Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/63

 Through the Delta. 59

which were = celebrated as one of the most attrac- tive resorts near the city. The “ clear dawn after rain,” as seen from these hills, was considered one of the great sights of the time, They still preserve some of their former attractiveness, and are frequently visited on short excursions. In the centuries past, when covered with groves, the charm of the early morning after refreshing showers had quickened their manifold varieties of trees and plants into new life, may easily be imagined. The scene indicated is one of Nature’s loveliest, appealing to the purest instincts of man’s nature.

A short distance beyond the Sam-shin, we come to the seene of Admiral Keppel’s famous exploit. It was during the war of the allied forces against China, and the object of the special expedition then in hand was to capture the great trading mart and manufacturing centre Fat-shén. The Chinese, aware of the approach of the British war vessel, had massed their whole naval force at one point. As the British drew near they saw a line of war junks stretched across the river with their guns trained to a certain point. Perceiving at once the weakness of their position, the admiral ordered his vessel forward under full pressure of steam, broke through the line of junks, receiving, as he passed, a simultaneous fire from all the junks, which, owing to the suddenness of the movement and inaccuracy of aim, fell harmlessly about the ship; and before the Chinese could recover from their surprise was speeding on toward the city.

Fat-shén is the second city in importance in the south of China, and 500,000 people are found in its compactly- built, closely-packed houses. Manufactories of various