(See Academy,
February, 1874, p. 229.) [We note from the Returns of Trade for 1900,
of the Chinese Customs, p. 467, that during that year 1900, the following
quantities of sugar were exported from Amoy: Brown, 89,116 piculs,
value 204,969 Hk. taels; white, 3,708 piculs, 20,024 Hk. taels;
candy, 53,504 piculs, 304,970 Hk. taels. - H.C.]
[Dr. Bretschneider (Hist. of Bot. Disc. I. p. 2) remarks that "the sugar
cane although not indigenous in China, was known to the Chinese in the 2nd
century B.C. It is largely cultivated in the Southern provinces." - H.C.]
The fierce lions are, as usual, tigers. These are numerous in this
province, and tradition points to the diversion of many roads, owing to
their being infested by tigers. Tiger cubs are often offered for sale in
Amoy.[3]
[1] "It is not improbable that there is some admixture of aboriginal blood
in the actual population (of Fuh-Kien), but if so, it cannot be much.
The surnames in this province are the same as those in Central
and North China.... The language also is pure Chinese; actually much
nearer the ancient form of Chinese than the modern Mandarin dialect.
There are indeed many words in the vernacular for which no
corresponding character has been found in the literary style: but
careful investigation is gradually diminishing the number." (Note
by Rev. Dr. C. Douglas.)
[2] Note by Mr. C. Phillips. I omit a corroborative quotation about
sugar from the Turkish Geography, copied from Klaproth in the former
edition: because the author, Hajji Khalfa, used European sources; and
I have no doubt the passage was derived indirectly from Marco Polo.
[3] Note by Mr. G. Phillips.
CHAPTER LXXXI.
CONCERNING THE GREATNESS OF THE CITY OF FUJU.
Now this city of Fuju is the key of the kingdom which is called CHONKA,
and which is one of the nine great divisions of Manzi.[NOTE 1] The city
is a seat of great trade and great manufactures. The people are Idolaters
and subject to the Great Kaan. And a large garrison is maintained there by
that prince to keep the kingdom in peace and subjection. For the city is
one which is apt to revolt on very slight provocation.
There flows through the middle of this city a great river, which is about
a mile in width, and many ships are built at the city which are launched
upon this river. Enormous quantities of sugar are made there, and there is
a great traffic in pearls and precious stones. For many ships of India
come to these parts bringing many merchants who traffic about the Isles of
the Indies. For this city is, as I must tell you, in the vicinity of the
Ocean Port of ZAYTON,[NOTE 2] which is greatly frequented by the ships of
India with their cargoes of various merchandize; and from Zayton ships
come this way right up to the city of Fuju by the river I have told you
of; and 'tis in this way that the precious wares of India come hither.
[NOTE 3]
