Sketches from Formosa.

ARRIVAL IN THE ISLAND 17
have an appearance which is decidedly attractive ; but,
as a rule, the streets are narrow, winding, ill-paved, and
odorous.
In passing along, nearly everything is fitted to arrest
the attention of a new-comer. The beggars seem to be
a very miserable class, and many of them are far gone
in leprosy. They sit down on the roadside in the most
business-like way, uncover their sores, and resort to
every means for creating sympathy in the hearts of their
more fortunate but unsentimental fellow-countrymen.
Buddhist priests poor effeminate looking creatures are
frequently to be met with ; and, in Taiwan-fu, the Chinese
literati appear to be more numerous than in other crowded
centres I visited on the mainland. They can always be
seen, sweeping past in their long blue robes ; proud
evidently, and in no wise disposed
to conceal their
deepseated hatred of the foreigner.
The extreme civility of the common people is very
noticeable. It is not here as at Chin-chiu and Chiangchiu,
where the by-passers would sneer, and make remarks
about us which were the reverse of being complimentary.
There can be no doubt that the British Consular action
taken during the Formosa troubles of 1868 goes a long
way to account for this. Acting -Consul Gibson then took
a very direct method of insisting on the right of English
merchants and missionaries to obtain protection while
engaged in the pursuit of their callings, and instant quiet
was the result, with even a measure of goodwill from those
who had been bitterest in their opposition. Thus, how
stimulating the thought that a most inviting opportunity
is now placed before us among the multitudes of this
heathen city, and how much need there is for Divine
grace for us to live and labour so that many of them may
be brought into the glorious light and liberty of the
sons of God !
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