[28] Besides the unequalled living collection of birds, &c., in the possession of this gentleman, his portfolios are stocked with a large and valuable collection of beautiful and correct drawings by Chinese artists, from nature, of birds, fish, plants, &c. indigenous to China and the eastern islands.
[29] The specimen to which I allude is named by the Spaniards Triste de Corazon, or Sorrow of the Heart; when dried and kept in that state for any length of time, and afterwards placed in water, (even after several years have elapsed,) its foliage expands, and reassumes a partial verdant appearance.
[30] Abel’s China, 4to. pp. 121, 122.
[31] I have several specimens of the pith, and one specimen I saw, nearly an inch in diameter, was hollow in the centre.
[32] Mr. Beale is making great efforts to procure both seeds and young plants, of the above-mentioned plants, and there is some expectation of success.
[33] Chu, signifying pig; long, basket; and tzo, grass.
[34] We passed close to Tiger Island, with its lofty and rounded summits of hills. There is a heavily-mounted stone fort upon this island, but not in a commanding situation. There is no appearance of cultivation upon the island; but it is verdant from a quantity of fern-brake and numerous stunted shrubs, &c. scattered about, which serve to give some animation to it.
[35] Several pagodas are seen erected upon elevated situations at certain distances up the river to Canton, and even beyond. Looking from the terrace of the Honourable East India Company’s factory, it was observed, that they formed a line of watch-towers, and signals of lights from them could pass with rapidity from one to the other, forming excellent means of telegraphic communication, and, from their extending at certain distances up the river as far as the eye could reach, they are no doubt intended for that purpose.
[36] Named Old and New China Streets.
[37] There is another place much frequented by European visitors, called “Carpenter Square,” which is confined for the most part to upholsterers, trunkmakers, &c. Here the camphor wood trunks are purchased, the majority of which, sold to strangers as such, are merely made from common wood, rubbed over with camphorated oil.