[90] The author has here the expression _tung-leang_ (11399) _pillar_, in its proper and figurative sense. He probably chose this expression to make, according to Chinese sentiments, a fine rhetorical phrase. _Leang_ in the beginning of the phrase corresponds to the sound and the form of the character to _Leang_ at the end: Leang shan san kë[)e] ching y[)i]h, mung g[)a]n shay url king ts[)o] tung-leang. There is also something like a quibble in the second phrase; Wa kang, _Bricks and mountain ridge_ is transformed into Choo sh[)i]h (1223) or a _corner-stone_, just as Leang-shan, _mountain bridge_ is into tung-leang, or _pillar_. [91] O po tae alludes to well known events in Chinese history. On Tsaou tsaou see Dr. Morrison, 10549 in the tonical part of the Dictionary. [92] I confess that it was not an easy matter to translate these rhetorical exercises and poetical phrases, by which the author is evidently anxious to draw a veil over the weakness of the empire. The Chinese scholar will certainly pardon any mistake which might occur in this poetical or furious prose--to use the expression of Blair in his _Lectures on Rhetoric_. [93] _Kwei shen_ is a Hëen or town of the third rank, and dependent on the district metropolis Hwy chow foo; it is near to Hwy. Its area amounts to thirty-seven le, and pays in taxes 26,058 leang. It is stated in the _Itinerary of Canton_ (Kwang tung tsuen too, p. 5. v.) that the situation of this great town makes it a place of danger; being close to the sea, Kwei shen is exposed to sudden attacks from pirates. [94] _Yang keang_ is a town of the third rank, and dependent on its district metropolis Chow king foo; distant from Chow king foo in a southerly direction 340 le. Its area amounts to twenty-nine le, and it pays 12,499 leang in taxes. _Sin gan_ is a town of the third rank, and dependent upon Kwang chow foo; distance from Canton in a north-east direction 200 le. Its area amounts to fifty le, and pays in taxes 11,623 leang. There are three towns in the district of Canton, whose names begin with _Sin_, new; _Sin hwy_, _The New Association_; _Sin ning_, _The New Repose_; and _Sin gan_, _The New Rest_. Kwang tung tsuen too p. 3 v. 4 v et r. 8 r, _Ning_ (8026) is now always written without sin or heart, being the _ming_ or proper name of the reigning emperor. By a mistake it is stated in the Indo-Chinese Gleaner (iii. 108.), that _Ning_ was the proper name of Këa king. The proper name of the reigning emperor is considered sacred, and must be spelled differently during his life-time. [95] A Pa tsung, a kind of inferior military officer, says Dr. Morrison, under the word pa, (8103.) [96] _Laou ya_, _Laou ya kang_, the mountain ridge of Laou ya, is fifteen le from the town of the third rank called _Sh[)i]h ching_. Shih ching hëen belongs to the district Kaou chow foo. Kwang tung tsuen too, 16v. 9r. [97] Crackers made of gunpowder, and the gong, are used at every Chinese festival.