist in Kansuh and Leaou- tung, and also beyond the w estern frontiers ; they are smaller than the domesticated animal. The skin is in demand for making gar- ments, and its flesh (so the Chinese say) has the same flavor as that of the common horse.

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Although the Chinese cannot be said to have carried the culture of the horse to very high perfection, judging from the sorry looking, ungroomed, animals, with large knots in their tails, which we see in this part of the empire, still they have not entirely neglected the veterinary art. We have now lying before us in the Ma King, a work in four volumes octavo, containing about 400 pages entirely devoted to this subject ; the treatment of the camel and cow is ap- pended in a fifth volume. The work was written in the first part of the J7th century, in the reign of Wanleih, by the brothers Yu Yuen and Yu Hing; and afterwards corrected by Tung Ke. It contains 112 plates, 150 songs, and directions for making 300 prescriptions. It is divided into four parts. The first part consists of 12 essays and as many metrical pieces, explaining the mode of feeling the horse's pulse, which is placed in his breast; describing the different parts of his body ; and giving the accounts concerning him transmitted from antiquity. The vriters have sometimes chosen the form of poetry to convey their researches, and many of the essays are thrown into the form of conversation, in order to enliven a dull subject. The second part gives the diagnosis of the seventy-two diseases to which the horse is subject, comprising oirections how to ascertain what part is affected from the pulsations. The third part contains eight sections on the eight states of health (as cold, hot, empty, solid, &,c.) of the horse, with plates illustrative. There are also reports of 74 conversations held between Tung Ke the correcter, and Yu Yuen the author, concerning the m >de of treatment to be pursued when the symptoms were thus and thus: and the reasons for certain peculi- arities about the horse. The fourth part describes the kinds of food he should have, among which pulse, grass, grain, tea, soup and water, are mentioned ; and the whole concludes with directions for com- pounding the medicines and the mode of administering them.

We have time only to give this author’s criteria of a good horse, but should think from the hasty examination of its contents that the Ma King might afford some interesting notices to one well acquainted with the veterinary art. “ There are thirty-two marks, of all which the eye is the pearl ; next you must see if the head and face are pro- portionate, but he who wishes to know how to distinguish a good horse, and does not examine the books of former ages, is like a blind man going in a new road. The eye round as a banner-bell, oolor deep ; pupil bean-shaped, well defined, with white stri® ; iris with five colors, — he will be long-lived: nose with lines like the characters kung and fL ho, — he will see foity springs : the forehead higher

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than ihe eyes; mane sofi with ten thousand delicate hair* ; face and chops without Hush; ears like a willow leaf, neck like a phoenix's, nr cock’s when crowing; mouth large and deep, with lips like a box close joining; incisors and molars far apart; tongue like a two edged sword and of good color; the gums not black, — he will have long life: lean as to flesh, fat as to bones; never starting at sounds nor fear- ful of sights; the tail elevated is reckoned a good sign ; head inclined and neck crooked, with three prominences on the crown ; sinews like a deer’s; bones of legs small, and hoofs light ; fetlocks shape of a bow ; breast and shoulders broad, but little projecting forward ; head long and loins short; belly hanging, and the hair on it growing upward; hoofs strong and solid; knees high and joints uniform; flesh on the back thick, making it round as a wheel; scapula like a pe-pa, and femur inclined ; and tail like a flowing comet, hairs all soft.” Such the Chinese give us as the principal characteristics of a good horse.

2. The ass is called loo, because its strength lies in the breast. He is described by authors, “as having long cheeks, a broad fore- head, sharp ears, slender tail, and being an animal whose voice is heard in the night answering to the watches. By nature he is adapted to the carrying of burdens. There are those of a dark yellow, white, and black color. In Leaoutung, w ild asses are found of a piebald color, with flowing tails and manes, and large bones; the flesh is like that of the domestic ass.” Writers also mention “ hill asses,” with horns like the ibex, which are probably deer of some sort ; and “sea asses,” whose skins do not become wet in the water, which are most likely a species of seal.

The flesh af asses is said to be sweet and wholesome. The mar- row is recommended as a cure for deafness of long standing; “that in the fore legs is the best ; the bones are to be pounded fine, and the marrow separated, and pat into the ear while the patient is asleep.” “ If an infant cries obstinately, and w ill not stop, order three women, (whose surnames must be unlike,) to take the babe between them, and sleep in an ass’s manger, and it will cease; but no mau must know it. The ode says, ‘ tie up the shell of a crab and suspend it from the door, and it will expel a malignant sickness: picture an ass upon the wall, and the child will cease crying. ” The medical books of the Chinese abound m w himsies of this nature, showing how partially antiquity has enlarged then knowledge ; their practice of medicine, however, is rather more sensible and useful than then theories.

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3. “ The lo or mule,” says Le Shechin, “ is larger than an ass and stronger than a horse, its strength lies in its loins. In its rump, there is a locked hone that cannot be opened, which prevents it bearing young and suckling them.” The Chinese have crossed the breeds of domestic animals, and produced mules unknown to us. “ There are five sorts of mules : an ass and a mare produce a lo or mule; the offspring of a horse and she-ass is a keue tc ; that of a jackass and cow is a lo mill ; of a bull and she-ass is tsih tsung ; and that from a bull and mare is called /ecu heu: but vulgarly all are called lo or mules.” This animal is not often seen in this part of the empire, but both it and asses are said to be common in the middle and north- ern provinces. In the Spring and Autumn Record it is related, “that Chaou Reentsze had a white mule which he highly prized ; once on a time his minister fell sick, and the doctor said, if he eats the liver of a white mule he will recover ; otherwise he will die. The prince hearing of this said, ‘ to kill an animal in order to save a man will surely be benevolent?’ He accordingly killed his mule, and took out the liver, which when the sick man had eaten, cured him.”

4. The Chinese describe a preparation made from the milk of various domestic animals, that resembles the kumiss found among the Tartars. It is called Id and is both wet and dry ; it is made in the following manner. “ Put a quart of milk into a boiler, and sim- mer it for some time, when another quart is to be added, and the whole boiled till many boiling bubbles arise to the surface, all the while stirring it about with the ladle; now pour it into a vessel and wait till it is cold, when the pellicle that forms upon the surface is to be taken off, to form the soo. Now add a little old lo, and cover it up for a while with paper, until it is completely made.* To make the dry Id, take the new and evaporate it in the sun’s rays, continually skiming off the pellicle, until none forms; then put these pellicles into a pan and simmer them a little till the whole is dry, and can be cut into slices.” The best is made, according to our author, from the milk of the buffalo, mare and camel ; that from the cow and ewe is not so invigorating. The soo, spoken of in making the lo, is a kind

» The mode of making kumiss among the Kalmuk Tartars, is “ to put a sixth part of warm water with any given quantity of warm milk (generally mare’s), which in summer must have stood twenty-four hours, and in winter three or four days; to this is added a litlte old kumiss by way of yeast, when the mass is agi- tated; and sometimes artificial heal is applied to produce the vinous fermenta- tion. From this substance a spirit called rock or rackij, resembling brandy in all but its strength, is distilled, of which the Kalmuks are extremely fond.” Brctc- stcr's Enryc.

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Diifu-ion of l iff a l l\ noirhdge in Chinn.

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of oil made from milk “The milk is put into a vessel and warmed just to boiling, when it is poured into a tub, and the pellicle taken otT ns it cools ; this is again simmered until the oil is all expelled, when the residuum is thrown away, and the oil carefully kept. An- other way is to till a tub with milk, and stir it about with a stick half a day ; then take off the froth, and simmer it until it forms a dry mass, from which the soo is made.” W.

Art. II. 1 'onrt/i annual report of thr Society for the Diffusion oj Useful Knowledge in China: read at a general meeting, Nor. 21sf, 1838.

When last this Society was assembled to receive the yearly report of it.’ committer, the occasion was embraced, to show in what de- partments of knowledge the people to whom our labors have refer- ence are deficient, and what is the extent of their deficiency. It was, at that time, the endeavor of your committee, to exhibit the im- perfections of Chinese science and literature, in their general scope. A detailed enumeration of defects and errors in distinct branch- es of knowledge was reserved for future opportunities. Such an opportunity now occurs: and your committee cannot, they think, better call to mind tbe utility of the labors in which we are mutually engaged, than by pointing out specific wants which it is in our power to supply.

Historical and geographical treatises have, up to this period, chief- ly employed the pens of those who have furnished your committee with works tor publication. It is not, however, to the destitution of knowledge in these departments, that allusion will now be made. There are two classes of publications, which, from the almost univer- sal demand for them among all classes of Chinese, merit a prior at- tention. The first of these comprises the numerous forms of Year books, or Almanacs, with which the book-stalls, at this period of the year, begin to be crowded. The second comprehends, under multifarious forms. Collectanea of elementary and useful information, intended chiefly for the young, but often employed also as books of reference by men of imperfect education. To show what is the cha-

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racter of these works, as at present existing in China, it will be well briefly to analyse a specii '.an of each class.

In the Almanacs of the Chinese, nearly as much diversity exists as in those of western nations. But in one thing the Chinese alma- nacs are all alike, and in this they resemble too the older almanacs of the west, — we mean, in the astrological ascription to each day of auspicious or baneful influences over the actions of men. In this character, the imperial almanacs, circulated by the government through all its dominions and tributary kingdoms, shares in common with books addressed to the most superstitious of the people. The government of China thus gives the full weight of its authority to the idle belief, that the planets, of which in its astronomical works it acknowledges the earth to be a companion, can exert so powerful and mysterious an influence over the world, as to affect the success of the undertakings and actions of every individual. It sanctions a belief, involving this absurdity, that two persons engaged in like undertakings, having selected each the same auspicious period, and acting, consequently, under the same astral influences, may neverthe- less come off, the one fully successful, the other utterly foiled. But the government has not alone given the weight of its own authority to such unreasonable notions: has, when European astronomers

were yet in employ at Peking, required of them to attach their signa- ture to the astrological (as well as to the astronomical) tables of the almanac. This was acknowledged by one of these Europeans to Mr. Barrow, when at Peking, during lord Macartney’s embassy, and de- rives confirmation from the fact, that much greater faith is placed by the Chinese in astrological predictions worked according to the “Eu- ropean method,” than in any others, and that to a superiority of this nature several of the popular almanacs consequently pretend.

The imperial almanac contains, in its smaller form about twenty, in its larger form about fifty, leaves. Upon the first leaf of the larger edition, is a table of the twenty-four Zodiacal periods observed by the Chinese, marking the moment of the sun’s passage over the first and the fifteenth degrees of each sign of the Zodiac, calculated for the meridian of Peking. The second leaf is occupied by a table of the more important stellary aspects, as auspicious, or the reverse, to particular acts or undertakings. Thus one is auspicious to all acts, and destructive of every baneful influence; a second is auspicious to the presenter of memorials, to the officer newly entering upon his duties, to the happy couple contracting a marriage ; a third and a fourth are baneful to the same parties ; a fifth is prejudicial to the

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Diffusion of I'srful Kitoielttlge in (' hinit

bather; a sixth to the general who leads out his army; and a seventh to the gardener who plants or grafts, under its influences. The third leaf contains an astrological diagram, intelligible, as M. Klaproth has remark, oidy to those who may choose to be at the pains of exploring deeply the astrological reveries of China. After these fol- low two large tables, occupying thirty-one leaves, which show, the moment of sunrise and sunset, and the times of commencement of the zodiacal half-monthly periods, in each province and dependency of China. The ephemeris follows next, occupying twelve or thirteen leaves, according to the number of lunar months into which the cur- rent year may be divided. The details of the ephemeris comprise, the cyclic characters by which each day is distinguished, the moon’s quarters, the places of several stars, the anniversaries of births and deaths of emperors and empresses during the reigning dynasty, and finally the particulars of what ought and what ought not to be done on each d.iy. A table of l'il) years, to show the age of an individu J born in any year of the cycle, — to which is joined another table of astral influences, completes this book, of which the Chinese govern- ment is so proud, that it cannot confer on any nation a more gracious gift than a copy of it.

The popular almanacs, besides a very much larger amount of as- trological detail, contain, sometimes, a few items of useful informa- tion, such as a map of China, maps of the stars, a very imperfect tide-table, &.c. These items are however so few, that they are hard- ly worthy of notice, except as an example of what may be introduced in a purified almanac, intended like “ the British Almanac,” of the English Society whose name we bear, to supply, gradually, the place of the year-books already existing among the people. The prepara- tion of such a work was contemplated by your committee shortly after the establishment of this Society, and the hope was held out, two years ago, that a purified almanac for the Chinese might be pub- lished by it at the commencement of the succeeding year. The hope then entertained is yet unfulfilled, but vour committee is led to believe that no further delay will take place in preparing for the press a year-book, in which astronomical facts shall be so conjoined with useful and interesting information, as to ensure a good measure of acceptableness. But so habituated as the Chinese are to the selec- tion of auspicious days for every undertaking, it must be very long ete they will be induced to abandon altogether their own almanacs, however, disposed they may be to join to them one of a different character.

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In proceeding to analyze a specimen of the popular Collectanea of elementary and useful information, we will take up one of the most inferior in execution, — for two reasons — because it embraces a wider field than any other common book of the same class, — and because from its small size and cheapness, it has a more extensive circulation among the people. The little book which has been selected is enti- tled “ Miscellanies from the Eastern Gardens.” A very roughly exe- cuted picture of an officer with his attendants occupies the frontis- piece, where it is placed, no doubt, in order to stimulate the juvenile reader, to strive for an elevation to honor and power such as that of the personage depicted before him. Maps of the heavens and of China follow, still more roughly designed and executed. The work is then divided into two parts, which are carried on simultaneously in parallel columns. Advice to children occupies the first place ; and on the column parallel to it, a list of the principal disciples and suc- cessors of Confucius. Next succeed lists of celebrated ministers of particular periods, of the four princes of the contending states, the three heroes of the Han dynasty, &c. Then the surnames of the Chinese, commonly called the hundred family names, but actually about four hundred in number. The classic of a thousand charac- ters, intended to make the pupil well acquainted with a large number of words, — admonitions to the age, m verse, designed to afford some knowledge of moral principles, — and arithmetical tables, introducto- ry to the elements of calculation, succeed. These complete the first section. The second section is devoted to a child’s dictionary, on a small scale, with pictorial illustrations in the roughest possible style. This is a portion which it would be peculiarly in our power to im- prove. The third section continues the dictionary, but without pic- torial illustrations. It contains, also, instructions for the writing of visiting cards, on ordinary and special occasions, with the forms requisite among relatives, according to the degree of relationship, — a table of degrees of consanguinity, with reference to the mourning prescribed by law, — examples of notes and letters, forms of bonds and agreements, &ic. The whole ends with some astrological tables, a chronology of the sovereigns of China and a rhyming enumeration of them from the creation to the end of the last dynasty.

There is a work, in the same style as the one just analyzed, and containing much of the same information, called “ Miscellanies from the Western Gardens.” Though upon the whole inferior, it may yet afford some additional hints to any one who may undertake the preparation of a more accurate and more complete publication.

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Improved works of ilicsc two classes, from the demand that cxisst for such books among the people of China are likely to meet with a more ready circulation than the works which your committee has already published or sent to press, and hence may well serve to intro- duce these last to the attention of readers. These considerations have induced your committee to give them this public recommen- dation.

Another kind of publication, very acceptable to the Chinese, is the short tale, covering a moral lesson, or reflection, such as the excel- lent fables of .Esop. A portion of these fables has recently ap- peared in a Chinese dress, and has been well received ; and the pub- lication has, with the kind permission of the proprietor, been placed upon the list of the works of this Society.

Of the works mentioned in former reports, the View of Universal History is about to be published, an edition of 300 copies having been ordered. The publication of the History of England has been accidentally retarded. The Description of the United States of Ame- rica, and the History of the Jews, have been sent to press. The in- troduction to Universal Geography, with the treatises on Geography and on the Being of a God — the two latter by the late Dr. Morrison, are not yet fully prepared for publication. The Chinese Magazine has been continued, and four half-yearly volumes, in addition to the two published by Mr. Gutzlaff in 1833 and 1834, will soon be com- pleted. It is intended to render the succeeding volumes more attrac- tive by the insertion in each number of pictorial illustrations. This would have been done before now, but the difficulty of having such illustrations well executed in China, and the expense of obtaining plates from Calcutta, have tended to prevent it. These hindrances, it is hoped, your committee will for the future be enabled to surmount.

Two new works have been commenced during the past year, one of which is already in the press, — the other, under the title of No- tices of the Indian Archipelago, has been but very recently undertaken. The former work, spoken of as being already in the press, is a Chres- tomathy of the Canton dialect of the Chinese language, by Mr. Bridg- man, designed to serve the double purpose of facilitating to the Euro- pean the acquirement of the means of personal intercourse with the Chinese, and of diffusing among the latter a knowledge of the English language. For these purposes, it will form, it is believed, the best elementary book that has yet been published.

Difficulties of a temporary nature have hitherto hindered the cir- culation, in Canton, of the Society’s publications. These have nearly

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ceased to exist; a portion of the works already published may at once be put in circulation; and a regular supply of future publica- tions, for distribution among the members as well as for sale to the Chinese, will, it is hoped, be henceforward secured. At various places in the Straits of Malacca, and on the outskirts of China, the Socie- ty’s Magazine has been distributed to a considerable extent. There have as yet, however, been very few copies purchased, a circumstance attributable perhaps, not merely to a want of that thirst after knowledge which it must be our endeavor to excite; but also, in some degree, to the too great readiness that has been shown to give books to those who decline to purchase them. This excess of gratuitous distribution, your committee have already taken measures to arrest; and it is hoped that those who have before received our publications as gifts, will, by the perusal of them, be induced to seek after and pay for them. To facilitate this, the publications of the Society should continue to be exposed for sale at so low a price as will not be likely to deter any who may be desirous of purchasing.

The progress of the Society in publication has involved a much larger expenditure this year, than in any previous one, while as yet no returns can be reckoned upon. The Treasurer’s account shows a balance, however, of $179.

The number of members has been considerably increased. The whole number is now eighty-three, — eight of whom are honorary, and sixteen are corresponding members. We feel encouragement in the honorable notice that has been taken of our — at present feeble — labors, by public bodies and individuals in the west. But far more are we encouraged by a deep conviction of the importance of our object, and an assurance of its ultimate success. In the words of the preamble, written at the time when this Society was organized — “The end of our course is far distant; the barriers high; the ways rough; and the passes difficult; our advances, therefore, may be slow. Yet, prepared for all contingencies, and aware that it is not the work of a day, we are glad to engage in a warfare, where we are sure the victors and the vanquished will meet only to exult and rejoice to- gether.”

After the reading of the report, the Chairman made a few observa- tions on the present condition and prospects of the Society, as therein shown.

The Rev. E. C. Bridgman then rose, and, in few words, spoke

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Diffusion oj t’srful Knoirlerfgt in Chinn. 4M.'»

respecting llie character, object, position, iunl operations, of the So- ciety, nearly as follows :

“ Every one in the east (he observed), or who is conversant with the history of events in India, and in the foreign settlements on tins side of it, lias seen very great improvements unde during the last ten or twenty years. By education — by the ditfusion of knowledge — by the intioduclion of useful arts and inventions, such tor example as the steam-engine — affairs have taken a new and happy direction, and received in that direction a powerful impulse. The age of mo- nopolies is now gone — the spirit that upheld them is passing rapidly away. In its stead, a better spirit is abroad in the minds of men — one more liberal, more generous, more active. In this spint, the Society for the Diffusion of Useful knowledge in China was institut- ed— has been, and will continue to be, sustained.

“ As to the character of the Society, it is purely benevolent, having in it nothing that can give offense, or that can be the occasion of offense, to any one. With politics and religion, it does not intermed- dle; without their spheres it has a range wide enough for all its ener- gies and all its resources.

“ Its sole object is to make the people of this country acquainted with those things — historical facts, arts, sciences, and such like — of which they can both appreciate the value and understand the uses, but of which, without friendly and gratuitous aid, such as this Socie- ty affords, they must long remain ignorant. You know, sir, and all the gentlemen of this Society know, that there are in the possession of western nations a great many things capable of being turned to good account in these regions. But the Chinese, while continuing ignorant of all these things, cannot advertise for them, and will not seek them. However useful a thing may be here, until its value be understood, it must come gratuitously, if it come at all. So it was with the fire-engine, which was first brought to China only a few years ago, and which is now so well understood here that its use is extending from this to other cities of the empire.

“ The position of the Society is on the boundary line between the great regions of light and darkness. With one hand its members may gather up the richest fruits of modern invention and discovery throughout the whole western hemisphere, and with the other they may scatter them far and wide among the inhabitants of these eastern nations. At first, when the Society commenced its course, its works were retarded and stopped, and some pecuniary losses were meur- aed , but on the score of useful experience much has beeen gained in

498 Diffusion of Useful Knowledge in Chtna. Dec.

consequence. The mode adopted, and the site fixed on, for the me- chanical portion of its duties, are different from what they then were, and the whole business is now carried on out of the reach of the na- tive authorities. Our position, therefore, has become, in this respect, safe and secure; and the manufacture of books beyond the boundaries of this empire may be pushed to any extent you please, provided the requisite means are at command.

“The operations of the Society, limited as they have been, afford just ground of encouragement. The Treasurer’s report, now lying before you, is some evidence of what has been done during the past year: though it shows a large disbursement, without any returns from sales, it affords no cause of concern as to the future. If good works are prepared for the press, we may be assured that means for their publication will not long be wanting.

“ To these remarks, I will only add, that it is a pleasure and an honor to cooperate in labors so useful as those in which you and the Society are engaged. And, for one, I assure you, that whatever of time can be secured for their accomplishment shall be most cordially given.”

The Rev. P. Parker, in moving the first resolution, said: “It

seems unnecessary to dwell upon the peculiar obstacles which the Society, as it has been mentioned, has had to encounter. They are well known to every gentleman present. — This is especially the time to prepare the ground, and scatter the seed. Some fruits have already appeared — many more are in different stages — all are ad- vancing, as fast as the nature of the case will admit, to a full maturi- ty, which we may yet live to see. But a still more abundant harvest will be witnessed, no doubt, at a remoter period, by our successors. The object is great, and the time and means for its attainment must be proportionate. As happily expressed in the report of the commit- tee, the obstacles, though great and numerous, are not insurmounta- ble. I most cordially subscribe to those sentiments, and desire that the report may be published.”

He then moved, Edmund Moller, esq., seconded, and it was unanimously —

Resolved , That the interesting report which has just been read be accepted and published.

G. T. Lay, esq., rose to support the resolution. The following are some of the remarks made by him.

. “ Mankind are often taxed with thinking too highly of their own merits, and perhaps with justice, but if there be in us a natural ap-

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tilude which leads iis to overrate what we have done, there is also a proneness to underrate our capabilities, or what we can do, especi- ally when we meditate the advancement of any object that has some reference to the good of others. M my a golden vein of talent, pa- tience, and courage, might be discovered in the minds of men, to which the possessor himself was altogether a stranger. How few of us husband all oui resourses, or improve all those opportunities which providence has put within our reach. We lightly esteem our own endowments for action, we slight those advantages which God has given to us, because, forsooth, our talents do not happen to he five or ten instead of two. Now as it fares with individuals, so it often fares with societies at their commencement. At first, the ground must be prepared, obstacles removed, misconceptions rectifi- ed, the scheme of operation ascertained and defined, and means not only secured hut even made. This requires time, which is not more a function in astronomy and dynamics, than it is in the prosperity of a public institution. In the mean while nothing serins to have been accomplished, the subscribers begin to marvel at the tardiness of its progress, and ask with impatience what has been done; and, because a copious return of great achievements cannot be made out at once, they are filled with despondency, which by a sort of contagion commu- nicates itself to the committee, and sometimes takes such a hold, that the hands of the sanguine among its members begin to hang down.

“ In such cases it is proper to look aside from present discourage- ments, and solace the mind by reflecting upon the excellence of the object, and the purity of purpose with which it was at first under- taken. In the history of this society we see that difficulties have been surmounted as an earnest of better things, but much more labor must be bestowed before we may expect any great and striking results. Let us then call to mind the scope and intentions with which it set out, and some of its principal features, and the position and the rank it ought to hold, not to make us proud, but to stir us up to activity and perseverance. As to the rank of this society, we shall soon per- ceive that it lays claim to no mean relationship and affinity. If the Bible Societies hold the first place, because they propose to give the word of God to every human being; if missionary societies take the second, because their object is to send men to teach all nations the way of salvation ; societies like this may fairlv come into the third, because they labor to diffuse among all classes of a community that knowledge, which is the best of all worldly gifts — as it is the grammar and inteipretatiou of God's works, an analytic and synthetic account

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of those very lessons which they teach. If we consider these three kinds of associations we shall find, that they have at least one impor- tant principle in common. For the Bible society aims to give the whole Bible to all without any reservation whatsoever, all who are willing to read are by it deemed worthy to do so. The missionary society commissions her servants to preach the whole truth to every man, not to deal out one sort to the clerical and the learned, and another sort to the laic and the unlearned, but, as far as possible, to make all share alike. The useful knowledge society is laboring to give, no: one kind of information to the high and another to the poor, nor to disseminate instruction merely, but to make all classes welcome to the choicest treasures of learning and science, without any difference or respecting of persons whatsoever. The recognition of a common principle, with societies of such honor and importance, bestows a dignity and value upon this society, and we may well rejoice in our affinity, a likeness of features so benign, so liberal, and so like the character of Him, who is ‘ good to all.’

“ After the two special means just alluded to, the distribution of the scriptures and the preaching of the gospel, there is no second or instrumental cause, no human means, that can vie in utility with scat- tering in a kind and beautiful manner the varied stores of useful knowledge, nor tend so successfully to bring about that consummation we all long to see, when every man shall in his place acknowledge the one true God and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. As an indivi- dual, I may not have it in my power to aid this society directly, but on my return to England, I shall devote all my leisure to the interests of China, shall endeavor to create sober and enlightened views of her condition, and, as opportunity shall serve, strive to awaken feeling and sympathy in favor of the praiseworthy and truly excellent undertak- ing which we are now met to consider.”

On the motion of the Rev. E. C. Bridgman, seconded by James Matheson, esq., it was —

Hi-solved, “ That in place of the fourth Regulation, as it now stands, the following amendment be adopted : The resident members shall include native and foreign gentlemen. Any individual wishing to cooperate in the grand object of the Society, and conforming to its regulations, may become a member.

On the motion of J. Matheson, esq., seconded by G. T. Lay, esq., it was —

Hi-solved, That, as the transient nature of European communities in the east renders it difficult to maintain the efficiency of this Society,

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without the constant accession of new members, especially ol those who have it knowledge ol the Chinese language, it is deemed highly desirable that the junior portion of the cominunity he invited to co- operate w ith us, and that they be earnestly recommended to give their attention to the study of the language, as a pursuit conducive no less to individual interest, than to the noble object ol advancing this great empire in the scale of civilization.

Mr. Lay, in seconding the resolution, made remarks nearly to the following effect :

‘The usefulness of this society must bear a certain ratio to the number of its helpers, and their qualifications for promoting the spe- cific objects, which it contemplates. One of these qualifications is a knowledge of the Chinese language, joined with an insight into some department of literature or science. Now, ns many young men come hither with the view of staving several years in the country, it seems highly desirable that this society should, by some public expres- sion of its sentiments, ins ite all such as have healili and leisure to turn their attention to this subject, ami in the issue to qualify them- selves for acting a part, that will redound to their own credit, the comfort of their friends, and the welfare of mankind.

‘ Among those (Mr. Lay observed) who engage in designs for the common good, we generally tind two kinds of persons — some act from impulse and feeling, while others act from principle. The e!f>rts of one sort are desultory and unequal, of the other steady and uniform. With the latter class are oftentimes such as have begun in early life to cultivate an interest in public institutions, by frequent- ing their meetings and making themselves acquainted with their object and history. By subscribing to their funds, however small the contribution might be, they learn to feel that they have some- thing at stake, a sort of lien hi t heir prosperity. In virtue of early association, a permanent affection for their peculiar objects is fastened in the mind, a well-grounded conviction of their importance secured, and, withal, the requisite skill and experience, to follow tin? example of those who have gone before them in I alters and enterprises for the benefit of others. The mover of this resolution has done well in ex- pressing his opinion, that a special intimation should be given by the society, that it looks to young men for subscribers to its funds, for stu- dents in the Chinese language, and for successors in the management of its affairs. He (Mr. Lay) rejoiced to learn that the number of those who bestow their leisure upon the Chinese language is increas- ing, and intimated his belief, that literary and scientific men at home

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will take up the stud}', when they shall have found, that its difficulty lies mainly in the preposterous manner in which it has been pursued, the want of European teachers, and the discouragements that have been thrown in its way. He believed that the literature of China presents a most curious and interesting field for antiquarian research, where the origin and first principles of many sciences may be found, which, while they will furnish a nomenclature adequate for all pur- poses of definition, will also afford stocks for the engrafting of western arts and discoveries.’

On the motion of J. Matheson, esq., seconded by G. T. Lay, esq., it was —

Resolved, That, Mr. Morrison’s official engagements often calling him away from Canton, and sometimes standing in the way of the perform- ance of his duties as Secretary, an officer be added to the commit- tee, under the designation of Joint English Secretary ; and that, as a necessary consequence, the following alteration be made in the ninth Regulation, viz., in place of the words “three Secretaries, two Chi- nese and one English,” — these words, “ four Secretaries, two Chi- nese and two English,” be substituted.

On the motion of Alexander Matheson, esq., seconded by E. Moller, esq., it was —

Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed office-bearers for the ensuing year.

President, John C. Green, esq.; treasurer, James Matheson, esq.; others members, H. H. Lindsay, esq., Robert Inglis, esq., Charles W. King, esq.; Chinese secretaries, Rev. E. C. Bridgman, Rev. C. Gutzlaff; English secretaries, J. R. Morrison, esq., and Robert Thom, esq.

On the motion of .T. Matheson, esq., seconded by G. T. Lay, esq., a vote was passed of thanks to the Secretaries for their services to the Society.

On the motion of A. Matheson, esq , seconded E. Moller, esq., a vote was passed of thanks to Mr. Turner for his services in the chair and as President.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Richard Turner, President

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Art. HI. First report of the .Medical Missionary Society's Hos- pital at Macao, for the quarterly term beginning at It July,

and miling Is! Oct., IK3';. Hy the Rev. I’. Pakkck. m. u.

In accordance with ;i desire expressed at a general meeting of the Society in May last, the Hospital at Macao was opened on the 5th of July. Previous engagements to return to Canton, and the absence of any other medical gentleman to take charge of the establishment, rendered it necessary temporarily to close it on the 1st of October. It is with great pleasure that the report for this term is now submitted to the Society and its friends.

Often has the sincerest gratitude been felt towards the benevolent members of this Society, who have procured such an asylum for the afflicted Chinese, and to the respected President by whose judg- ment the spot was selected, when, — walking through us capacious and numerous apartments, — I have witnessed the comfortable accom- modation afforded to the inmates, to many of whom it seemed al- most a palace, in comparison with the narrow cells which they call their homes. The building is capable of accommodating two hun- dred patients. It has nineteen spacious rooms on the second story, well ventilated; and as many corresponding ones on the ground floor; a garden, and extensive compound, with three wells of water — in the rear ; and a yard in front. The building is of brick, strongly built; and the whole of the ground (say a third of an acre) belong- ing to it, is surrounded by a substantial wall. It is in a healthy locality, overlooking the inner harbor, and has good access both by land and w ater.

It is delightful to contemplate the yearly augmenting relief that may here be afforded to the suffering Chinese. It is cheering and encouraging to regard the facilities that here exist, for the instruction of the young men of China in the principles of rational medicine and surgery. May the institution prosper every way — may there be no lack of men to conduct its operations, or of means to support and in- crease its usefulness — may it be the fruitful parent of many like institutions, under the conduct of Chinese, who shall have acquired the skill and science of the west, and shall have imbibed the benevo- lence and purity of the gospel.

Seven hundred patients were received into the Hospital during

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the term, towards the close of which many had to be sent away, from the inexpediency of receiving them for a few days only. Fewer im- portant surgical cases presented themselves, in proportion to the whole number, than had previously been the case at Canton. With a few exceptions, the task of gaining the confidence of the people had to be commenced de novo The suspicion and reserve at first manifested were greater than ever at Canton. The arrival, however, as patients, of gentlemen from Canton, and occasional visits of some who had been cured there, and of others personally acquainted with previous operations, tended very much to alter the feeling of the peo- ple. An unexpected auxiliary in effecting this change was found, too, in sundry of their idols, who, according to the interpretation of the Chinese priests, encouraged a large number of their votaries to apply to the foreign physician with assurance of success.

The following is a tabular statement of the numbers of each of the diseases that came under observation during the term.

Fevers -	4	Diseases of the Liver and	its
Inflammatory disorders: —		connected parts:
Abscesses, chiefly about the		Hepatitis	-	2
head -	27	Enlargement of the spleen	1
Carbuncles - - -	10	Diseases of Generative organs,
Fistula (in ano) -	2	and the connected parts.
Rheumatism - - -	25	Amenorrhea -	.	1
Thrush (ulcerated mouth		Ovarian dropsy	.	2
and lips) -	2	Prolapsus vaginae -	-	1
Ulcers, chiefly of lower extie		Urinary calculi	-	2
mities -	or,	Diseases of the Nervous system
Whitlows -	5	Neuralgia	-	1
Spasmodic diseases : Asthma	S	Paralysis	-	5
Constitutional diseases:		Diseases of the Ear :
Dentition -	o	Cerumen deficient -	-	8
Dropsy - - - -	4	Deafness	-	1 1
Opium mania - -	4	Meatus auditorius wanting	l
Scrofula - - »	12	Otorrhea	.	9
Diseases of the organs of Cir-		Polypus of the ear -	-	1
culation : Aneurism »	1	T umor of the ear -	-	2
Diseases of Respiratory organs		Ears rent by heavy ear-rings	7
Pneumonia -	12	Diseases of the Eye :
Diseases of Digestive organs,		Ophthalmia, Acute	-	28
and the connected parts .		— Chronic	- 100
Diarrhea -	7	Neorum	-	2
Dysentery *	o <*•»	— Purulent	-	10
Dyspepsia - - -	2	— Rheumatic		1
Icterus -	5	Ophthalmitis	r	2
Worms - - -	4	Granulations -	r	20

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Kutropiu ...

Ektropia -

Trichiasis ... Lippitudo ... Hordeolum -

Mucocele - - -

Staphyloma (including 2 of the sclerotica)

Nebulte ...

Onyx .... Glaucoma *

Iritis - Cataracts -

Amaurosis - - -

Night blindness Muscat* Volitantes - Complete loss of one eye — of both eyes

Tumor of the conjunctiva

.'hi Preternatural and diseased -10 growths :

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I Tumors, Cutaneous - I 2G — Sarcomatous 10

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Elephantiasis 4

Various - - - 4(j

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Curvature of spine - 1

Dislocations — of femur on dorsum illii, 1, — of astra- galus, 1 - - - 2

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Congenital defects and injuries: Dumbness 5

Hare-lip 12

Nevus materna, horribly affecting the expression

and form of countenance, 1

No. 30. July 12lh. Cataracts. Osteo-medullary-sarcoma, and nasal polypus. Woo Iloo, aged 41, a semstress of the village Pih- shan, was grievously afflicted with this singular complication of disea- ses. The nucleus of the malady commenced, seven years since, in a small hard prominence, at the internal angle of the right eye, just under the superciliary arch, accompanied by pain in both eyes. It is now four inches and a quarter in circumference at its base, and nearly of a globular form, projecting about two inches. The eye is concealed by it; the puncta lacrymalis of the lower lid is drawn out of its place one inch and a half to the right. The base of the tumor is defined on three sides hy an osseous projection. A milky white cataract exists in the right eye, and a soft polypus completely fills the right nostril. Several times the tumor has burst, and the patient says , she has cut olf portions of the medullary fungus that pro- truded, and much hemorrhage followed. The constitution was impair- ed. Her tongue was while and bloodless. It being impossible to determine the extent of disease, — though probably it communicates with the antrum, and desceuds deep into the socket of the eye, and back to the posterior nares, — it was deemed inexpedient to attempt to remove it, notwithstanding the urgency of the patient and her relatives, and her threat, if others would not do it for her, to nprratr herself.

No. 32. July 13th. Cataracts. The history of this man’s case is introduced in his own words. “ l ing Hw antsitng, aged Go, of the

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district. Tahing, in the department Shunteen, of the province of Cheihle, has been on the civil list of this province for 39 years, and is now m expectation of the appointment of assistant magistrate. — I am at present residing in the street Teenkwan, within the city of Canton. On the 1 9th I embarked, and early on the 22d arrived at Macao, and I now earnstly beseech the D >otor to heal my blindness. In the 15th year of Taoukwang (1835), and the seventh month, my right eye be- came diseased, and at this time I am unable to see light. In the second month of the present year 1 was grievously afflicted, by carelessly taking cold. Under medical treatment my disease ceased, but after- wards the eye became daily more and more blind, and now only a glimmering of light remains. I earnestly entreat the Doctor to heal me; iny gratitude will then be boundless.”

The gentleman had Cataracts completely formed in both eyes, and upon the cornea of the right eye was a slight nebula. The cataracts were depressed in both eyes. No inflammation followed in either, the lens in the left eye partially arose, and, a fortnight from the first operation, was re-depressed with success. At the expiration of three weeks the patient was told he might return to his family whenever he chose. He wished to remain longer, and it was not till the first of September that he left. Previous to his return, he dined with me in European style, after which he was delighted to see the ships in the harbor from the terrace and pointed out the elevations on the oppo- site side of the inner harbor, and said that “ his heart dilated with gratitude in proportion as his eyes were opened to the light.” This man was attended by a son 40 years old, and three servants. His deportment was uniformly that of a gentleman, and he was always ready to communicate intelligence, upon whatever subject interrogat- ed. Being from the vicinity of Peking, it was interesting to learn from him the customs, and to gain local information, of that part of the country, and in return to answer his numerous and intelligent inquiries respecting the nations of the west.

Since my return to Canton, he has called and reported himself in excellent health. He informed me that since recovering his sight he had received a new appointment from government, and was immedi- ately to go to the part of the province in which he was to enter upon the discharge of the duties of his new olfice, rejoicing in a second youth. His case is mentioned, not for any thing worthy of especial notice in a medical light, but as an example of the advantages the hospital will afford for free intercourse with Chinese of respectability and intelligence.

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No 2-V7. Anir ^th N isal |hiIv|»iis cured l*v sulphate of zinc Hwang I .till of Macao, aged 2d, had a polypus that descended from los nostril a third of an inch, being attached to the superior turbinated bone. It just tilled the nostril, was of a soft character, and had oc- casionally bled. The sulphate of zinc in substance was applied to the polypus. The next day the patient complained of much pain and soreness. A strong solution of sulphate of zinc, one scruple to two ounces of w iter, was substituted. The next dav the sulphate of zinc in substance was again employed and the patient directed to use the solution twice daily. On the fifth day he returned and said he was cured ! The excrescence had sloughed away, except a small portion of its attachment. The same treatment was continued, and on the ninth day the whole Ind disappeared. The patient presented himself some time after, and there was no return of the disease. This is the most remarkable case of the efficacy of this mineral in nasal polypus that I have witnessed, but not the only one.

No. 341. Aug. 10th. Hypertrophy of the arm. Woo Sliing aged 27, a laborer of a village in the neighborhood of Macao, had a great enlargement of the left arm, which commenced at birth. It resembled elephantiasis of the lower extremities, except that it was confined chiefly to the muscles and integument of the inside of the aim. At the bend of the arm it was eighteen inches in circumference, and thence it gradually diminished upwards to the opposite side of the insertion of the deltoid muscle, and downwards to the wrist. A hard glandular mass appear to he attached to the hones at the elbow, dis- tinct from the general disease. The surface was excoriated and red, and there was constantly a limpid discharge. This and the weight of the tumor was the chief inconvenience. The patient was languid, tongue white and glossy, and the vital powers enervated.

Aug. 21st. In consultation with Dr. Lindsey, surgeon of II. M. ship Wellesley, and Mr. Anderson, surgeon to t he Superintendents of British Trade, it was resolved to test the efficacy of iodine, both internally and externally, and should this not succeed, as a ‘ dernier ressort’ to amputate the arm. The tincture of iodine was applied, gradually increasing the quantity from half a drachm to a drachm daily, and the arm was bandaged and suspended. Lugol’s tincture of iodine was administered internally, beginning with ten drops, three times a day, and gradually increasing the quantity to twenty drops. As the pulse was quickened and some epigastric uneasiness was pro- duced, the tincture was omitted for a few days, then resumed. Blue pill and lvxt. colocynth, was taken- occasionally, as the symptoms

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required. The arm became softer and considerably diminished, but upon omitting the Iodine and bandage for a short time, it returned to its former size. I'he same treatment was resumed and continued till the close of the hospital, when the patient was provided with the same medicines to carry home; but was told that amputation would probably be the only means of permanent cure, and whenever he was prepared for that he could coine to Canton.

No. 457. Aug. '47th. Cbaou Tihkwei, aged l year. The child was of a fair compaction, and delicate skin. Her lower extremities were covered by warty excresences, some single, others in clusters, many of them of the figure and size of a mulberry. At first hyd. cum creta 5 grains at night, and cal. mag. in the morning were ordered, and the sulphur ointment applied externally. On the 4th September a solution of nit. argent, four grains to the oz. was applied by a feather to the excresences, some of which were ulcerated. In one week the mother returned with the child, saying that the lotion was very good and desiring more. The disease was fast healing ; the same treat- ment was continued, and in about three u'eeks the little girl was well.

An unusually large number of cutaneous affections of every variety has presented.

Hare-lips. Twelve patients with this malformation have been received, and in several instances in one week from the operation the patient has been quite cured. The fortitude of these little children has been very noticeable, they appearing, often through the whole operation, almost insensible to pain.

The nevus materna, in the table of diseases, was of a dark crimson color, affecting the upper lips and extending over the nose and fore- head. His profile as viewed from the left side resembled a hog’s, the snout being large and well defined ! The man, aged 27, and also his mother, regarded it as a great mortification.

Abscess of the thigh, supervening upon fever. Hwang Yucme, aged 17, of the district of Hwuychow, a student resident at Mongha village, near Macao. About the first of September, when called to this young man, he was a mere skeleton, excepting his thighs, which were very large. He was filthy in the extreme, and large sores had been formed on the sacrum and elbows from his long confinement. Fluctuation was very distinct in both thighs. Feeling unable to be removed to the hospital he was prescribed for at his house, and the next day he reported that one of the abscesses had burst and discharged about 4 quarts of puss, and he felt much relieved. The second day i revisit- ed him and opened the abscess of the opposite side, which discharged

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an equal quantity of puss with the other. The next day lie was re- moved to the hospital on a litter, — being informed of the severity of his illness, but that everything should be done for his comfort and for his recovery, — though the latter was scarcely to be expected, lie and his father were grateful for the offer.

The daily discharge was very great Tonics were administered duiing the day, and opiates at night. The abscesses were carefully dressed once or twice daily, and bandages applied. In about four days after the bursting of the abscesses his longue and the roof of his mouth became coated with a thick yellow crust, which, after the lapse of about one week, came off and left the surface quite smooth and red. His pulse was still small, and quick, and ranged from 100 to 120. The father was told that a fatal crisis was last approaching, lie went to a fortune teller, who cast the horoscope. He came back delight- ed— exclaiming, he will not die now, and presenting a paper, show- ing that a man born upon the day Ins sou was would not die then. He still lingered on, the discharge becoming daily more fetid, and his body more loathsome. The day previous to his decease he seem- ed bewildered at times, cried saying his aged grandmother in his native place had been dead more than a month, and grieved that he had not been present to administer to her comfort, filial feeling being the ‘ruling passion strong in death.’ On Sabbath morning, just a fort- night from entering the hospital, his immediate release seemed certain. At 4 o'clock p m., it was manifest he could not survive many hours. He had his senses fully. He wras reminded that one could feel but little regret at leaving an old house just ready to bury its inmates in its ruins, provided a new and commodious one were presented in its stead, a comparison he full well understood, for it was a change he had experienced. He listened attentively. He was then informed that he must in a few hours experience a still greater change, but that there were mansions prepared on high, to which the Saviour (of whom he had previously heard) would welcome all that trust in him. He seemed pleased with the idea, rather than agitated at the fact that he must die so soon. I did not leave him till he breathed his last, at about 9 r. m The father w as less reconciled to the event, and when told his son was dying he could not believe it, but insisted upon giving him some “strong medicine.” His son being already unable to swallow, he was authoritatively told that he should not in- crease his sufferings by so doing In a little time his sufferings were all ended. His father then attempted to administer the strong medi- cine; but convinced by the attempt that all was over with his son,

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lie prepared a potion for himself, which he swallowed quickly, excit- ing in us the apprehension that he had taken opium. It proved how- ever to be otherwise. The body was intered in the course of the night, without much troubling the hospital.

Aneurism spontaneously cured. A girl, 16 years old, a fortnight previously to entering the hospital, received a blow from a playmate with a Chinese pillow (which is a cylindrical apparatus of bamboo), upon the left temporal artery, high on the forehead. There was at the time a flat tumor extending nearly to the ear, to the outer angle of the eye, and down upon the cheek. A fluctuation was felt, but no pulsation except a very slight one in the temporal artery, extend- ing about an inch from the wound. There was neither pain nor redness. Aware that if necessary the artery could be readily divided or taken up, a small incision was made through the integument at the most prominent point, and a small probe introduced, upon an elastic membrane, which yielded to pressure, but immediately resum- ed its place as that was removed. A lancet was introduced perpen- dicularly just sufficiently to puncture the membrane. Arterial, mixed with streaks of coagulated, blood escaped. Sponges of cold water were applied to the surface and styptics to the puncture; the hemor- rhage stopped without difficulty. Three days after this the aneurism was carefully examined, and was not a little handled. It was con- cluded on the next operation day to take up the artery, but on entering the ward early next morning, several patients exclaimed that the tumor was half gone. A very perceptible diminution had taken place, and a small hard ball, formed an elevation above the in- jury of the artery. An evaporating lotion was applied during a few days, and the swelling gradually lessened. A compress and bandage were then substituted, and in a fortnight, when the hospital was clos- ed, the whole had disappeared, except the remains of the ball, now less in size than a tamarind stone; and no inconvenience was felt.

No external ear. A third case of a Chinese without an external ear or meatus auditorius has presented. The lad was 16 years old. His hearing was good in the right ear only.

Asthma of children. The eight cases of asthma were mostly of children under 10 years, living in small boats, and from infancy ex- posed to every variety of weather.

The disappointment of patients, who came in numbers up to the dav of leaving, increased the regret felt, that no medical gentleman had arrived from England or America to continue the operations, as there had been encouragment to expect, a physician of Glasgow hav-

IKI8. ,)lt tin al Missionary Satiety. 4 III

ing been reported in private letters to be alnnit to embark from Lon- don in April. The addition and repairs to the Ophthalmic Hospital at Canton having been completed, and the period having arrived when, according to public notice previously given, it should be re- opened, it was impossible to prolong the term ai Macao, and the hos- pital was accordingly closed on the 1st of October. It is with much pleasure, however, that letters have been received, stating that a sur- geon of experience was on the point of embarking from London for China, in August last.

It is learned with much satisfaction, that the object of this Society has been favorably regarded both in England and Scotland. Sir Henry Halford, President of the London College of Physicians, in an address before the College, reported in the London Medical Ga- zette for February last, in exhibiting some of the results of successful medical practice, took occasion to allude to the operations of this Society with approbation of its principles. Among the individuals pre- sent were — * H. R. II the duke of Cambridge, the archbishop of Canterbury, the duke of Wellington, sir Robert Peel, and many dis- tinguished members of the Church, the Bar and Senate.’ The ad- dress is said to have been listened to with great attention, and to have excited general interest. What will be the result remains to be disclosed. It is occasion of gratulation that the subject has thus been commended to the attention of men who have it in their power in various ways to promote our objects, and we anticipate a result favo- rable to those objects and to the welfare of the vast population of China. — From a widely circulated Scottish Journal, it appears that our objects have also been auspiciously commended to the attention of the enlightened and philanthropic public of that country.

Arp. IV. First annual report of the Medical Missionary Society in China, rtad at a public meeting, in the llall of the. Gene- ral Chamber of Commerce, Canton, Nov. 20th, 1S3S.

Litti.f. more than half a year having elapsed since the ‘suggestions,’ first published in 18B6, were fully acted upon in the formation of this Society, your committee, in this their first report, have but few re- marks to offer. From the great interest taken in the objects of the

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Medical Missionary Society.

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Society, both by those resident here and by passing strangers, as evinced by the pecuniary support afforded, and by the frequent visits paid to the hospitals, they feel assured, however, that in future re- ports there will be no want either of topics for reflection or themes for rejoicing and thankfulness.

In compliance with the request of the Society, made to Dr. Parker at its last meeting, the House at Macao, recently purchased for a Hospital, was opened to patients during the past summer, and remain- ed open from the nth of July to the 1st of October. In the interim the Hospital House at Canton was thoroughly repaired, and three new rooms were added, by which the means of affording accommo- dation to in-door patients have been greatly increased. These repairs and alterations having been completed, and the time which had been named to the patients in Canton for Dr. Parker’s return being elapsed, it became necessary to close, for a season, the Hospital at Macao. Hopes had been entertained that the arrival of a physici- an from England or America would have averted this necessity. Though these anticipations have been disappointed, your committee nevertheless have cause to believe, that the means of re-opening the Hospital at Macao will shortly be afforded. They have credible in- formation, that a medical gentleman of experience would embark from England, in August last, for this country, by way of Batavia, under the auspices of the London Missionary Society.* His arrival in China may therefore be looked for ere the close of the present, or at an early period in the coming, year.

The report of the quarterly term, during which the Hospital at Macao was open, is now in the press, and will shortly be published. The number of patients during the term was 700, which added to the number during eight quarterly terms in Canton, affords a total of more than 6000 persons, who, by the pecuniary aid of this Society, and the personal exertions of the senior Vice-president, have, with but few exceptions, received permanent relief from suffering, — while a large number of them have been restored from partial or total blind- ness to all the blessings of good and useful sight. The almost uniform success of the medical and surgical treatment at the institutions of the Society, the growing confidence of the Chinese, which is the natural result of this, their grateful sense of the benefits conferred upon them through the skill and philanthropy of foreigners, — are so many powerful encouragements to perseverance in the pursuit of the

* While the report has been passing through the press, information has been Received of that gentleman’s arrival oft' Java.

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noble objects for which we are united. And so persevering, we may look forward with confidence to the time, when, having afforded to the intelligent youth of China a good medical education, we shall no longer confine our effoita to the small circle within which our resi- dence is now circumscribed, but may be enabled first to send forth our practitioners, and ultimately perhaps to follow them ourselves, through the length and breath of the empire. It cannot be requisite to do more than merely allude to the advantages that must result from the impressions which will thus be everywhere made in our favor — advantages affecting us all alike, whether engaged in mercantile business, or in the pursuit of science, or in conveying to the ignorant and the debased, principles of knowledge, calculated to elevate, to enlighten, and to benefit both in this life and in the life to come.

Having alluded to the report of the Hospital at Macao, it may be appropriate to draw attention to two passages in the prefatory and concluding remarks that accompany it. Dr. Parker, in referring to the house, which was purchased, and put into repair by Mr. Colledge, with a direct view to its being occupied as an institution of this So- ciety, thus speaks : — “ Often has the sincerest gratitude been felt towards the benevolent members of this Society, who have procured such an asylum for the alllicted Chinese, and to the respected Presi- dent whose judgment first selected the premises, when, — walking through its capacious and numerous apartments, — I have witnessed the comfortable accommodation afforded to the inmates, to many of whom it seemed almost a palace, in comparison with the narrow cells they call their homes. The building is capable of accommodat- ing two hundred patients. It has nineteen spacious rooms on the second story, well ventilated ; and as many corresponding ones on the ground tlo^r ; a garden, and extensive compound, with three wells of water, — in the rear ; and a yard in front. The building is of brick, strongly built, and the whole of the ground (say a third of an acre) belonging to it, is surrounded by a substantial wall. It is in a healthy locality, overlooking the waters of the inner harbor, and having good access both by land and water.”

In concluding his report, Dr. Parker remarks; “ It is learned with much satisfaction that the object of this Society has been favorably regarded both in England and Scotland. Sir Henry Halford, Presi- dent of the London College of Physicians, in an address before the College reported in the London Medical Gazette for February last, in exhibiting some of the results of successful medical practice, took occasion to allude to the operations of this Society with approbation

Flora dt Filippinos.

Dec

4-2-2

of its principles. ‘Among tlie individuals present were II. R. II. the duke of Cambridge, the archbishop of Canterbury, the duke of Wel- lington, sir Robeit Peel, and many distinguished members of the Church, the Bar, and the Senate.’ The address is said to have been listened to with great attention, and to have excited general interest. What will be the result remains to be disclosed. It is occasion of gratulation that the subject has thus been commended to the atten- tion of men who have it in their power in various ways to promote it, and we anticipate with confidence a result favorable to the advance- ment of our objects, and promotive of the welfare of the vast popula- tion of China. — From a widely circulated Scottish Journal, it appears that our objects have also been auspiciously commended to the atten- tion of the enlightened and philanthropic public of that country.”

It remains only to refer to the Treasurer’s accounts, whereby it will appear, that, notwithstanding the necessarily heavy outlay, arising from the purchase and partial furnishing of the Hospital at Macao, a balance of $780.. 71, still remains to the credit of the Society. This balance will not, however, be sufficient to meet the current expendi- ture of the Hospital in Canton alone. And our hope being, speedily to resume operations at Macao (the Hospital in which place must ultimately, from the difference of situation and extent of premises, afford the best school for the medical education of young Chinese), as well as to continue and extend our operations in Canton, — the aid of a benevolent public is looked to for the requisite means. The in- creasing interest taken in our objects affords sufficient assurance that an appeal to that public will not be made in vain.

Art. V. Flora dc Filippinos. Segun In sistema seiual de Lin- nea, por el P. Fr. Manuel Blanco. Aug ust i no calzado No. 37 pp. 887. Reviewed by G. T. Lav, esq.

The preface of P. Fr. M. Blanco, a short and ingenuous occount of the author’s plan, the discouragements he met with, &.c., shall serve as an introduction to my own remarks. He says:

“ It was never my intention to form a Flora worthy of the public eye. Under the impulse of mere curiosity I went on describing what appeared to me interesting, and the instance of some friends, who had notice of mv

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lultoni, ui length led to tins step, the publication of the fruits of my inves-

tigations. With ui I the augmentations ami corrections, which my circum- stances have permitted, my work must come far short ot perfection: it will, however, servo to give some idea of the immense botanical richness of this most fertile and umene country, as well as stimulate others to take up and prosecute the suuie line of labor. That my august sovereign should have deigned to encourage me to publish, has ut the same time vanquished my repugnance and covered me with confusion.

•• The Flora of the Philippine Islands should have been undertaken bv a professed Liotamst, whose work could have been submitted to an enlightened public as meriting their entire confidence. As for myself, I had neither masters, nor herbarium, nor scarce a book, when I was first attracted to this delightful study. The Systema Vegetabilium of Linmeus was for may years niv only guide, to which 1 was at length able to add, the Genera Pl&ntanim of Jussieu, and some other botanical instruction. My own case has not been a singular one ; for it is in fact attributable to the great scarcity of books and cost of publishing, and not to sloth or indifference, and more than all to the extreme stupidity of the natives, that the lovers of this study have hitherto made so little progress, in these islands. Nevertheless, there actually exists an amount of inedited manuscript, on various subjects, both in Spanish and in the numerous and difficult dialects of these islands, far beyond the conception of strangers. For instance, there have been as many as 40 grammars of the Tagalog (the dialect spoken around Manila), as well as many copious voca- bularies. and a quantity of devotional compositions. In other dialects, much has also been w ritten ; and l doubt if there be one, which has not its gram- mar, vocubularv, and helps to devotion.

“But to confine myself to the subject of natural history, the labors of the 1*1*. Clam, Delgado, Mercado, and !Sta. Maria, in this department, entitle them to the most last ng gratitude. The first of these, a Jesuit, after having com- posed some admirable devotional works in Tagalog, published a Manual of medicine, which, with some modifications and the substitution of Spanish for native names, would be a useful work even in the peninsula.

“ The P. Juan Delgado, a Jesuit also, and a man of singular talent, wrote a voluminous work, still unpublished, on the government and natural history of the islands.

•* The P. Ignacio de Mercado prepared a most useful volume in 4to. on the virtues ofmauy of the plants of the island, illustrated by beautiful drawings, of which unhappily only some fragments can now be found. The curious work of the F. Fernando de Sta. Maria, an indefatigable investigator of the vegetable kingdom, is still m general use and estimation. Had these students of naturCj and others whose names might be given, been in possession of proper helps, and fallen on happier times, u ■ should now want no further instruction in the treasures of the vegetable kingdom of the Philippines.

“ It must not, however, be inferred that the royal patronage has been with- held from all such investigations. I well remember to have seen, among the

424

Flora de Filip pin as.

Dec.

MSS. of the Augustine Library (at Manila), a royal order of very old date, for the collection of the shells of these seas ; and at a later period, the begin- ning of this century, the learned Botanist Dr. Antonio Pineda, was sent out by the king, but died in the midst of his labors. To these evidences must be added the very useful observations of Don Luis Nee, and others, on the plants of the Archipelago.

“ As to the work now offered to the student, it must be said, that great care has been taken to verify the native names; but entire certainty on this point, so important as a guide to the knowledge of their virtues possessed by the natives themselves, cannot be secured, from the facility with which they exchange and confound them. For this reason I have, as often as possible, marked the place where the plant is found, as well as the name there given it. So great however is the sloth of the Indian in these matters, that whoever pursues them must prepare himself for innumerable annoyances, nor will he seldom find himself compelled to yield entirely to insuperable difficulties in the way of obtaining specimens. The effort to obtain them is by a great majority regarded with wonder, and by not a few with utter disdain. A thousand times, have I been disgusted with these oppositions, and have passed whole years while my botanical studies have been suspended.

“ The short vocubulary of the science prefixed to this work, is of course a mere compilation for the use of students in a country where helps of this kind are hardly obtainable. It will be understood, that the place and time of flowering assigned to any plants, indicate only the particular cases I have myself met with.

“ After the botanical description of each plant, I have added all that I have been able to collect as to its medicinal and practical uses, not only in order to lead to their more general appreciation, but also because this information, though unnecessary perhaps in other countries, is here by no means imper- tinent.”

The execution of this work is highly creditable to the care and industry of the author, who seems to have spent, during several years, his hours of leisure and recreation in collecting materials for it. It would be well if the missionaries on the Protestant side of the ques- tion were to devote some spare moments to a systematic study of nature, and the laying by of some of her more curious productions for the improvement of others. The mind would be expanded by such a converse, the spirits would kindle afresh, the countenance would bloom again with the glow of health, and the whole outward and inward man would be advantaged by it.

The author follows the sexual system of Linnaeus, and arranges his plants in classes and orders by a reference to the number and situation of the parts immediately concerned in fecundation. He seems no stranger, however, to natural affinities; but as the orders

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rounded upon llic consideration oftlicm require more botanical team- ini' and experience than fall to the lot of most students, he has pre- ferred the arithmetic of the Swede to the geometry of the French- man. The one regards a plant as to the number and situation of the parts more obvious to the human eye; the other looks at the in- terna) structure of the seed and its investments, ns the starting point for characteristics, but neglects not a contemplation of the leaves ami all the more showy parts of the plant. For nature has not al- ways stamped her diagnosis upon the same part in every plant, but has varied its position to break up the sameness of uniformity ami to quicken our researches. The Creator distributed plants according to the nature of their seed, and therefore the natural system is com- mended to us under the highest kind of warranty. Moses, taught of God, knew, what was always a secret to herbalists till within a cen- tury, that the distinguishing features for grouping plants into assort- ments should be sought for in the seed. “ Herb seeding seed after its kind,” in the original, or as it is praraphrased in the Greek, K xrx yf»os kxi ‘according to the genus and affinity is a summation

of the principal objects that engage the mind of a scientific follower of nature. Small discoveries are sometimes ushered in, like Agrippa, to try Paul, furx sroAAr? ipxtTx-ixf , ‘with great |>ouip,’ but it is the manner of the sacred Scriptures to tell us very great truths with very great plainness. The author of the work before us has given a very faithful account of many plants found in the Philippines, with no freer use of technical terms than was absolutely necessary for the accuracy of description, lie has added the native names and set down the uses as understood by the islanders, and has thus deserved the thanks of every friend of this engaging study. No botanist visiting the islands should be without a copv of it ; and every visitor, who takes a delight in the works of nature, should treat it as a manual, for the provincial names are given in an index, so that he has only to learn the common appellative from some native and then refer to his book for its systematic name, botanical character, uses, &.c. We shall draw a few observations from it, and mingle them with the results of our own experience, that this article may prove instructive to the ge- neral reader.

Diospyros, or Persimmon, or Date Plum. Our author describes four species of this genus, which, as they go by native names, we may presume to be indigenous in these islands. The most common term in the Tagala is Tatung. During the mtumnal months they are very abundant in the Chinese markets, and at M icao are hawked

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VOL. VII. NO. Mil.

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Flora dr Filippinos.

Dec.

about the streets by costermongers under the call of Icnlci, the name for one species in the Japanese language. In the Philippines the fruit of the Diospyros kaki is very large, round, and covered with a fine down. Its smooth spherical contour, its pulpy texture, its dilute red color, and the loose calyx that adheres to the base, will at once distinguish this fruit from all others. It belongs to the same family as the ebony, and like that tree furnishes a very hard wood, which it would seem was in former times much used in China, for carving and writing, before the invention of paper. The wood is at first red, but by drying turns black. The leaves of most of the species are said to be somewhat caustic, and serve to cure the tetter and other kinds of cutaneous disorder. The fruit of one species is poisonous and has the reputation of intoxicating fish, and even of making the crocodiles suddenly leap out of the water in a fit of convulsive agony. 'I’he properties of the leaf may reside also in the fruit; in other in- stances they are dissipated by the heat and the mellowing effect of the sun, but in this they remain. Wholesome berries sometimes grow on the most poisonous trees, as is the case with the yno tree ; and the most nauseous tasted plants will sometimes secrete the sweet- est honey, as in some species of Lobelia.

Morinda Citrifolia. This is the tinctoria of modern writers, for in India the Citrifolia is cultivated for the sake of its fruit, and has a leaf that differs somewhat from the former. It may, however, turn out by a mutual comparison of the specimens from different places, that the species, as they now stand, are merely varieties of one. The fruit of the Philippine tree is said to have bad odor, so that no animal will eat it. We have seen the tree many times in the islands of the Pacific ocean, in Singapore, and other places of the Straits, where it is not unfrequent, especially in spots in which the soil is moist and rich. The fruit is about the size and shape of an hen’s egg, but of an irregular contour. The smell resembles that of a rancid cheese, and the flavor is very near akin to the perfume. The Durian has the odor of rotten onions, the Morinda of decayed cheese, and yet the former is eaten with the most bewitching fondness by many foreigners, anti the latter is devoured with a happy acquies- cence by the natives of the Archipelago. “There is no accounting for taste” is a trite apothegm, and in despite of this grave saw we know that habit and early acquaintance will reconcile us to almost anything, in virtue of a principle implanted in the human constitu- tion hv the Creator. It has been so ordained that the coarser enter- tainments of nature's board shall find enters, as well as her daintier

IS38.

Flora dt Filippinos.

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and more enticing morsels. “ Filthy smell,” said the writer, as he threw away the fruit of the Morinda, without staying to gratify a bo- tanical curiosity by inspection; “very good” replied a native, who was chewing a large mass of the same with every mark of satisfac- tion. . This is merely a specimen of the verv common difference between a stranger and a home-born nursling of the same soil in which the tree grows.

The leaves of this tree are large, oblong, and very smooth, with a very short footstalk. They stand opposite to each other, and have a minute leaf or scale on each side ot the joint, from which they pro- ceed. This, though a small, is a very important, feature, and at once leads the system itic student to the family, whereof this or any shrub or plant, with the same character, is a member. The flowers are white and stand upon a thick fleshy head or knop, which ripening and enlargment turns to the fruit in question. It is curious to ob- serve the enchaining of dialects in the names of this tree. In the Malay is is called Bangkuda, which is the same, with slightlv differ- ent orthography, and perhaps a less guttural sound, in the Tagala Bankuila. Again we have among several other names of this tree, in the same language, nino, which is the name for it in the Society islands. This tree then becomes a kind of philological curiositv, and reminds us that the inhabitants of the islands, belling the earth about the equator, resemble each other in vocal sounds, as they do in the shape of their head and the lineaments of their face.

The red dye is obtained from the root by the following easy pro- cess. The women select trees, which grow at some distance from the sea shore, cut away their roots, and pull off the bark. This they wash in water, to cleanse away the dirt that adheres to the pieces, and then leave them to dry in the sun. When, by having parted with their sap, they are become crisp and brittle, the same careful house- wives pound them in a morter, and then pass the finer parts of the pow- der through a sieve, and return what is left into the morter, to be bea- ten a fresh, till the whole is reduced to a fine powder. A dye is then prepared by burning the sterculia, or a species of euphorbia, collected also at a good distance from the sea, for when these shrubs grow near the strand, their salt has more the nature of Barilla, and in conse- quence is less fit for the object required. The powder is put into this ley, and allowed to remain for a night. In tf5e morning the liquor is still clear, and is decanted off into a wide vessel. A quantity of an oil, called the oil of ajanjoli. is poured upon it by little and little, till the liquor assumes the color and consistence of milk. If clothes,

4-28

Flora <1< I'ilijipinas.

Dec.

especially those of cotton, are dipped into and rolled in this milky preparation, they take the red dye in a most permanent manner.

Polyscias digitata. The Polyscias belongs to the same family as the ivy and the plant that yields the ginseng. All its menbers are distinguished, at first sight, by their inflorescence, or mode of flower- ing, which is in what hot mists c til an umbel. In this all the little stalks that bear one flower each proceed from a single point, and the flowers collectively form an even surface. Of this the ivy is a very good example in the west, and here in China one or two of the arali- as that grow in the thickets and hedges will furnish an illustration. The members of this family are generally shrubs, that produce many clusters of berries, which have with the rest of the plant a strong resinous, but not a disagreeable, taste. In the shrub, mentioned at the head of this paragraph, the leaves are in divisions that spread like the rays of a fan, and are said to be digitate or fingered. The berries are round, and are crowned with the remnants of some parts of the Ho ver. The number of central points or styles is about four, which correspond to the number of cells within the berry. The Ta- gala name is Tagima.

Polyscias odorata. This species, like its kindred shrub the ivy, embraces the trunks of trees with a stem, that is roughened by points. The leaves are in five divisions, and are cleft at the base so as to embrace the stem. The umbels contain numerous flowers set in many lesser umbels, each one having several small scales at the point, from which the flowerstalks diverge. This reminds us of the umbelliferous family composed of the p irsley, coriander, and many other similar plants, where we usually find a few small leaflets at the paint of divergence, which is called the involucre. In the mode of flowering there is a very strong resemblance between the two fami- lies, the araliacem, now' under consideration, and the umbelliferm; but the former are shrubs, and bear berries, with two or more cells; the latter are always herbs, and produce a fruit, that is dry and may be split with ease into two corresponding halves. In sensible properties there is a similarity in the resinous smell. The shrub before us has a stem, about, in thickness, three inches, and is well known to the Indians under the name of lima lima, in allusion probably to the five divisions of the leaf, which resemble the five fingers upon the hand ; for in the Malay, and the Hawaiian, lima means five, a word that ori- ginally denoted the hand, the first swan ptcan, or calculating table, that was used in palpable arithmetic. A decoction of the leaves is used by the natives to cure the itch ; the method of applying it is to pour

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(lie 1 i>|iior upon the body with a small cup This makes the eruption break out with new vigor lor a tune, but it soon after disappears.

A non a reticulata. ’I'liis is called, in the Tagala language, anonas front the Malay nona, a word that lias been applied to the custard apple tril>e, and by extension to all the different genera, that belong to the family of which it has become the type ami representative. The germens that stand in a collected head, which we call fruit, are so affected by lateral pressure that the lines tint part them resemble the meshes of a net, and have given rise to the specific name of n- ticulutu. This fruit is not eaten as a dainty, but is said to be an admirable remedy in the diarrhea and other disorders of the primie via:. The fruit is gathered before it is ripe, dried in the sun, and then reduced to powder, to be administered with some mild altera- tive, and probably owes its effects to its warm and astringent nature; as we know that the seeds of several kinds of Uvaria, which belongs to the same family, are aromatic, and are of good use in drying up irregular secretions. It may seem a question whether tins shrub be a native of the Archipelago, which might be answered by consider- ing, whether it be ever found beyond the traces of m in’s habitation. For though many shrubs and plants brought from the continent of America succeed here, as well as they do in their native regions, steal out of gardens, and grow without human culture, yet they do not extend to the hills and more retired parts of the country, but seem to delight in the neighborhood of those spots where they were first planted. This is the case with the Jatropha curcas, which is found on almost all the islands and shores in this part of the world, and yet we many times examined its situation, and found, that it stood hard by a spot formerly marked out for cultivation, and not (infrequently that two or more individuals were ranged in a line, as if had been for- merly employed as a fence. The reticulata was brought at an early period, from the West Indies, and obtained from the Malays the name of btiah nona or the lady fruit. The a, at the beginning, the Malays omit or use in many of their words at pleasure.

The custard apple, Anona squamosa, is cultivated in the Philippines as in China, and it is reckoned one of their largest and best kinds of fruit. There it is called pates or atrs, which is perhaps a word of extraneous origin, as we do not find anything like it in the a voca- bulary of the Tagala language. We saw it in the gardens at Macas- sar, where it went by the M day name of Serikaya, — a term that seems to be compounded of sen, denoting in Sanscrit the gloss and bloom of a healthy countenance, and from thence happiness in gene-

Flora dt Fillipinas.

Dec.

43U

ral, and kaya a tree. An epithet that is very appropriate, for the young leaves, just undoubling and spreading out at the end of the branch, are of a soft and subdued red color, which may serve to jus- tify the first sense of srri, and the fruit is not a little remarkable for its delicious nature, which would account for the bounty and happi- ness implied in the second. As the fruit goes on to dry with great rapidity as soon as the process of ripening is complete, it is important to gather it at this precise point of time. The mode of budding, to which we have alluded, is not peculiar, neither in the color, nor the manner in which each leaf is at first doubled upon itself, but is ex- tended to other species, and may be regarded in some sort as a fami- ly mark.

Our author describes several species of Unona, another genus of the same family, all of which have native names as they are indigeuous in the islands, and are remarkable for the fragrance of their flowers. Among them is the Unona odoratissima or the alangilan, which is a very fine tree, and bears leaves that are nearly half a foot in length. The odor of the flowers has such an effect upon the nervous system, that a small posy of them cannot be allowed to remain in a room all niwht, without occasioning a v iolent head ache in some of the inmates. While living in the Sandwich Islands, the writer awaked one morning with some of the horrible sensations felt by those that have taken poison, but suspecting the cause he threw up the window-sashes, and cast out with most industrious haste all the flowery honors, with which his servant had taken the pains to decorate the walls the day pre- vious. The shrub was of a very different kind from the alangilan , but it had a still more powerful effect, though it ceased soon after the exciting cause was removed. The Unona is not more engaging for its beauties, than curious in conformation of its fruit. This consists in a cluster or tuft of necklaces or beaded threads, for each of the cells or carpels is elongated so much that it resembles in nature and appearance the pod of some leguminous or pulse bearing plant. A sample of this may be seen in the Unona sinensis, found in the grove beyond Mongha (in Macao), which is a beautiful shrub with a pointed yellow flower suspended by a delicate stalk, succeeded by a most elegant bunch of beaded carpels.

Ficus laccifera. This kind of fig tree is called Lagnob by the na- tives, and is chiefly confined to the islands of Cebu and Negroes. The fruit is of a roundish form, as in most instances with which we are acquainted, and is diversified by a number of small ribs, that radiate from the opening in the top, as the li.ics of longitude do from |

/'lorn i/i I'llippiiius

4:11

I

ili<‘ |K)lr of a -phere. It seem- in In? a secret to all l»iit botani-ts, dial tin- fruit 1- liui a development of the general receptacle, ami contains within it a ninneroiis crop of little flowers, which hlooni and rij»«*!i their seeds in a sort of dark and gloomy sequestration. This may he seen bv cutting a tig, just plucked in a recent state from the tree, from the top to bottom, and laying one of the sections under a good magnifier.

The author lays great emphasis upon the value of this tree, Ltgnob, because it is the resort of the Lac insect. It is about the size of the cochineal insect, and of a beautiful red. The head is furnished with a small pair of horns or antennae, and the body is very slender. It belongs to the Hemipterous order of insects, or such as have their wings covered by cases that are imperfect either in size or structure, and to the genus corrus of Linmeus. The insect invests the bark of this fig tree w ith a peculiar varnish, in order to form a point of attach- ment for the female, and a nest for her young. The parent dies in the act of laying her eggs, and it is so contrived, that her body be- comes the cradle of her future offspring, as it contains the eggs till they are hatched in a kind of shell. The lac is spread in patches of one or two inches in breadth, and two or three lines in depth. The w hole surface is pitted by cells like the comb of the bee. In each one of these a mother is entombed with her brood, and is shut in by a door of the same resinous substance. The interior or the cell is filled with a rosy colored honey, laid up for the nourishment of the voting from the time they are hatched till the cell is opened, and they burst forth in a host of tiny creatures.

The lac when analyzed was found to contain a vegetable resin, a peculiar principle or Laccin, gluten, and an acid that bears the name of the insect, w ith coloring matter. The resin and the gluten, which resembles that obtained from wheat meal, are derived from the tree, on which the lac is found, and are drawn from it by the punctures made by the female, w hich like many hemipterous insects is provided with a beak for that purpose. The coloring matter is from the bodv of the insect, and shows its relationship with the cochineal, which we know is one mass of dye as sold in commerce. Three different kinds of lac were analyzed bv Hatchett, stick-lac, seed-lac, and shell-lac, and were found to contain different proportions of the ingredient just mentioned. It would be interesting to have a set of experiments made upon the various sorts of lac, w ith a reference to the kinds of tree from which they were taken, for as the juices are different, we may e.\|>ecl a corresponding variety. The various members of the

43J

l'lora ih Filippinos.

Dec.

tig kind yield a resin, and this is the reason why the insect prefers some of them, as a qn irry for material and a foundation for its shin- ing edifices.

Coix lacryma, or Job’s tears. This is called Tigbi in the Tagala language, and grows upon the margins of swamps and watery places in the Philippines, as it does in China The distinguishing feature of this grass is a hollow bead at the base of the spike, which the author very appropriately calls a receptacle. The common term, “ossified calix” is by no means happy, either in a systematic sense or the latitude of popular description. This bead is hard and polish- ed, and is for that reason gathered by the natives of the Philippines and strung for necklaces and similar ornaments. It contains a fer- tile or seed bearing floweret, and the unfinished rudiments of one or two more. The chaffy husks that invest the seed are four in number, and are of a delicate filmy texture, which suits very well with their retired lodging in the polished bead like receptacle. The seed is surmounted, as usual in grasses, by two feathery threads, which are of a deep red, and emerge from a hole in the top of the bead to be displayed upon its shining surface. From the same aperture issue, a short spike of barren florets, which have each of them two pairs of chaffy husks, the inner of a thin filmy consistence. The anthers or little knobs upon the three threads in each are yellow, and have their cells of unequal length. It attains the height of six feet in the Phi- lippines, which is higher than we commonly find it in this part of China, which may be owing to the barren nature of the subsoil, as it delights in a rich loamy earth. It attracts the eye by the abun- dance of herbage, the leaves being broad and long, and grow closely together. The Chinese, in parts of Lu^onia, gather the seeds and prepare a kind of flour, which is said to be very excellent for conva- lescents and persons in delicate health.

Calius lactescens. This genus belongs, we presume, to the same family as the mulberry, hemp, fig, Bread-fruit, &c. The calius is the latinized form of calios, its appellative in the Tagala language. The stamens, or the four small threads crowned by aglets, unbend themselves with an elastic spring, se desarrolnran clasticame.ntr , as in many others of the same family. The fruit is covered by the natural cup, and contains a small nut, that is eaten by boys. The tree is about twenty-four feet high with the branches so interlacing and mutually adherent, that you may give the top any figure you please. In this respect it shews its relation to the fig, of which many species clasp hold of any object they meet with, so that the writer of this

1838.

Flora (It Filii>i>in(is.

|:«

article has .seen the trunks sometimes cleaving to the sides ol a rock, or embracing another tree so as to emulate the Siamese twins. 1 1 two branches happen to cross eaclt other they are said to inosculate, and form a point of junction. From this circumstance we get now and then a puzzling and contradictory mode of growth. We have a specimen, for example, in which a branch seems to produce two other branches much larger than itself. The smaller branch, in climbing up the side of a rock, met the larger crossing its path, and uniting with it made, by its inferior position, the two ends of the other to ap- pear as springing from itself. When fodder is scarce, the islanders give the leaves, which are rough and of a lance-shape, to their buf- faloes. The wood is white and serves for no purpose while young, lint the heart is said to turn to stone in the dead tree, that is, it be- comes hard enough to strike liie with steel. It is variegated with black spots, and would present a beautiful surface with a good polish. The bark when pounded, and mixed with the juice, is said to be a prophylactic against the bites of serpents and the stings of veno- mous insects.

Cariota onusta. A beautiful palm, called Cavong by the islanders. It belongs to a genus that is distinguished by a bunch of flowers, which ranged on fine strings depend in graceful length from the top of the tree. These clusters of flowers arc succeeded by long neck- laces of betries, which are beautiful to the eye, but are not safe to the touch. If the seeds are put into water and allowed to remain till they are rotten, the liquor becomes so caustic as to create an intole- rable smarting whenever it falls upon the body. It is said that the Indians defend themselves with this against the assaults of pirates and robbers. It is a pity that raja Muda, and other sleek looking thieves, who kidnap women and young men to fill the harems and swell the trains of the pangerans at Bruui, do not get a dose of this self same juice every time they make a descent upon the poor Philip- pine islanders. A sweet drink is obtained by cutting the bud that contains the nascent flowers, which is called by the same name, tuba, as that which is produced by the cocoa-nut palm. After the indurat- ed or outer part of the trunk Ins been removed, (for palms have no hark as the growth goes forward within,) the softer portion is cut up, and beaten in a canoe with water, in order to separate the cellular fVom the fibrous tissue. In the Nibong palm, or Cariota urens, much used for building among the Malays, we find the trunk consists of two substances, one in long threads, which in the old tree are easily parted asunder, and the other in a soft spongy pith, which unites

55

VOL. VII. NO. VIII.

434

Flora dr. Filippinos.

Dec.

these fibres to one another. This pith-like, or cellular, substance is similar to that obtained from the Cavong, and by comparison may serve to explain its nature and situation in that tree. The Sagu is of the same origin in its proper palm, and has its representatives in the Cavong of the Philippines, though the latter is said to be of a very inferior sort, and only resorted to by people who regard the labor of dressing the ground as the greatest of all moral evils.

The ripe seeds are said to be fatal to dogs, and an infusion of them is sometimes used to intoxicate fish. A sort of Palypodium grows upon this palm, which is of the greatest efficacy in some pul- monary complaints, and therefore confers a new value upon it, for though that plant be found upon other trees, the parasite of the Ca- vong excells all the rest.

Menisperinum cocculus, called in the Tagala, and some other dialects in the Philippines, Lactang. The genus Menisperinum has given its name to a family of plants and shrubs, remarkable for their climbing habits, and the intensely bitter taste of their juices. The Petro, or Ratna wali, a shrub with heart-shaped leaves and a twin- ing stem full of little protuberances, well known in the Straits, and the islands of the Archipelago, belongs to this family, under the name of the Cocculus crispus. A solution of epsom salt was given by the writer of this article to a pangeran in Borneo Proper, who as he sip- ped the mixture, as if it had been some pleasant drink, was asked if he found it bitter; sedildt sedikit, very slightly he replied ; after the bitters of Bruni this is hardly disagreeable. He alluded to some of this family among others, for we saw the shrub just referred to while staying at the palace of the sultan.

The Menisperinum cocculus is used in the Philippines for obstruc- tions, remittent fevers, and dropsical disorders in their early stages. It would seem that the juices of the plant when taken in this way permeate the body of the patient, and issue forth by the pores of the skin, for the perspiration is yellow. This juice is in all likelihood a peculiar secretion and gives a yellow tinge to the woody stein, which is about the thickness of a man’s arm.

The natives destroy the caimans by putting the fruit into the en- trails of a dead animal and throwing them into the water, for these voracious creatures will eagerly devour their own bane, as they swal- low their food without chewing, like lizards and serpents in general. The natives rub the seeds with the crabs they find about the strands and throw the pieces into the sea, as they stand upon the margin of the shore. In about twenty minutes the fish, that have eaten the

IKH

/'lorn (h /\li)iftlnas.

4:to

bait thus* prepared fur them, are seen near the surface of the water either dead or dying. When they have eaten much the intestines hurst and the eyes start from the head, as our author lias often wit- nessed himself. This seems to show that the drug must have a violent effect upon the nervous system, when such a spasmodic action is pro- duced, that the inwards are rent and the eyes spring trom their sockets. This view is supported by trials with the cocculus from the Levant upon dogs. Three or four grains of the powdered nut were given to the animals, which died in half an hour in the most frightful convulsions. When the stomach was examined no traces of indam atiou could be discovered upon any of the tissues, so that its whole force must have been exerted upon the nervous system. The cocculus was analyzed by Boullay, and found to contain, among other sub- stances, a hitter principle of a peculiar sort, which he called Picroto- xine. To this the poisonous effects were attributed.

Menispertnum rimosum. Macabukai. The leaves of this are also heart-shaped, but they have near their base a number of little glands upon the upper surface, with corresponding cracks and crevices be- low. This comes very near in description to the cocculus lacunosus found upon the rock near the shore in the Celebes and the Spice Is- lands. The Spaniards, as well as the Indians, set a great value upon this plant, as they allow it contains many excellent qualities and is of great efficacy in many disorders. Pills formerly prepared from the juice are affirmed by Juan Delgado to have answered tlie particular purpose better than those made of aloes. A piece of the wood in de- coction may be used in intermittents instead of the Quina or Peruvi- an bark. It is said to cure the scroiuia and every kind of edematous tumor. The same kind of preparation is applied warm to the s arnn or itch, and herpetic disorders of the skin with good effect. The ex- pressed juice mixed with wine is salutary to persons bitten by ser- pents, who do not perceive the bitter taste till they ate out of danger, so that the first good omen of recovery is the unpleasant savour of the medicine. The term Macabukai implies life-giving, and alludes to a property of the stem, which, when cut off from the stock and even hung up by a wall in a room, will continue to grow and throw out branches as if nothing strange had happened. This is a piece of nature’s foresight, for the stem is apt in climbing up trees, to be se- vered by some accident at the bottom which may take place without injury to the plant, for the top will flourish while its stem hangs pen- dant from some tall tree, as we have ourselves seen in other instances of the same family.

436 Flora de Filippinas. Dkc.

Cissampelos Pareira. Calacalamayan. The common or officinal name of this plant is parrira bravo , or wild wine, from its climbing habits and the cluster of small berries that adorn the fertile plant. The leaves are peltate, that is, they have the leaf-stalk set some distance within the edge of the leaf, so as to resemble some kinds of target, that were carried by a small handle in the centre instead of a brace. It is of great service in the bites of venomous reptiles, which in the tropics of both east and west has rendered it famous among the natives. In the Philippines the Indians chew or pound the leaf and lay it upon the wound, and at the same time give the patient a few cups of a decoction made fron the root. When analy- zed it is found to contain a bitter principle, of a yellow color ; in this resides perhaps the particular virtue of the plant. But it does not seem to be very clear in what way it counteracts the effects of the poison, unless we suppose that it acts upon the nervous system in a peculiar way so as to naturalize the excitement occasioned by the deleterious matter. In some places the boys called this plant S insao, a corruption of some Chinese word for jelly, because they gather the leaves while fresh and squeeze them in water. In this way a thick and mucilaginous liquor is obtained, which by evaporation in the sun leaves a jelly, that is never eaten, and seems only to have been made in sportive imitation of one of the poor Chinaman’s f ivorite morsels.

Tremella. The productions of this family oftentimes appear first upon the suface of old wood, like a drop of jelly. Afterwards the growth takes place in different points, and they are developed into lobes and plaits of various shapes and sizes. Their consistence is nearly homogeneous, the internal and the external textures being alike simple. The buds or points of reproduction are diffused over the surface, and may be seen when the plant is far advanced in age under a good magnifier. The one refered to by our author is of a dull green or yellowish color, and covers the stones upon the sea beech in certain places like a mantle. It seems that he had often seen it without regarding it, till one day, he was very much struck at the copiousness with which it overspread and mantled all the stones within the wash and spray of the salt water, by chance his staff st uck upon one of the. specimens, which as if hurt by the blow curl- ed up and darted forth many jets of water from the pores and crevices in its substance.

Pucus Gulaman. A kind of sea weed, that grows in the pools of salt-water near the sea. The steins are long and round, elastic and

I Suspension of Truth'. 4!w

translucent, like glue ami j»*lly . ami tinged w itli a violet color They are covered with small branches, wherein the seeds or buds are imbedded. Front the short description it seems to belong to the modern genus chondria. It is described as about a font in length and two lines in thickness. The Indians art; not strangers to its value, for they wash the stems and dry them in the sun, and after this process is complete sell the result to the townsmen of Manila By decoction and the adding of sugar a very agreable jelly is prepared, which will keep any figure that the mould may have impressed upon it. In this st ile it is said to be of great use to hectic patients w hen mixed with a small quantity of the Lichen pulmonarius. In several parts of the world sea-weed, of different kinds, is reckoned among the aliments of the poor, and sometimes of those who have food in choice and plenteousness. In the Sandwich Islands several of the red colored sorts were formerly preserved in saline pickles and eaten as a relish and accompaniment to their favorite pottage, the par. We remember seeing one of the most distinguished among the chiefs eat- ing one of these with much apparent satisfaction In China a species of Rhodomela, a sea-weed of a dark red or purple color, with long stems thickly covered with short branches, is gathered at certain sea- sons of the year, and forms an item in the wide ranging bill of fare of a native. In Ireland (he Laminaria saccharina yields a sugar-like substance when dried in the sun, and in Scotland another species of the same genus is eaten under the name of Badderlocks.

Art. VI. Suspension of truth', occasioned by thr smuggling of opium, within thr Hogue, on thr river nt Whampoa, anrl into the foreign factories at Canton, with notices of public execu- tion, riot, <S'< ■, connected therewith.

Fully to understand the facts recorded in this article, it is necessa- ry to revert to the principal causes which gave them birth and cha- racter. Nearly two years ago, in consequence of severe edicts received by the local government from Peking, a large (loot of ‘ scrambling dragons,’ and other native craft, that had long been engaged in smuggling opium into Canton, was ‘annihilated.’ A short stagnation m the traffic ensued which was succeeded by the employment of

Suspension of Trade.

Dec.

438

the foreign passage boats (cutters, schooners, &.C.), in a manner and to an extent quite incredible. In the course of a few months these boats inereased in number from eight or ten to thirty or forty, — in some instances yielding to their owners thousands of dollars per week. They now nearly ceased to be employed as 1 passage-boats,’ though with only occasional interruptions they were allowed to pass the Bogue. In a few instances they were lired on and brought to ; in others they returned fire, yet escaped with impunity. Several ships also brought opium within the Bogue ; and in June last the Hospital Ship, charged with being concerned in the traffic, was, owing to the opposition of the government raised against her on that account, sold to the Chinese and broken up.

Against these modes of smuggling repeated edicts were issued, threatening heavy penalties and punishments. A few seizures were made of opium in the boats; and, on the plea of more carefully ascer- taining that the vessels had no opium on board, the time for obtaining securities for ships was extended to ten days.

In this condition affairs stood, when receutly an edict came from emperor, reprimanding the local authorities for their leniency and negligence. By this edict the authorities were exasperated ; procla- mations, seizures, and executions followed. The foreign boats conti- nued, however, to pass with impunity, until Monday afternoon, the 3d instant, when twelve small boxes, containing 203 catties, were seized, while being landed in front of the foreign factories. The fol- lowing documents refer to this seizure.

No. t.

Letter from the hong merchants, dated December 5th 1838, conveying an edict from tiie governor and lieutenant-governor, requiring the hatches of the Thomas Perkins to be closed, and that vessel, with Mr. Talbot her consignee, and Mr. Innes, to he driven out of the port.

To Mr. Talbot. Sir, We respectfully inform you that we have received from their excellencies, the governor and lieut.-governor, their honorable commands, of the following tenor :

“ An officer on the preventive service, with police and soldiers of the dis- trict having ascertained that there was a tea-boat, in the river before the Thirteen Factories, containing opium, thereupon seized two men. Lew Aying and Chin Ahe, with 12 boxes containing 203 catties of the drug. An officer having been deputed to examine them, these two men both testified, — 1 That they were hired coolies in the Elio (or Creek) factory ; that on the 1st inst., Hwang Aseiin, a merchant belonging to a broker’s shop in New China street, brought money to [lines to purchase opium ; and that Innes wrote a letter, and hid them go to Whampoa, to Talbot’s Indian ship Ke-le-yun (the

IS:{8. Sit spin nun of '/'nidi. -Pill

Thomas Perkins,) uml bring the opium.’ On examination we find that, when a foreign ship cut. r- the pori with carpi, the hong merchants are required, by law, to become security for the same, and to report her to the superintendent of customs, who, alter her examination gives permission for her being unload- ed. In the present case, the ship Thomas Perkins, was reported by the hong merchant Pimhoyqiia, of the Jinho hong, who gave his bond that she had no opium on board. Now from the proved testimony of the two coolies, it seems that the said merchant must have given his bond without having made any examination — a most irregular and mischievous procedure ! We, there- fore, have commanded him to be exposed in the pillory, and have written on the subject to the superintendent of customs. Furthermore, we find that lunes resides in the Creek factory, mid Talbot in the Kwangyuen (or Ame- rican) factory The hong merchants being owners of these factories, how is it that they have neither seen nor heard anything of such transactions, and have allowed the men to remain at pleasure ! They have acted in a most blind and stupid manner, worthy of the utmost detestation ! Dealing indul- gently with them, however, we confine ourselves to requiring the said hong merchants, in obedience to instructions they will receive from the superin- tendent of customs, immediately to seal up the hatches of the Thomas Per- kins, and to expel her, as well as limes and Talbot, within three days.”

In compliance with the preceding edict, it becomes our duty, sir, to send this letter, begging that you will act in obedience to their excellencies’ commands, and within three days leave the port; there- by you will avoid being driven out by the government, and free us from being involved in difficulties. With the hope that you will do thus, we write this letter, desiring you to examine and obey the com- mands. With our best compliments, &,c.

(Signed) Ilouqua, Mowqua, Ponkequa, Kingqua, Gouqua, Ming- qua, Saoqua, Punhoyqua, Samqua, Footoy, and Oancheong.

No. 2.

.Mr. Talbot’s firs! address to the governor.

The memorialist, an American merchant, respectfully addresses his excel- lancy, the governor, &c , for the purpose of removing a misunderstanding involving his business. A letter has been received from the hong mer- chants containing theiollowing commands. [The above is here quoted.]

On the receipt of this the memorialist was greatly astonished. During the time of his residence in Canton, he has always conducted his business in a peaceable manner, buying and selling according to the regulations. The American ship Thomas Perkins, on her recent arrival, laden with foreign rice, was consigned to him. She brought no cargo except rice ; and the master and men have carefully attended to their proper duties, in no way infringing the prohibitory regulations. With respect to opium, which is so strictly interdicted, the memorialist gave the strictest injunctions, on no ac-

440

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counl to engage in the traffic, — it being in open violation of the laws, and at- tended with disgrace. The testimony of the two coolies is utterly false — so far as it relates to the ship in question ; and if your excellency will be pleas- ed to examine the case to the bottom, he will find, that the ship is not an Indian, but an American, vessel ; that neither coolies, nor tea-boat, from Canton, have ever been to the ship to receive anything from her; and that she had not on board any cargo belonging to Mr. Innes. Nothing surely can be more unjust than that lawless men, like the two coolies, who have pre- sumed to carry contraband goods, should be allowed, by false testimony, to involve those who have no connection with this matter. If thus they are permitted to deceive, by deposing whatever they please, and such false depo- sitions are to receive your excellency’s full belief, it will be impossible for those, who conform to the laws, to enjoy any security.

The memorialist, therefore, earnestly and respectfully requests that your excellency will be pleased to direct a thorough investigation; and will have the justice to allow the ship to proceed with the discharge of cargo, and to reverse the injunction requiring departure within three days, so that he may not suffer innocently either loss or disgrace. For this purpose he presents tins memorial, begging that his request may be granted.

Canton, December 5th, 1838. (Signed) W. R. Talbot.

No. 3.

The governor’s answer to Mr. Talbot’s address.

Tang, a presiding officer of the Board of War, governor of Kwangtung and Kwangse, &c., issues these commands to the senior hong merchants, with which they are required to make themselves fully acquainted.

On the Gill instant an address was received from the American merchant Talbot, presented for the purpose of obtaining the removal of difficulties involving his business. (It here follows as above.)

This address having come before me, I have examined the case. I find, that Whampoa, on the inner river, being forbidden ground, the said foreign- er yet presumed to bring opium in thither, hoping and intending to sell it ; and that Innes, for the broker Hwang Aseen, sent two coolies to the said ship and purchased several boxes. This crafty combination in villainous conduct was a gross violation of the laws. When the two coolies, seized with the opium, were examined by an officer whom I sent for that purpose, their depositions, on this matter, were carefully taken, and corroborated be- yond a doubt. They were, in consequence, delivered over to the commis- sion of justice, to be dealt with as the law' directs; and the hong merchant, Punhoyqna, who so rashly secured the ship, w’as placed in the pillory and exposed at Whampoa, as a warning. I find too that, for the men, out of the pale of civilzation, who transgress, the celestial dynasty has ordained severe laws. But I, the governor, looking up to and imitating the profound benevo- lence of the great emperor, towards people from afar, have only required the hatches of the said ship to be closed, and, together with the said foreigners, to be driven out of the port — in great leniency forbearing to make deep in-

ISJH

III

Suspension of Trails.

to bo driven out of the port — in great leniency forbearing to make (loop in- vestigation. This was an act of favor beyond the laws. The said foreigners are fortunate in so escaping the net. Will they not, then, reform and re- prom- 1 1 themselves ! Nay, will they, on the contrary, by repeatedly talking about false evidence, endeavor to impugn my commands ! This is the per- fection of stupidity, most worthy of detestation !

It is right, therefore, to issue these clear commands, which l now send to the senior hong merchants. Let them act faithfully according to the previous edict, and seal up the hatches of the ship ; and let her, with the consignee anil Innes, be driven out of the [>ort, within the limited period. If they delay bcvoud the time, not only shall the owners of the factories, m which the said foreigners reside, be put in the pillory and punished, but the senior hong merchants will find it difficult to screen themselves from punishment.

Communicate this edict, as before, to Talbot, that he may understand and act accordingly. Let none oppose. These are the commands.

Taoukwang IStli year, 10th month, 21st day. (December 7th, 180s.)

It should be remarked here, that the whole foreign trade — so far as it regards the loading and unloading of cargo — was suspended immediately after the occurrences of the 3d instant.

It is imposssible for us to explain in what manner the testimony of the two coolies was distorted into its present shape. We have heard it said, that the tidewaiter, stationed at the place where the opium was lauded, furnished a tale, to certain of his friends in the city, ‘just like that’ which appears above, in the governor’s edict, as the evidence of Lew Aying and Chin Ahe.

On petition being made to the governor, from the hong merchants, the period of three days, for effecting the expulsion, was extended to eight. In the mean time, the following correspondence took place between the hong merchants and the Chamber of Commerce. The translations Nos. 4-8, were made by Mr. Fearon, intepreter to the Chamber : we copy them from the Canton Register of the I Ith inst.

No. 4

A respectful communication, to the honorable Chamber of Commerce.

By the ancient laws and repeated edicts from the governor, the large decked boats are prohibited coming to Canton ; copies of these edicts we, your younger brethren, have again and again sent to you, several gentlemen; but you thinking them ot no importance have cast them aside without giving the least alt mtion to them. A seizure has just n«w been made bv government, ot some opium which Innes was endeavoring to smuggle, in consequence of which a security merchant has been sentenced to the punishment of publicly wearing the cangue, and his landlords were also sentenced to a similar punish- ment, but prevailed on II. E. by their entreaties to remit it. You, gentle- VOL.V1I. NO. fill. oG

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men, have all seen or heard of this. We have established hongs for trading with you, gentlemen, in the hope of making a little money, and that all things may go on peacefully and to our mutual advantage ; but by the foreign- ers smuggling opium, we are constantly involved in trouble. Ask your- selves, gentlemen, whether in our places you could be at ease 1 There are surely some reasonable men among you. Now we have been forced to de- mand some new conditions ere opening the trade, being determined no longer to suffer for others’ misdeeds. We have resolved that, hereafter, not one large decked boat shall come up to Canton, and all small uncovered boats, whether coming from or going to Whampoa or JVlacao, shall, according to law, ap- ply at the custom-house stations for passports and examination. As the security merchants and landlords are made answerable for any smuggling of opium, &c., these conditions are absolutely necessary, and we must request you, benevolent elder brethren, to give public notice, that all gentlemen, who, on consideration, determine to accept our terms for opening the trade, must give us a signed i)ajier to that effect, when the trade shall instantly open, and we will continue to rent you our factories.

Hereafter, if any foreigners attempt to smuggle up opium or any other contraband article into the factories, we shall immediately petition the go- vernment that such may be dealt with according to law, and that the offen- ders may be turned out of our houses. If you consent to this, and give us a bond to that effect, we will continue to trade with you as usual ; but if you refuse our conditions, we truly dare not continue to trade with you or to rent you our houses. You cannot say we have given you no warning. On receipt of this letter, we must beg you all to let us know whether you accept or re- fuse our terms, that we may frame the new agreement, after which chops shall again be granted. For this we write, &c. ( Dec. 5th.)

No. 5.

A respectful communication, to the honorable Chamber of Commerce.

Seeing the large decked schooners have, latterly, in defiance of the prohi- bitions, persisted in coming to Canton in continued and quick succession, bringing up opium which is removed up into the foreign factories, by which the security merchants and landlords are involved, we, your younger brethren, requested you by letter to make known to the several foreign gentlemen the facts for their guidance, entreating them to carry on their business in a peaceful and regular way for our mutual advantage. Now on the 3d inst. the foreign merchant Innes secretly brought up some opium to Canton, which was seized by goverment on the river, in front of the Thirteen Factories, by which he has involved in punishment a security as well as his landlords, and has aroused universal indignation. We, your younger brethren, in conse- quence of the unbecoming conduct of this man, have placarded him in every direction, of which placard we send you a copy, requesting you, after perusal, to send it to the newspapers for publication, that every reasonable man may be informed of the circumstances. It is for this we write, &c. (Dec. 5th.)

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Mo. <>.

Copy ot'the placard.

By the ancient laws the large decked boats are prohibited coming to ( nn- ton, and the small open boats, which are allo.ved to come, nre obliged to apply at the custom-house stations to obtain passports and undergo a strict examin- ation. Of this wo have given repeated intimations to the several foreign lrnders for their guidance; nevertheless, latterly, the large decked boats have been arriving in constant and rapid succession, some from Macao, others from Whampoa, doubtless for the purposes of bringing up opium and smug- gling. The contraband goods, being taken up to the factories, are seized, and wo, the security merchants and landlords, nre involved in punishment. W e have frequently written (.to the foreigners) begging them not to infringe the prohibitory laws, and to carry on their business in a peaceful and regular manner. But amid the mixture of good and bad men, our warnings are ren- dered useless. On the third of this month the foreign merchant Innes, with a daring disregard of the laws, clandestinely brought opium tip to Canton in one of the boats, which was seized by government, involving in punish- ment a security, and also the landlords of his factory ; truly, such conduct merits universal indignation. He openly defies the imperial mandates, and displays the most supreme contempt for his own reputation. We decline therefore, to do any more business with him, and shall not suffer him to dwell in our houses: we accordingly placard our resolves in the- most explicit man- ner, that every reasonable man may be informed thereof, and taketimely warning. Given in consou. (No date.)

No. 7.

A respectful communication, to the honorable Chamber of Commerce.

The foreign merchant Innes, being a man who clandestinely smuggles opium into Canton, II. E. the governor has directed, by edict, that he be driven out by the 7th of this month ; and, in case of his perverse refusal to leave, we must pull down the house in which he lives, that he may have no roof above his head. Xo gentleman must give him shelter, lest he him- self become involved in trouble. We have to request that you will circulate this amongst the several foreign gentlemen, that each may know how to art.

It is for this we write, and with compliments remain, <fcc. (Dec. 5th)

No. 8.

A respectful communication, to the honorable Chamber of Commerce.

In our letter of the 5th instant (yesterday) we stated lo you, that, should Innes not leave his house before the 8th, we should pull it down. This was in consequence of an edict we received from the governor, in which he threa- tened that all of us, hong merchants, should wear the cangue unless Innes left Canton by the 8th. We were greatly alarmed at this threat, and resolved to pull down his house, that, having no place to shelter him, he might be forced to leave. We therefore invited all you gentlemen to attend at the Consoo House on the 5th to deliberate on the subject. Now, as after mutual

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deliberation you all decide that we ought not to pull the house down, we have determined not to do so. But, in consequence of Innes having clandestinely smuggled up opium, H. E. the governor has ordained that he must quit Can- ton by the 7th instant, failing which, we, the hong merchants, are to wear the cangue. However stern and severe this edict of H. E. may be, it is certain to be acted upon, and should we be obliged to wear the cnague, our reputation will be indelibly seared ; and, with tainted characters, how shall we be able to carry on trade either with native or foreign merchants 1 By the obstinate defiance of this one man, Innes, to the governor’s edicts, the whole foreign trade is involved in difficulties, the consequences of which may be truly great. We earnestly beg of you, gentlemen, to endeavor by reasonable arguments to make Innes leave Canton today, that the trade may again be put on its usual quiet footing. It is for this we write, &c. (Dec 6th.)

No. 9.

To the hong mArchants.

Gentlemen, — We now do ourselves the honor to acknowledge receipt of your various letters under date 5th and 6th December ; but before entering upon the general subject contained in them, it was imperatively necessary that we should draw attention to the threat contained in one of them of forci* bly pulling down one of the foreign factories ; we therefore verbally pointed out to you the dangerous consequences which might result from such an act ; the inviolability of our personal dwellings being a point imperatively neces- sary for the security of our persons and the property under our charge ; we have now much satisfaction in seeing, by your letter received yesterday even- ing, that you disclaim any such violent intention.

As regards the subject of your other letters, we must in the first place inform you, that Mr. Innes is not a member of the Chamber, nor have we any control or influence over his actions, even if he were. The chamber of commerce is purely a commercial body, and has no authority over persons residing in Can- ton. We have heard with deep feelings of regret, the treatment you have all experienced, and are threatened with, on account of the discovery of an attempt to smuggle opium into Canton, more especially as the severe pun- ishment already inflicted on Punhoyqua, security merchant of the Thomas Perkins, originated in an accusation entirely devoid of all fouudation. We think it, however, our duty here publicly and clearly to express our disappro- bation of acts such as are now forced upon our notice.

In reply to your request, that we as a body should give you some pledge respecting the foreign boats coming to Canton, we regret that we are unable to comply with it, — those boats belong to a variety of persons, over whom we can exercise no authority. It is however essentially necessary, that the community of Canton should have means of conveying letters, and of going backwards and forwards to and from Macao. We shall be happy to meet with you, in order to concert some plan for the purpose, so as effectually to prevent boats thus employed, from engaging in illegal transactions, and thus involving all parties in trouble. I remain, &c.

Dec. 7th. (Signed) H. 11. Lindsay, chairman Gen. Cham. Commerce-

Sii-'i/imsion of Truth .

II'.

Oil the I *2l li, about II o’clock \ m., preparations were commenc- ed, by the Chinese authorities, for the public execution of an opium dealer, in front of the foreign factories, directly before the door of the Swedish hong, near the American flag-statf. Foreigners had no notice of the intended execution, until the officer had taken up his position with a lent, a cross, and other implements, requisite for an ignominious death — to which llo Laoukiu had been sentenced. Scarcely h id the ollieer given directions for the erection of the tent, when the foreigners, getting wind of what was on foot, began to as- semble. By order of the American consul, his flag was struck. As the Chinese attempted to raise the tent, it was pushed down, trampled on, and one of the poles broken ; and the otlieer was told, in very loud accents, that he should not execute the man on that ground. The otlieer and his people, in all not more than ten or fifteen in number, were unarmed ; aud seeing the pass to which affairs had thus unex- pectedly come, they hastened away without making any resistance, taking with them their tent, poles, &.C., to a new site, in Chaouyin street, where the man was executed. In the mean time several gen- tlemen went to the hong merchants to protest, and induced the senior hong merchant to proceed into the city to use his influence, against the exhibition of such a spectacle, as that intended by the authorities w ho had ordered the execution, before the doors of their factories.

By 12 o’clock crowds of Chinese had collected, showing, however, no marks of disapprobation or ill-will towards the foreignerns, many of whom now retired to their houses, supposing the allair at end It is believed, and we think with good reason, that had all the foreigners gone to their factories when the officer went away, the unpleasant rencounters which succeeded, would have been avoided. Word, however, was given out to ‘clear the square! Not having been on the spot at the moment, we quote the testimony' of others. ‘That day’s riot was simply occasioned by the rash behavior of various indi- viduals, who struck and drove hack the Chinese crowd with sticks; had the foreigners retired to their houses immediately after the imple- ments of execution had been removed, there would not have been any disturbance.’ [Canton Register.] ‘ When rashly and unfortu- nately, some blows were given, in trying to drive back the mob, w ho then began to hoot, and some foreigners, armed with sticks, charged

Ithe multitude and drove them to some distance from the houses, tilings began to wear a more serious aspect.’ [Canton Press ] Much excitement now existed m both parties — the Chinese numbering probably eight or ten thousand, and some few foreigners were dash-

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ing pellmel) among them, beating every one that came in their way. In return for all this, vollies of brickbats and stones were hurled back, in like manner without any discrimination of persons. At this lime the scene might indeed have been ridiculous, had not the uplifting and clapping of hands and angry shouting of the populace shown that the excitement had gone too far, and that the square was not so easily to be cleared. Notwithstanding all these indications of tumult, the ‘ few,’ alluded to above, continued their rash conduct, while some few others made every endeavor to restrain them — all to no purpose. However, by half past one o’clock, the mob were left sole masters of the square. Efforts were made to quell their rage by a small party of police and by some of the hong mer- chants. Still matters grew worse and worse. The populace, believ- ing that those who had just been so fierce against them had taken refuge in the factories, and in one instance supposing that two of their own parly had been seized and dragged into one of the houses, hurled showers of stones against the doors and windows, pulling down the brick wall before one factory, and stripping to pieces the railings before three others.

Thus matters stood at three o’clock. Repeated applications to the hong merchants, and through them to the local authorities, brought no relief, till about 4 p. m,, when the magistrate of the district (Nan- hae), with three or four other officers, attended by a small body of police and soldiers, entered the square from Old China Street. As soon as his honor appeared, and„ stepping very deliberately from his sedan, had cast a look over the immense concourse, some three or four among the most active of the mob were pounced upon, the free ap- plication of the rattan and of the bamboo followed. Carefully watching to see what effect this summary treatment would have on the crowd, it was soon evident to us that the storm was over. The soldiers, about twenty in number, armed with swords and spears, took their stand in a conspicuous quarter ; and the magistrate and his friends seated themselves near the centre of the square, leaving the hong merchants and the police to disperse the crowd at their leisure. The foreigners, who had returned to the square, were assured by the ma- gistrate that all should be kept quiet during the night. At sunset the whole ground was cleared, and two of the mob were led off in chains. A guard, with lanterns, was set, and the novel scenes of the day closed.

We have been thus minute in detailing the occurrences of the day, chiefly for the purpose of showing the character of a Chinese mob.

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For a short time before the magistrate arrived, the aspect of affairs was, we confess, somewhat unpleasant — principally, however, Irom an apprehension that the magistrate would not arrive till after nightfall, and that, in the mean time, recourse would be had to fire-arms on the part of foreigners. Taking it all in all, the mob was a very order- ly one, and the riot moderate — compared with what is very often exhibited in this line on the other side of the globe. Some of the most active of the crowd, in throwing stones, wore beggarly urchins; though there is no doubt there were also many old well-practiced vil- lains among them, w ho, if they could have done it with hope of impu- nity, would have quickly ‘gutted our houses,’ and scoured the vaults as a reward for their valor. The occurrences of the day, unpleasant as they were, teach every foreigner to be ware how he exasperates the fury of the people. Fervently do we hope the local authorities will never again attempt to repeat the awful spectacle, they designed to exhibit before us this day. But that they will not, we have no assu- rance, but rather the contrary, as will be seen in the sequel. We see no prospect that the traffic in opium will be soon given up, or the ef- forts against it relaxed for any great length of time. To what new events it will give rise, time will disclose.

The occurrences of the day w ill be further explained by the follow ing address to the governor, with his reply thereto.

No 10.

Address to the governor from the Chamber of Commerce.

“ We beg leave respectfully to address your excellency on a subject of the highest importance, and which has greatly endangered the lives and pro- perty of all the foreign residents in Canton.

“ During the forenoon of the 17th day of the 10th moon, no previous inti- mation having been given, a party of mandarins and police suddenly came and commenced raising tents in the front of the foreign factories. On inquiring what was their object, we were informed by the officer in command that it was for the execution of a criminal. Foreigners have now resided in Canton for more than 100 years, and it has always been recognized and allowed that the ground between the factories and the river belonged to the houses rented by them. In former times, until the great fire in the 2d year of Taonkwang, it was surrounded and enclosed by walls. In fact it apper- tains to the factories for which we pay a yearly rent. In proof of which we beg to point out, that above and below on both sides of the river the ground in front of a hong belongs to the same and is enclosed ; as regards the Dutch and English factories this is the case, but in front of the others it Ins been kept open for mutual convenience, and to afford some place on w hich we might take exercise in peace and safety ; such an event as its being turned into a public place of execution was never heard of or contemplated.

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“ On hearing, therefore, what was to be done, we could view the matter in no other light than as a direct violation of established tenures. The minds of all foreigners were greatly excited ; they assembled in the square, and there plainly but peacefully pointed out to the officer in charge that such an occurrence could not be tolerated, and that we could not answer for the con- sequences if it were persisted in. No violence of any sort was committed, and the officers of government desisted, in their preparations, and withdrew.

“ At the same time representations of like purport were made to the hong merchants, who promised without loss of time to lay the matter before the proper authorities ; it was also pointed out to them most strongly that the square was filled with many thousands of the lower classes of the people, and that it was apprehended a disturbance might take place, unless a body of the police was immediately sent to disperse the people and prevent disorder.

“ This precaution was neglected, and though all the senior residents exert- ed themselves to prevent disturbance, yet when multitudes are assembled confusedly together, and are ignorant of each others language and customs, it is difficult, if not impossible, to prevent collision, and some trifling disputes arose. Serious affrays must now inevitably have occurred, had we not all withdrawn into our factories, on the assurance that the police should instant- ly be sent for, and from the most earnest wish to prevent I he fatal conse- quences which might have arisen from any conflict between the foreigners and the populace.

“ No efficient police was, however, sent ; and for more than two hours the square in front of our factories was in the possession of an excited and lawless multitude, many thousands in number. The walls and railings in front of our houses were pulled down and demolished, our windows were broken in with stones; at length, grown daring by impunity, they commenced with beams to batter down the gates of several factories. That of the Lungshun, or old English factory, was beaten in ; had the populace endeavor- ed to force an entrance, the inmates must, in self defence, have used fire-arms to repel them, and a scene of bloodshed and violence must have occurred, thereby involving all the high officers of government in the most serious responsibility. At this critical moment the military arrived, and the mob was dispersed.

“ We beg your excellenecy to give this matter your most serious attention ; and we also take leave to remind you that the crowd by which these outrages were committed was drawn together by the novel spectacle of a public execu- tion in a square hitherto exclusively appropriated to the uses of the foreign residents.

“ In conclusion, we respectfully request your excellency will favor us, as early as possible, with such a reply to these, our representations, as may relieve us fro::: all fear of the recurrence of similar, and even more serious, difficulties.

“ We remain, with great respect, Your &c. H. H. Lindsay.

“ Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce. (Dec. 14th)

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No II

The governor’s reply to the Chamber of Commerce.

Tang, Governor of Kwangtung, and Kwnngse, &-c., Ate., requires the senior hong merchants to render themselves fully acquainted herewith.

On the With of December, the foreign merchants Lindsay and others presented the following address. (As above.)

Upon the receipt hereof, I gave the subject my attention. Regard- ing the execution of convicted prisoners, 1 find the law directing, that they shall be led, bound, to the public market-place, and there shall undergo punishment. 1 find, too, that Conton has its appointed place lor this purpose. The object of such institutions is, that all may see, and that offenders against the laws may be warned.

In the present instance, the criminal Ho Laoukin had opened a store-house for the sale of opium, and kept a tavern for the purpose of inducing persons to buy and smoke the drug. Having been ap- prehended, he was tried, and condemned to suffer death by strangula- tion. The imperial commands for the immediate excution of the law were requested, and duly received through the medium of the Board of Punishments. I, the governor, with the lieut-governor, having taken into consideration that the penalty of death to which Ho Laoukin had subjected himself, was the result of the pernicious introduction of opium into Canton by depraved foreigners, com- manded, that the criminal should be led out to the ground of the Thirteen Factories, adjoining the foreign residences, and should there be executed. Thus it was designed to strike observation, to arouse careful reflection, and to cause all to admonish and warn one another; in the hope that a trembling obedience to the laws and statutes of the celestial empire might be produced, — that the good portion of the foreign community might thereby preserve forever their commercial intercourse, — and that the depraved portion might be prevented from pursuing their evil courses. Those foreigners, though born and brought up beyond the pale of civilization, have yet human hearts. How should they then have been impressed with awe and dread, and self-conviction ! Can they yet put pen to paper to draw up such insane winnings?

The ground, whether in the front or in the rear of the foreign fac- tories, is all the territory of the celestial empire, and is merely grant- ed by the great emperor, from motives of extraordinary grace and clemency, as a temporary resting place for all the foreigners who have been permitted to engage in trade here. What have von, fo- reigners, to do with the question, whether convicted persons shall be executed there or not? Say you, that the ground is used as a place of exercise by all the foreigners? And is it not then a place of con- course also for the people — the natives of the land ? No daring presumption, no absurd complainings, can exceed these! They are execrable in the extreme !

I am led to issue these commands to the hong merchants, which, as soon as they receive, let them immediately obey. Let them most

VOL. VII. no. vm.

Ol

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strictly explain to the said foreigners my directions, and declare to them my commands. Now that zealous and diligent proceedings are in operation for the suppression of the clandestine traffic, it may be presumed that the executions, which will take place, on the 'spot referred to, of criminals convicted under the laws against opium, will not in future be few. Though the spectators may be numerous, how- ever, there will always be civil and military officers there to keep them under control, so that there need be no apprehension of distur- bance arising. The foreigners, in place of troubling themselves over- much on this head, should apply themselves to exhort and dissuade their fellows — to refrain from making the pursuit of selfish gain, by the injury of others, their business.

If, hereafter, at the execution of a criminal, any presumptuous and perverse foreigners dare to push themselves forward to hinder atj,d impede the proceedings, the said senior merchants are authorized to represent the facts, in order that the needful information may be had for proceeding to expel with severity such individuals. They must be careful not to connive and conceal the facts, lest they involve themselves likwise in the consequent investigation. Let these com- mands be earnestly enjoined on Lindsay and the other foreigners, that they, knowing them, may act accordingly. Let none oppose. These are my commands. (Dec. lGth.)

(True Translation.) J. Robt. Morrison, Chinese Secretary and Interpreter to the Superintendenst of British Trade in China.

No. 12.

The Chamber’s reply to the Hong merchants : Gentlemen,

We beg to acknowledge having received, through your hands, the reply from his excellency the viceroy, to our representation under date of 14th inst. We have read this document with deep and painful feelings of regret, and though we do not intend to address H. E. again on this subject, yet it is our duty respectfully to represent to your body, and, through you, to H E., that the assent of the foreign community can never be given to the execution of a criminal, no matter what be his crime, in the front of our factories, and we accordingly now record this our solemn protest against such an act, and should it ever again be attempted, we shall consider it as an insult of the gravest nature to the united body of foreigners of all nations dwelling in Can- ton, and as a direct violation of ancient customs sanctioned by the practice of more than 150 years. In future we trust and hope that, by mutual forbearance, and a decent, respect for the opinions and customs of each odier, confidence, which recent events have so seriously shaken, may be reestablished, and that our commercial affairs may be conducted in a manner satisfactory and benefi- cial to us all. We remain, your &c., II. H. Lindsay, Chairman G. C. C.

We now revert to the correspondence respecting the Thomas Per- kins, from which it will be seen that the false charge of having been engaged in smuggling has been revoked. It is proper to state here, that, Mr. Innes, as soon as it came to his knowledge that the ship was implicated by the testimony of his coolies, made declaration, in writing, to the hong merchants, that the men had never been to that vessel, and that he himself had had no caigo of any description on board of her. Mr. Innes left Canton for Macao on the loth.

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No 13.

Mr. Talbot’s second address to t ho governor.

The memorialist, an American merchant, again respectfully addresses his excellency, the governor, earnestly requesting a reconsideration of the diffi- culties involving his business.

On the 7th instant, he received your excellency’s reply to his former ad- m dress, declining to grant his request, and requiring his departure within a pre- scribed period. His surprise at this was great : for all the particulars stated m Ins lorim r address are true ; while, by the false statenie.it that he, with the ship Thomas Perkins, had been engaged in the opium traffic — by the unfounded evidence of the two coolies, and by your excellency’s ready mid implicit belief thereof, he has been involved innocently. The ship Thomas Perkins entered the port with rice, and no other cargo, on hoard. She is an American vessel, and the master and men are all Americans; and, contrary to the evidence of the two coolies, they have had no connection with any Indian ship. In these particulars your excellency may at once perceive that the testimony of the two coolies is false, and so judge of all the rest, besides, the boats of the gov< rnment, hat ing guards in tn m, have b sen sta- tioned continually on both sides of the ship; by inquiries from them, it can likewise be ascertained whether any opium has been taken from the ship.

Under these circumstances, this second address is presented, earnestly requesting your excellency again to consider the condition in which the memo- rialist’s business is piaced, and to order further and can ful investigation to be made. By this means the truth will be disclosed ; no loss will be sustain' d in reputation, nor injury accrue to the ship’s cargo; while the nieoriahst will b ■ greatly obliged by your excellency’s favorable consid nation. He there- fore again earnestly presses the subject, hoping that a favorable answer will be granted. (December 13th.)

No 14.

The governor’s answer to Mr Talbot’s second address.

Tang governor, &c., to the senior hong merchants. On the 13th instant the American merchant, Talbot, presented the following address (as above) earnestly requesting a reconsideration of the difficulties involving his business.

This address having come before me, I have examined the subject. It appears that he having b tore present) d a memorial, I on the one hand repli- ed to him, and on the other instructed the senior hong merchants to make inquiry and report within a given time. The permission, granted to foreign- ers of every nation, to carry on commerce at Canton, originated in the bound- less and all-pervading nmniticence of the celestial dynasty, whose benovolent and virtuous government views all (people) alike. But very perverse and cratiy are the dispositions of foreigners; and, ever ready to alienate from themselves the nourishing and perfecting care of the empire, there is no vio- lation of the laws, no kind of smuggling, of which they are incapable. Re- cently an edict has been received from the great emperor, sternly commanding search to be made fertile seizure of opium. If any have transgressed the laws, they are not to be treated with the kindness which is usually shown to foreigners, nor to be confounded with those who are innocent. It is the determination, in maintaining the laws, to seek the truth, there being at the same time no wish to involve good foreigners in difficulty. In order to de- termine whether the reiterated statements of the memorialist be correct, it is necessary to wait for the reports, from the hong merchants, and from the examiners of the coolies — which have been ordered. On the receipt of those reports the truth must appear, and the offense revert to its author. Most assuredly upright foreigners, who attend peaceably to their own business, shall not be involved on account of others.

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Accordingly it is right to issue these commands, which let the hong mer- chants obey; and without delay ascertain — who was the owner of the opium, which Innes sent the letter to purchase ; to what nation he belongs ; and in what ship it was brought. Let them forthwith report the particulars, that action may proceed thereon. Also let them communicate this order to the foreigner, that he may know and obey it. Let none oppose. These are the commands. (Dec. 14th.)

No. 15.

Edict reversing the charge against the Thomas Perkins.

Yu, by imperial appointment, superintendent of customs in the port of Canton, &c., gives this mandatory reply. According to a report, respecting Innes, from the hong merchants, they have once and again made inquiries ; the whole foreign community has censured his conduct; and he himself has confessed, without concealment, that the opium in question was brought clandestinely from Hongkong to Canton in the large foreign boat Ke.-le-fal (Crawford?), which had no connection with the ship Ke-le-yun (Thomas Perkins). And, after repeated examinations, they confirm his statement, the correctness of which seems unquestionable.

Accordingly, the ship Thomas Perkins, consigned to Talbot, has not been concerned in bringing the opium ; and he has acted the part of an upright fo- reigner. It is proper, therefore, that the hatches of the ship be unsealed, for the discharge of cargo.

The hong merchant Punhoyqua, in like manner, did not acted negligently in securing the said ship ; and it is, therefore, right that he should be im- mediately released.

As to Innes, who has requested a passport to Macao, let the said hong merchants order and instruct his immediate expulsion and return to his own country, as a warning (to others).

Moreover, I have communicated the above to their excellencies, the gover- nor and lieut. -governor, for inspection and approval, that action thereon may proceed, and commands be issued for obedience.

Given the ISth year of Taoukwang, 11th month, 2d day. (Dec. l*th.)

Yet still further to illustrate the subject of this article, we subjoin the following documents. The remarks in No. 1G, were made at a public meeting on Monday the 17th instant in the Hall of H. B. M.’s superintendent, — who being at Whampoa when the riot on the 12th was reported there, came the same evening to Canton, followed by armed boats, for the purpose of affording succor to the residents.

No. lfi.

Captain Elliot observed, that the events of last week must have necessarily engaged the anxious consideration of the whole foreign community in China, and he might therefore waive any forms of excuse for trespassing upon their attention. To the other foreigners, who had done him the honor to attend the meeting, he had in tiie first place to return his sincere and respectful thanks, for the countenance they had afforded his own countrymen in the firm and judicious resistance which had been made to the menaced destruc- tion of Mr. Innes’ house ; and he begged the whole meeting to assure them- selves that he regarded the outrage upon their feelings, by the attempted execution of a criminal before their doors, with the same feelings of indigna- tion by which they had been excited. Seeking, however, for the immediate source of this critical interruption of the usual course of events, he felt bound to say that he found it in the existence of an extensive traffic in opium, conducted in small boats upon the fiver. The present results of that traffic

1838.

Sits i>< nsion nf I'riitlr.

4 "»:l

should be shortly stated and considered ; the ac'unl interruption of the legal trad-, the seizure and imminent joopardy of innocent men, the daily exposure of every native connected with the foreign rs to similar disastrous conse- quences, the life and property of the whole foreign community at the mercy of an immense mob for the space of at least two hours, the distressing degra- dation of the foreign character, the painful fact that such courses exposed us more and more to the just indignation of this government and people, and diminished the sympathies of our own ; of its futurity it might be safely predicted, that it would tall into the hands of the reckless, the refuse, and probably the convicted, of all the countries in our neighborhood : attentively considering these, and other points, captain- Elliot felt that it became him to explain the course which it was his purpose to pursue with the view to the re- establishment of a safer and more creditable condition of circumstances. He should forthwith s rve a notice upon the bouts in the river to the eff:ct that, if they were British-owned, and were either actually or occasionally engaged in the traffic, they must proceed outside within three days, and cease to return with any similar pursuits; that failing their conformity with those injunctions, he should place himself in communication with the provincial government, and frankly and fully express the views of his own, upon the necessary and perfectly admissible treatment of so serious an evil, lie could not, however, help indulging the hope that the general reprobation of the whole community would have the effect of relieving him from the performance of a duty on many accounts extremely painful to him. And captain Elliot concluded by anxiously conjuring the community to lend him their hearty support and co- operation on the present occasion. To the other foreigners present he would use the freedom to observe that lie was the only agent in this country whose pursuits were unmixedly public ; and so long as he w’as advocating the prin- ciples of truth and justice in our relations with this government and people he might lake the liberty to say that he was in some sense the representative of their honorable countries as well as of his own.

No. 17.

Public Notice to British subjects in China.

I Charles Elliot, chief superintendent of the trade of British subjects in China, moved by urgent conisderations immediately affecting ttie safety of the lives and properties of all her majesty’s subj-cts engaged in the trade at Can- ton, do hereby formally give notice and require that all British-owned schoon- ers, cutters, and otherwise riggnl small cratY, either habitually or occasionally engaged in the illicit opium traffic within the Bocca Tigris, should proceed forth of the same within the space of three days from the date of these pre- sents, and not return within the said Bocca Tigris being engaged in the said illicit opium traffic.

And I, the said chief superintendent, do further give notice and warn all her majesty’s subjects engaged in the aforesaid illicit opium traffic, within the Bocca Tigris, in such schooners, cutters, or otherwise rigged small craft, that if any native of the Chinese empire shall coine by his or her death by any wound feloniously inflicted by any British subject or subjects, anv such British subject or subjects, being duly convicted thereof are liable to capital punishment, as if the crime had been committed within the jurisdiction of her majesty’s courts at Westminster.

And I, tne said chief superintendent, do further give notice and warn all British subjects being owners of such schooners, cutters, or otherwise rigged small craft, engaged in the said illicit opium traffic within the Bocca Tigris, that her majesty’s government w ill in no way interpose if the Chinese go- vernment shall think fit to seize and confiscate the same.

And 1, the said chief superintendent, do further give notice and warn all

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Journal of Occurrences

No. 20.

The governor’s reply to the English superintendent Elliot.

Choo, the prefect of Kwangchow foo, and Han, commandant of the same department, jointly issue commands to the English superintendent, Elliot.

On the 25th of December, 183^, we received from the governor of Kwang- tung and lvwangse, Tang, the following official dispatch.

“ [ received, on the 23d of December, 1838, the subjoined address from the English superintendent, Elliot. [See above.]

“Upon the receipt hereof, the document being authenticated, 1 have given it due consideration.

“ The said superintendent came, I find, to Canton, in obedience to com- mands received from his sovereign, to exercise control over the merchants and seamen, to repress the depraved, and to extirpate evils. Having such commands given to him, he must needs also have powers. It is very inex- plicable, then, that these boats,- having in violation of the la;*? enterred the river, he should now find it difficult to send them out again, owing to his not having the confidence of all.

“ But, seeing that he has now addressed me as above, and that in his ad- dress he has plainly stated, that ‘ the government of the British nation will regard these evil practices with no feelings of leniency, but on the contrary with severity and continual anxiety’ — seeing this, it is clear that he yet has a distinct understanding of his duty as a represser of the evil and protector of the good. Nor has he sought to excuse the difficulty he meets with, by plead- ing inability. It is not then befitting in me to adhere obstinately to the letter of the law, and so to isolate him from the object for which he has come hither.

“ The request is therefore granted ; and the prefect and commandant of Kwangchow shall be directed, in the adoption of modified measures suited to the occasion, to give you sealed commands, so that you may have authority for proceeding in obedience thereto.

“The superintendent, aforesaid, must faithfully order away every one of the said boats, and must never permit them to return ; should any dare perversely to disobey, or make sport of his commands, he is authorized instantly to re- present the case, that proceedings may be thereon taken.

« I, the governor, having under my sway the whole land of Yue, and hav- ing on occasion to make most vigorous exercise of power, it may well be conceived that these boats trouble me not one iota.

“ As soon as these boats shall have sailed, the merchant-ships may at once have their trade reopened, as usual. There has been no intention to cause any protracted stoppage of it. And there is therefore no ground for anxiety upon that point. ******

The prefect and commandant, having received this document, proceed to give commands, as above, <fcc.

Taoukwang 18th year, 11th month, 10th day. (Dec. 23th. )

True translation J. Hobt. Morrison. Chinese Secretary, &c., &c.

Note. January 1st 1839. The trade of the port, by command of the local government, was reopened this day.

The party who are opposed to the admission of opium have gained the entire ascendant in the imperial councils. Three princes of the imperial blood have been deprived of their honors, and otherwise punished, for bad practices, of which opium-smoking was the principal. Heu Naetse, for proposing its admission is dismissed from the public service, after having first been degraded to the sixth rank. The representations of the several provincial governments on the subject have been laid before the cabinet, the general council, the imperial house, end the Board of Punishments, for final consideration.

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