Page:Illustrations of China and Its People vol. II.pdf/38



THE island of Kulangsu, in the Fukien province, forms part of the western boundary of Amoy Harbour, and presents a picturesque appearance when viewed from the granite heights of Amoy Island opposite. It was from these heights that the two photographs No. 36 were taken, but they lack the warm colouring and the green slopes which intersperse them. We miss, too, the bright patches of cultivated garden ground, and the belt of yellow sand which rims like a golden setting round this island gem. The girdle of the deep blue sea lends additional beauty to this charming spot, which owes so much to the effect of colour. Scattered over this small island is a native population of more than 3000 souls. Many of these are fishermen, and as Kulangsu is the place where the bulk of the Amoy foreigners reside, a considerable proportion of the local inhabitants are engaged in supplying the wants of the Europeans. Before the capture of Amoy by our forces on August 27th, 1841, this island, along with the others which surround the harbour, were strongly fortified with batteries, so as entirely to command the mouth of the harbour. Many of these defences had been thrown up only a fortnight previous to the time when they opened fire on our ships. The forts themselves could not be silenced until our men had disembarked and driven out their gallant defenders. The latter fought bravely enough, and it is recorded by Dr. Williams, that their heroic leader, Kiang-kiyun deliberately drowned himself in the harbour to escape the disgrace of surviving his defeat.