pulation, overlook all their actions,and often thwart their projects. Macao was in former years the family residence of the European merchants of Canton, and still is a favourite abode, even with Hong-Kong as a rival. There are some good hotels here, but extravagant in their charges; I am inclined to think favourably of the climate of Macao; it is by no means a cool place in the S. West moonsoon, but the refreshing sea breeze makes ample amends for the intensity of the heat.
8. HONG-KONG.—Hong-Kong is one of the numerous islands at the mouth of the river of Canton, and at the close of the late Chinese war, became a British colony. Possessing a fine harbour, it was selected as the emporium of Chinese trade, and the very rapid rise of the chief town Victoria, shews that it was judiciously chosen on that account. The town of Victoria stands upon the steep shores of the harbour, the roads and streets are all scooped out of the solid rock,and rise one above the other in a succession of terraces. Unfortunately, Victoria has turned out very unhealthy; a malignant fever of a bilious character is often epidemic there, and proves very fatal. The European regiment stationed there, is occasionally decimated by it, and the casualties amongst the residents become at times quite alarming. Macao is still preferred as a residence, though very inconvenient for the transaction of business.
