[35] Several pagodas are seen erected upon elevated situations at certain distances up the river to Canton, and even beyond. Looking from the terrace of the Honourable East India Company’s factory, it was observed, that they formed a line of watch-towers, and signals of lights from them could pass with rapidity from one to the other, forming excellent means of telegraphic communication, and, from their extending at certain distances up the river as far as the eye could reach, they are no doubt intended for that purpose. [36] Named Old and New China Streets. [37] There is another place much frequented by European visitors, called “Carpenter Square,” which is confined for the most part to upholsterers, trunkmakers, &c. Here the camphor wood trunks are purchased, the majority of which, sold to strangers as such, are merely made from common wood, rubbed over with camphorated oil. [38] If larger, but not rotten, in the heart, and also of good quality, it will be cut into pieces of the above-mentioned size, and rounded. [39] The sandal-wood brought from the Bonin Islands, I am informed, is of a very excellent quality. [40] The wood is frequently buried, and the sap allowed to rot off; and this is considered to improve its quality. [41] See Notices concerning China, published at Malacca in 1823, p. 10. [42] It was in the rooms of the chief priest at this temple that Lord Amherst’s embassy was lodged. [43] The situation of this temple is near the inner harbour of Macao, and of a romantic and highly beautiful character. An image of a lion decorates each side of the granite steps, carved out of the same kind of stone, having a ball carved in their mouths, every attempt to take out, which is found to be in vain, puzzling many; (like the curious and elegant ivory balls, carved one within the other;) there are also several groups of figures beautifully carved in granite in basso relievo. On entering, neat winding, and tastefully-executed granite steps, lead from little temples to other recesses for idol worship, amongst natural groups of granite rocks, piled one upon the other, as if by the fabled giants of old during their warfare; huge trees, bending in various fantastic forms, overhang the temples, and cast a silence and gloom over this place devoted to pagan worship,—a place, however, well calculated to produce awe in the human mind, and to bind either still closer the fetters of bigotry, or, if it had been selected as the place of a truer worship, to cause the mind in this retired spot to commune more closely with its Creator. This spot, so beautiful, so delightful to behold, would form an elegant and valuable embellishment for one of our English annuals. I saw an accurate and delightful sketch of this religious spot taken by Chinnery, and a painting, half-finished, from that sketch, which even in that state reminded me of the original. I hope that talented artist will complete and send it home, so that an engraving may recall it to the