Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/137

 allong the North Rwer. 133

favourably situated at the junction of two important streams, and is the political and literary centre of six large counties. Two important custom stations, one on the North and the other on the Ching River, each with a bridge of boats spanning the stream, provide for the collection of duties. The shores of both rivers are lined with boats, which represent a large and varied traftic, while miles of rafts indicate the extent of the lumber trade. The name Shiu-kwan means “City of Harmony,” and the tradition is that the great Emperor Shun, in his travels south over four thousand years ago, visited this region, and played his wonderful music, celebrated in all the ancient literature of China, upon the musical stones to the north, and also on the site of the present city, whose name commemorates his visit.

The importance of Shiu-kwan as a centre for mission work has been appreciated by the English Wesleyans, who have now a flourishing work in operation there, and, what is not always the case in such enterprises, they have secured the goodwill of the officials and gentry, with whom they are on terms of cordial friendship. As the guest of Rev. G, Hargreaves, I had an opportunity of seeing the respect and friendliness shown him by those in high position. We exchanged calls with Mr, Hue, one of the leading gentry, and were received by him with every polite attention. He is an elderly man ef much intelligence, has held high official positions, his last post being that of Prefect of Kiu-kiang, in Kiang-si. His house is surrounded by ornamental grounds, in which may be seen a fine display of flowers, His great desire, when I saw him, was to secure a Victoria