“The foundations of the city walls are of sandstone, and their upper part brick. They are about twenty feet thick, and from twenty-five to forty feet high, having an esplanade on the inside, and pathways leading to the ramparts on three sides. That part of the city within the walls is about six miles in circumference; and its whole circuit, including the suburbs, is ten miles. The streets are narrow, and well paved with stone. Both the land and water population, as computed by the most reliable data, is about 1,000,000.”[22] The chair-Coolies of Canton are said to be among the best in China. They are very strong, and from much practice acquire a carriage which gives a delightfully equal motion to the chair. They doubtless have learned this from being obliged to carry their own people with care; for if a disagreeable motion is given to the chair of a Chinese gentleman, or lady, the bearer will be sure to receive a reprimand. These men being remarkably fleet of foot, pass rapidly over the ground, and seem to prefer a brisk dog-trot pace to a fast walk. They usually wear a sandal made of strong grass, and with a gait peculiarly their own, touch the pavement with a nervously strong and firm tread. Several of the American Missionaries live in the suburb called _Sun Sha_, which is nearly opposite the south gate of the city, and occupying houses that front on the river, they have the benefit of the refreshing summer breeze. The hospital connected with the Mission--which was formerly in the charge of Dr. Parker--is also located there, and is now under the management of Dr. Kerr. A Mission station, and a branch of this hospital, have also been established at Fatshan,--a town on the river, ten or fifteen miles west of Canton,--where the silk fabrics, matting, and most of the other articles exported from Canton are manufactured. This hospital is also under Dr. Kerr’s care, who devotes a certain portion of his time in personal attention to the patients. We were indebted to the kind politeness of this gentleman--who speaks the language, and is familiar with the temples, as well as other places of interest--for most of the enjoyment of our first excursion in looking after the “lions” of Old Canton. One morning early in March, taking sedan-chairs, with Dr. Kerr in advance, we left the Missionary quarters, and traversing several narrow streets,--among which was that occupied by the butchers and bakers,--finally entered a comparatively broad and quiet street in the New City, where the residences of the Chinese officials were situated. This brought us to the _Wan-shau-kung_, or Imperial Presence Hall, where, three days before, and three days after the Emperor’s birthday, the high officials and people come to drink tea, and pay adoration to his Majesty.