Ningpo to Shanghai in 1857/Mai-chee to Hoo-chow-foo
The distance from Mai-chee Ferry to Hoo-chow is said to be 90 lé. It is in excess of this, but the channel, from 50 to 200 feet wide, winds a good deal—S.S.E.—E.S E.—N.E.—E S. E.—S. E. E.N.E. and East, all being noted within a three hours' run, the general direction being due East. Thirty lē from Hoo-chow is Yuen-tong-jow—Ten lē east of which is Ne-cha-veng—and as far farther on Yah-co-chaong; the ground on both sides, a continued level, being cultivated in the proper season with Indian wheat;—Mulberry trees luxuriating in all directions.
At Hoo-chow the stream deepens, and Junks of three and four hundred tons burthen discharge their cargoes close to the banks.—But though of such tonnage, these vessels are flat bottomed, and do not draw at the outside more then six feet of water.
Hoo-chow, the Foo or Chief city of the department, is a place of considerable importance, and judging from the busy habits of the people, no doubt a desirable abode. It is from Hoo-chow that much of the Silk for the Shanghae market is taken, though little of the manufacture of it within the walls is seen. Wide and deep canals run through the city, crossed in various places by handsome and capacious bridges. The walls, which are in very excellent condition, 30 feet wide and 20 feet high, are upwards of six miles in circuit, and from the numbering and allotment of the lofty battlements into sections, it does not appear likely that the place would be found unprepared should a visit be paid to it by the expected rebels. Hills on the south of the city are crowned with defensible barracks; and whilst these remained in the hands of the city's holders would prevent successful assault in that direction. On the other hand, if in the possession of assailants, attempt at defence would be unavailing. A lofty seven storied Pagoda on a hill south of the city commands, in a clear day, a view of the Tae-hoo, or great Lake. and the country adjacent. Very much of the interior of the City is unbuilt on or appropriated for archery ground.—An avenue near the south gate is lined with upwards of a dozen Memorial columns, of finished antique workmanship.
At Hoo-chow and the country near are manufactories of the Japan varnish used in the south A knowledge of this preparation would be prized in Europe, and, with time and opportunity, a skilful inquirer might obtain some useful infor mation regarding it. The preparation, whatever it is, is wrung out in cloths by men working near a slow fire. Rice, still the chief article of food among the people, is dear here—viz, from 5,800 to 5,000 cash a picul, on at Shanghae currency a little short of three pence a pound.