Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1848. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. Geographical Description of the Eastern Provinces. The Chinese empire is everywhere subdivided into sang, fu, ? k chan, hien and sz or provinces, departments, districts, hundreds and tithings, of greater or less size, according to their position, population, and mode of government; but in the regions beyond the borders of the Eighteen Provinces, although arranged on the same plan, these divisions are considerably modified by the character of the inhabitants and their mode of living. In the wilds of Manchuria, which are considered as the patrimony of the reigning family, the scanty population is ruled by a more simple military organization than any other portion of the empire, the higher departments being appointed by his majesty himself. The khans of the Mongols in Mongolia and 1 li, the Mohammedan begs in Turkestan, and the lamas in Tibet, are overseen and assisted in their rule by Chinese residents and generals appointed to direct and uphold the government of those distant regions. The geography of foreign countries has not been studied by the Chinese themselves; and such have been the restrictions imposed upon the emigration of the people, and so few have been the educated men who have travelled even into the islands of the Indian Archipelago, or the contiguous kingdoms of Siam, Corea, or Burmah, that there have been few opportunities for the people to become acquainted with the countries lying on their borders, much less with those in remoter parts, whose names, even, they hardly know. A few native works exist on foreign geography, among which four may be here noticed. "1. Researches in the East and West, 6 vols. 8vo. It was written about two centuries ago; the first volume contains some rude charts intended to show the situation and form of forei...
