Page:Illustrations of China and Its People vol. III.pdf/37



KIU-KIANG is the second open port on the Yangtsze, 445 miles above Shanghai. This port was selected as a suitable place for foreign trade, because of its close proximity to the Po-Yang Lake, and to the vast system of water communication which branches from this point into the interior. But as the lake is closed against steam traffic, and as Kiu-kiang stands fifteen miles above the confluence of the lake with the Yangtsze, it has never taken a leading commercial position. In 1868, the total value of its trade was estimated at ,£3,344,355. while in 1872 that amount had fallen to .£2,940,210. Were it permissible to navigate the Po-Yang Lake with any other but native craft, the returns would probably be greatly increased, although its position above the junction of the two streams, instead of below them, would tend to neutralize the effect of so advantageous a concession.

The Taiping rebels were in Kiu-kiang in 1853, and their progress left behind it a ruined and depopulated city. It was not until the port was opened to foreign trade (in 1861), and the presence of a small foreign community had inspired feelings of confidence and security, that the natives flocked back to rebuild the town. It is walled round, and adjoins the lower extremity of the foreign quarter; and this, as will be seen from No. 24, runs parallel to the bank of the river, yet still far enough from the verge to leave room for a broad carriage-way in front of the houses.

The strength of the current during summer, and the threatened destruction of the Bund, have made it necessary to support the bank with an elaborate facing of hard-wood stakes. This structure, however, is usually partially destroyed by the rise of the river from year to year, and is a constant source of anxiety and solicitude to the foreign municipal committee.