[31] Called, also, by foreigners, the Swatow River. [32] Some of the most fearful typhoons ever experienced in China have visited Swatow since this light-house was built. When I was at Swatow, it had, however, fallen into disuse; and, from recent letters received, I learn that it has finally been pulled down by the natives. [33] The front of the theatre is entirely open, and is built high, so that the performance is in the second story, while the spectators stand in crowds outside. CHAPTER XIII. Mr. Johnson had been for some time anxious to send his only son, Master Charlie,--a lad in his fifteenth year,--home to be educated; and it was accordingly arranged that he should be my _compagnon du voyage_. Our passage to New York was taken in the clipper ship _Jacob Bell_, which was then loading at Fuh-chau,--a port situated about three hundred miles north of Swatow. The _Jacob Bell_ was expected to be ready to put to sea by the 15th or 20th of October; and Mr. W----, having received leave of absence to go on to Fuh-chau, and to remain there until we sailed, our preparations were soon made, and on the 10th of that month, bidding adieu, with many regrets, to the kind friends we had met at the island, and once more embarking on board the English steamer _Undine_, we were soon sailing up the coast, _en route_ to Fuh-chau. Although steaming against a northeast monsoon, we arrived at Amoy[34] the next day; and the vessel remaining there three days, not only enjoyed a quiet and church-going Sunday, but, as far as health would permit, were able to see something of the place. Some of the small islands, which form the boundary of the bay seaward, are surmounted with pagodas and temples; which, together with the high hills and verdant country in the background of the city of Amoy, renders an approach to the place from the sea charmingly picturesque. The town is built on a large island, called _Hiamun_, or island of Amoy, which according to Dr. Williams, is forty miles in circumference. The same author also states the circumference of the city and its suburbs to be about eight miles, containing a population of 300,000, while that of the island is estimated at 100,000 more. Most of the foreign residents live on the lovely island of _Ku-lang-su_, or the “drum wave island,”[35] which lies in the harbor, directly opposite the city. The house of Mr. Bradford--our consul--is on this island,--the little avenue leading to it being bordered with beautiful palms.