The government, in times of calamity and scarcity, grant small gratuities to the distressed, but the amount is so trifling, the difficulty of obtaining it so great, that it is not worth the time lost in seeking for it. During the month of August, 1833, owing to heavy gales, accompanied with much rain, the rivers overflowed their banks, and these united calamities destroyed a vast number of the humble dwellings of the poor. The government, knowing the great distress of many thousands, sent surveyors to take a list of the sufferers. About _five_ months afterward, the two magistrates who divide the city of Canton between them, gave public notice, that the sums subscribed by the _public_ for their relief, would be paid out in the following proportions, viz.: “To the poor, who were unable to rebuild their houses--two mace, five candareens,” (about forty cents,) and if they were _altogether destitute_, two months’ food in addition, viz., for every “big mouth,” two mace and seven candareens: to every “little mouth,” (child’s,) one half of that sum. The aged and feeble who are unable to reach the distributing officer without several days’ hard struggle, are frequently obliged to give up the scanty pittance, and depend upon the cold charities of the world, or otherwise find their grave on the roadside in a loathsome ditch. CHAPTER VII. DESCRIPTION Of CANTON--SACKING OF THE CITY--PLACE OF HONOUR--MOURNING--COMPASS--MATERIALS FOR BUILDINGS--HOUSES--PRINCIPAL OFFICES--DUTIES AND PENALTIES OF GOVERNOR--FIRES--GOVERNOR’S SALARY--DIVISION OF POWER. [Sidenote: DESCRIPTION OF CANTON.] The name of Canton on Chinese maps, is written Kwang-tung-sang-ching, that is, the capital of the province of Kwang-tung, but when speaking of the city, the natives call it san-ching, the “provincial city,” or the “capital of the province.” It is built on the north bank of Choo-keang or Pearl river, stands inland and is in a direct line, about sixty miles from “the great sea.” The scenery around the city, in the adjacent country, is rich and diversified, but deficient in boldness or grandeur.