The Island of Formosa, Past and Present, Vol. II

CHAPTER XXIII (PART 1 OF 3)

THE FORMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY.

Changes in world's Tea producing districts — World's producing districts compared — Statistics :■ —World s production — Tea, a possiMe neic industry in various lands History of Formosan Tea trade — Swinhoe the discoverer of Foi'mosa '/'• // s first Tea report — Early export to china — John Dodd ships Forums, is — First export Ui foreign hauls — Plants from China — Direct shipment to New York — Export 1867 to 1870 — Amoy foreign merchants participate— Exciting season of 1872— Season 1873—Formosas at $10— Grmvth of trade 1874. to 1879 -Disastrous season of 1880 — Growers stimulated — Freight competition — Effect of French icar mi industry — Lead famine and novel methods ■■> veliej Futile attempt to introduce Indian tea manufacturing system — The Japanese occupation — Government impost on Tea -Chinese tea packers — Adulteration — Attempted preventative measures -Twatutia tea merchants with official assistance prevent adulteration — Improper care of tea plant — Government regulations — History of cultivation — First cidtivation — Plants from China — Formosan savages replaced by agriculturalists — Tea cultivation under difficidties — Payment for protection — Armed farmers— Immigration of skilled teamen — Rapid enlargement of area iiinlcr cultivation — Tea in South Formosa — Twatutia centre of Tea district — Increase in production — Location of best tea districts — Tea in Kapsulan plain — Quality' of different district Teas — Tea in the Smith — Local trade in sun-dried Tea — Preparation of virgin soil — Propagation o) Tea plant — Transplantation — Draiitage — Weeding — Plant at maturity — Absence of pruning and irrigation — Picking from hash —Picturesque seme— Indoor tea picking fcleanin Character of Formosa Oolong — Simple method of manufacture — Drying •;/ green leaf — Manipulation if leaf — Up-country firing- -Financial arrangements — Tea brokers— Negotiations with firreign buyers — Planters' knowledge qf foreign markets -Shipments to Amoy — Tea picking girls in Twatutia — The social season — Kami mis of tea jailers — Immorality— Firing i stablishments — Prepara-tion of fuel— Method of firing — Packing — Primitive shut lead factory- I ■ boxes and their manufacture . I "lightning Artist" — Pouchong Tea industry — History of Ponchongs- diameter oj Pouchongs— Comparative export-Blossoms ii seil mr see ii ti nil — Process of ma n ii la el a re — Packing — Transportation — Value Ooi ilainl ami America Foreign firms mga

Shipments cm Kelung — Fortune of ( 'him - Tea-planters — ( hirious disappearance of treasure — Foreigners as future planters Sanitary conditions of tea districts —

$^2 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Cost hi starting plantation — Working capital required— Receipt* Profits Chinese competition Chinese plantations— Chinese, advantage in labor —Chinese food requirements — Difficulties for foreigners as planters — Nbrtli Formosa 'prosperity dependent on Tea — Tea as producer of wealth compared with other products — Government support and assistance required Statistics, Oolong Export America and Etirope, 1866-1898— Statistics, Pouchong Export, 1881-1898.

In the face of the important proportions assumed by the Formosan Tea trade of to-day, it is interesting to read of the "possibilities" of that industry as it appeared to keen observers thirty-five years ago. "The tea grown on the Tamsui Hills is not of a superfine quality," states a writer in 1861, "but it is believed that it would readily find a market in Australia, the Cape, and Singapore. It rules at a price of ten dollars a picul (133 lbs.) and is much imported by Chinese dealers at Amoy and Foochow to mix with the better class of teas, and the mixed commodity is then sold to foreign merchants as Congous, Souchongs, etc."'

A third of a century, however, has wrought great changes in the Tea supply districts of the world Amoy, once a great Tea mart of China, finds its own Tea trade rapidly disappearing, and is now practically dependent for its prosperity on the Formosan Tea districts, for owing to the present lack of suitable harbors in the island, the production goes almost wholly to Amoy for transhipment, as large steamers can safely load there throughout the year. Hankow, Foochow, and other 'lea centres are also declining. In fact, regardless of the world's enormous con-sumption of Tea, largely as it is increasing, China has fallen, in a mere score of years, from the high position of virtually supplying all Furope and America with Tea, and finds her once vast export dwindling away. Japanese Teas have found much favor in America ; Indian and Ceylon Teas have met with a brilliant success in the United Kingdom and have gained an entrance into America and continental Europe — all at the expense of China.

The export of Formosa Teas, while yet comparatively small, has in this same twenty years increased from 8,000,000 pounds valued at $1,700,000 (Local currency) to 20,000,000 pounds valued at $7,000,000 ($3,500,000 L\S. Gold) and has to-day the highest pro rata value of any Tea produced in the world,-' Still this rapid increase in production during the past should

1. "Treary Ports of China ami Japan," Published 1S67. Hongkong.

2. * COMPARATIVE EXPOKT FOR 35 YEARS. Formosa Teas Japan Teas Indian and Ceylon Total Export

(To America.) (To America.) Teas (To United China (Leaf) Total.

Kingdom ) I'ea

1N7I ... 1,502,100 lbs. 17,258,000 lbs. 151,600 lbs. 212,780,400 lbs. 246,882.100^1bs.

1876 ...6,487,8i 17,608,000 „ 29,001,700,, 214,524,800 .. 267.122,300 „

1881 ...11,978,600 .. 22.460,400 . IS,873,00J „ v 251,996,533 ,.

1886 ...13 T'.'N.cn.i 26,502,000 .. 87,167,000 „ 247,440,400 „ y71.Hu7.lnii „

1891 ...15,029,500 ., 82,770,500 „ 171,785,000 „ 189,489,733 „ 412,074,733 „

1896 ...19,327,500 ., 52,748,500 „ 215,405,000 „ 151,113,467 „ ,H82,467 „

This does not includi : shipments of Formosa, Japan, and Java Tea to London.

The figures in the above table sh w that, during the period reviewed, the Formosan j luetion

increased thirteen fold, the Japanese three fold, the Indian and Ceylon fourteen fold, while the China production fell away about halt. Meanwhile tli" world's consumption of (leaf) Tea doubled. The export of China brick Tea to Rnssin amounted to 76,919,200 lbs. during 1896.

THE FORMOSAN TEA IMilMkV. 373

not be taken as an indication of what the future has in store. The great

mass of tea drinkers arc desirous of a tea at lower prices than th demanded for the Formosan product. So that the market is at present limited, and the competition with other tea producing districts is becoming more keen year by year.

The tea plant is easily grown, given certain conditions of soil and climate, and several countries have clearly demonstrated that they can pro-duce a marketable article, at an outlay which is not prohibitive. The I Hitch East Indies are finding the cultivation of tea profitable, and are producing increasing quantities yearly ; in South America and South Africa, experimental gardens have resulted most satisfactorily ; Russia is taking a most active interest in the cultivation and has established government plantations in the Caucasus, and even in the United States experiments in tea growing are being made in several of the southern States. The great enterprise shown by Indian and Ceylon planters in introducing their product to new markets, combined with the possibilities of new producing districts, points to the likeli-hood of even more intense competition in the future, and although the probability is that China will be the heaviest loser, unless the Chinese government awakens to the perilous condition ot their tea trade, still Japan and Formosa will also suffer, and to minimize this as much as possible the Japanese government should assist the industry in every way. In Formosa thiscould best be effected by the abolition of all imposts on lea, improvements in means of communication, cheap railway freight for Tea, and the construc-tion of a suitable harbor at Hobe (Tamsui.)

Robert Swinhoe may be called the discoverer of the Formosan Tea in-dustry, and John Dodd the promoter. In the year 1861, a few years before the arrival of the latter personage, Consul Swinhoe writes in a report to the British government that Formosa Tea is shipped in considerable quantities to Chinese merchants on the mainland, that he has sent samples of the leaf to several Tea inspectors, and that they have reported that the "taste of the Tea is very fair, but the objection to it is owing to the coarse mode in which the leaves are prepared and packed." 1 le then adds : — " As the hills, however, are no great distance from the harbor, this could be obviated by energetic speculators who might themselves visit the spot on which the article is grown and make their own arrangements."'

John Dodd, who had established himself in the island the year beforef made, in 1865, inquiries among the Tamsui farmers as to the possibilities the trade. The next year some purchases were made, some Tea plant slips were brought from Ankoi in the Amen district, and loans were made to the farmers to induce them to increase the production. Kosing, a Chinese who had arrived from Amoy in the interests of Tait cc Co., shipped a lew packages in 1S67, and John Dodd made a shipment to Macao, which brought good prices. Satisfied with the prospect he commenced Tea tiring in

1. There i bhis trade is of much earlier origin Klaproth in his

Burnous work on Asia refers to Formosan tea ami states : ' The Tea is green, not black. It 1* export* d in great quantities to China, where il is uspd us n medicine. Generally the Chinese drink very lil green tea."— Page 827, Klaproth, " JJ. moi-i es Relattfa i VAsiv "'— Paris,

Banka. Previous to 1867, the unfired leaf had been sent to Amoy in baskets

to be fired there, but from 1S6S onwards the total export was prepared for shipment direct to foreign lands, by skilled Chinese workmen brought from Amoy and Foochow.

Formosa Teas had now been examined in America, and in 1S69 a trial shipment of 2 131 piculs was made direct to New York in two sailing vessels. This is notable as the first, and up to the present day the last, direct shipment from Formosa to America. From an export of 2030 piculs in 1867 the trade increased to 10,540 in 1870, and prices rose from an average of $15 a picul to $30. Robert H. Bruce came to Tamsui this year and established the firm of Tait & Co. as exporters of Formosan Tea. The Amoy and Foochow merchants did not at first look upon Tamsui as a possible rival, but the)' were eventually forced to recognise the rapidly increasing trade, and the autumn of 1872 found, in North Formosa, the firms of Dodcl & Co., Tait & Co., Files & Co., Brown & Co., and Boyd & Co., established in the order given.

With the yet small production and the number of competing houses the

season of 1872 was an exciting one. In previous years transactions had all

turned out profitable, and so great was the eagerness of each firm to obtain

as much of the production as possible, that insufficient attention was paid to

quality. Choice Formosas realized in July and August #45-55, wonderful

prices at that time ! A few early shipments to America paid expenses, but

on the news of heavy shipments of Oolong having been made from Amoy

and Foochow, Tamsui Teas were refused with disastrous results, the losses

being estimated as high as #375,000. This serious blow, occurring while the

industry was in an embryo state, was very discouraging, and confidence in

Tamsui as the coming tea district was rudely shaken. Prospects were now

so gloomy that the firms showed no anxiety to enter the market during the

spring of 1873. Meanwhile the Chinese growers were accumulating stock

for which there was no demand. With total loss a not unlikely probability,

prices rapidly declined. Towards the end of July a few purchases were

made, but merchants in general were inclined to hold aloof. In August,

however, prices had declined to a basis which seemed a guarantee against

loss, and the foreign merchants commenced to buy, but with great caution. It

was now that prices reached their lowest point, many clean wholesome teas

bringing but $10.00 per picul (133 lbs) though a large portion of the stock

was settled at from $1 1 to $15 a picul. But even at these phenominally

low prices the demand was very limited, and by the end of the month choice

Formosa Oolong practically went begging, none of the foreign firms caring

for it at an)- price. Chinese speculators now stepped in and shipped the

remaining stock to Foochow per junk, where it was worked up into scented

Tea. In September news was received of the sale in America of the early

shipments at a splendid profit. Prices now recovered fully 40^, and the

autumn crop was eagerly taken up, thus partly recouping the Chinese growers,

many of whom, during the summer months, had allowed their plantations to

run wild, the prices ruling not covering the expense of packing.

THE FORMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY

While- the Formosan Tea industry suffered in after years the vicissitudes common to so speculative a trade, still an extreme condition of affairs, such as existed in 1872 and 1873, was not repeated. The production increased rapidly, and while the prices demanded were generally higher each succeeding year, the operations were, on the whole, profitable to those engaged in the industry. The transactions were not marked with much interest until the year 1880, when the eagerness to enter the Formosan lea trade somewhat resembled that exhibited in 1872, and justifies a brief description here.

This season opened with keen competition for the first Teas, and, though prices were at first fairly moderate, they soon rose to such a figure as to render the chances of profit to the buyer very doubtful. Nevertheless, Chinese continued buying during the spring and summer months, and, by the end of September, there was a stock in Amoy of 50,000 half chests, mostly held by the packers. In October the whole of the stock was suddenly bought up by the foreign firms. This led to fresh demands in the Formosa market, and the Chinese, anticipating a rise in prices, rushed into the trade most recklessly. Amoy native capitalists were prepared to furnish kinds at from 15 to 18 per cent, interest, the only condition being that the Tea obtained should be consigned to them. The borrowers, as a rule men without capital, appreciating the fact that, so far as they were themselves concerned, there was nothing to lose, and perhaps something to gain, and further desirous to give the speculators no excuse for calling in the funds advanced, entered the market with absolute indifference to the prices demanded so long as they obtained the tea. lea boys and shroffs availed themselves of the opportunity and started packing houses ; and even Tea firing men, who had been formerly content with their income of $6.00 a month, blossomed out into either brokers or packers ! In fact the Chinese, high and low, went quite mad over the prospect, and as a foreign merchant at the time declared : " the Tea business had a great fascination for cooks, whose souls you would think could never rise above an omelet." The growers, however, were alive to their own interests and raised their demands in accordance with the degree of anxiety shown to buy, until eventually so absurdly high were the prices, not only demanded but obtained, that there was but little prospect of a profit to the buyer. The crash came at last. The New York market showed no disposition to advance, and the Tea so eagerly purchased had now to be sold at a loss of from 20 to 30 per cent. Thirteen large Chinese packing houses closed their doors at once, and the multitude of petty merchants and brokers returned to more humble occupations. The Amoy capitalists were heavy losers, and the general bearing of the numerous victims during the winter months was decidedly expressive of the intention to steer clear of the Formosan tea business in the future !

If the merchants and brokers, however, lost money, the growers made it. Tea, which had cost them S12 to $16 per picul to produce, including the inland tax of Si. 70 per picul, was sold at from ¥30 to $50 a picul. It was now their turn to be affected by the craze. With such a splendid result

.1/

before them, they cleared ofl every hilly patch of land suitable for the cultiva-tion df tea, even removing growing crops of rice, indigo, sugar, and hem]), and pushed on further toward the savage territory, thus laying the foundation

for an increase in production as well as income. The losses on tin: season Were slightly minimised by the low freight rates existing. The China Merchants S.S. Co. had extended their steamship service to Tamsui in competition with the Douglas line, and as a result brought down the freight charges between Tamsui and Amoy from 18 cents to 5 cents per half chest. At the close of the season the " China Merchants" steamer was withdrawn, and freight rates of 1 5 cents per half chest were established.

The next event of importance to the Formosa Tea industry was the attack on the north of the island made by the French forces in 1884 and 1885. On October 2nd of the former year, the port was declared blockaded, and from the 23rd of October all shipments were stopped. Although the bulk of the choice Teas had been shipped prior to this date, there were still some 25,000 half chests left in stock in Twatutia, and much unpacked Tea was in the hands of the growers. On April 1 6th, the blockade was raised, and Tea, both old and new, came pouring in from the country. But in the then general state of unrest the spring crop was very hastily and carelessly picked, mostly by unskilled labor, and the result was very inferior leaf. And then, although shipping was again permitted, lead was a contraband of war, and this metal was required to line the Tea boxes, without which the leal could not be shipped to foreign markets. From thirty to forty thousand half chests of Tea were held in Twatutia for lack of lead. The price for the small stock of the metal on hand jumped from 6 to 20 yen per picul, and every pound which had been used for other and less urgent purposes was requisitioned for Tea. Chinese packers bought up leaden candlesticks and joss ornaments, and men the fishermen parted with the leaden weights attached to their nets. Chinese imported lead in treasure boxes declared as treasure, on which they had paid the heavy freight rates and insurance de-manded for such a commodity. This was discovered by the Tamsui customs and stopped. Attempts were then made to get it through as tin, the lead being packed in boxes containing a few decoy plates of the former metal. This was likewise discovered. What other artifices were adopted by the wily Chinese and how successful they were is not known. On the 15th June (1885) news having been received of the restoration of peace between France and China, all restrictions imposed on the landing of munitions of war were removed, heavy importations of lead soon eased the situation, and the tea industry returned to its normal state. Towards the end of May the quality of leaf showed great improvement, and the season closed with a profit to the merchants in general. The native packers are said to have been specially fortunate, netting handsome profits on teas which they had shipped to Amoy for sale on that market.

Next of interest, in the history of the Formosa Tea trade, was the futile-attempt to introduce the tea growing, tiring, and packing system prevailing in

Till FORMO rRY. ^77

India. A Tea expert from Ceylon visited the island in 1890, the object and

result of his visit being thus described in a Customs report.1 " The proposal made was that the Government should grant a large tract of Crown land (say 1,000 acres) for the purpose, thai the management should be under the joint control ol the expert and an official deputy ; and that both Government and the promoters should share in the profit, if any. This plan hadfirstbeen proposed for the black tea districts on the mainland : having been negatived there, it was thought that a new province, with large tracts of unopened land, ottered a more promising field. It was found, however, that, whatever had been the fortune of packers and shippers, the growers in this district were well satisfied with the prices received and the quantities disposed of by them ; and the boldness of the promoters of the plan, in trying to retrieve the fallen for-tunes of China by coming to a district from which greater supplies were sent year by year at prices amply remunerating the: produo light on the

project a fate worse than its desert. Another reason given for the rejection of the proposals was the fear lest Formosa tea, being converted into Con-gou by the Indian method ol preparation, and being thus brought to a level in competition with the mass ol tea from the mainland of China, from India, and from Ceylon, would therein lose the distinguished position it occupied as Oolong, and cease to command the high prices now obtained for it on the American market."

The acquisition of the island by the Japanese was the next event of importance. Although it was feared that the season of the Japanese arrival ( 1895) would be a very poor one, owing to military operations in the north, still it did not turn out so; for the season's export slight!)' exceeded dial oi the previous year. As soon as the new administration was established in Formosa the |apanese announced that the people would be relieved from all taxation for one year. In 1S97 taxes were imposed, including a tax on Tea. At present the impost is 2.40 yen ($1.20 U.S. Gold) per picul ( 133 pounds), which, with the addition of the Customs export tax of 1.10 yen. gives a total impost of 3.50 yen ($1.75 U.S. Gold) per picul. Although this is larger than the Japanese mainland tax, it is small compared with either the old tax in the island, which amounted to 6.35 yen ($3.17 U.S. Gold) or the present tax in the Amoy districts of China which is 6.85 yen ($3.42 I .S. Gold).-

In the early days of the Formosa trade, the foreigners controlled almost exclusively the packing and tiring, but afterwards Chinese gradually entered the field, and ha\ e absorl ed the larger share of the business, although the foreign establishments still handle most of the choicer grades. The entry of the Chinese as packers was rather a calamity than otherwise, for in their hands, all sorts of malpractices arose. Their lea was frequently adulterated, was badly picked, badly packed, and contained large quantities of dust, broken leaf and "lie lea." These malpractices were so glaring that, at one time, it was greatly feared the favorable reputation which Formosa Oolong possessed would be lost. The Amoy Chamber ol Commerce took

1 Tauisui Decennial Report, 1882 t" 1892 Imperial ('inn.-,' Maritime Customs

3/8 I HE 1M AM) 01 I ■' iRMi ISA.

the matter up and issued regulations which, it was hoped, would lessen the evil, and, in later years, the foreign merchants in Formosa combined iur the

same purpose. The beneficial results, however, in both cases were very slight. Soon after the arrival of the [apanese, the local foreigners interested approached the authorities on the subject. The latter took the matter up at once, and regulations nearly identical with those proposed by the foreign-ers were put in force. It had been the custom for the more unscrupulous of the Chinese dealers to import inferior China leaf into the island, where it was mixed with genuine Formosa Tea and then exported as pure Formosa Oolong. The regulations now issued rendered such Tea liable to confisca-tion, imposed a fine on the dealer of double the value of the condemned Tea, half of which fine was to go to the informer. This resulted in an almost complete stoppage of the sale of spurious Formosas.

In 1898, the governor-general issued an ordinance, by the terms of which all those engaged in the Tea industry, either as planters, manufac-turers, or dealers, are instructed to organize associations in their respective districts or towns, under the supervision of the government, with the object of preventing the manufacture and sale of adulterated Teas and of sustain-ing the high character of Formosas.

It is claimed by tea experts that the better grades of Formosa ( Jolong have of late years shown a tendency to fall off in quality. This is generally accounted for by the lack of care given the plants by the growers, the refusal to use fertilizers of an)- kind, and the careless methods of picking, the leaves being pulled off in bunches, whereas they should, of course, be carefully-picked, one by one, so as to ensure the separation of the various grades. Owing to the non-use of fertilizers the highest quality of Tea is now only obtained from virgin soil, and of course the area of such is restricted year by year.

It would be of great advantage if the Japanese authorities, in connection with their efforts to prevent the export of impure Teas, could issue instruc-tions as to the proper care of plants, and adopt some system of inspection to enforce obedience to such instructions. Now that Chinese teamen, by government orders, are to organize themselves into associations, the improvement might be effected through them without subjecting the planters to direct official surveillance.

So far we have studied the history of the industry from the merchants' point of view. The experiences of the pioneer planters are more interesting and no less important.

The date of the first cultivation of Tea in Formosa 'is difficult1 to

u.

ascertain. Tea has been found growing wild in the island but undoubtedly the first cultivated plants were originally brought from China. According to native accounts there were two plantations existing in the early fifties, one near Chim-hua (Shinko) and the other at Pena-be (Heirinbisho), both south-east of Taipeh. As the cultivation increased, the seeds, slips, and cuttings were obtained from these two gardens, and no more plants were brought over from China until 1865 and 1866 when, owing to the interest

mi toRMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY. 3"9

taken in the trade by John 1 )<>cl<l and other foreigners, large importations of the shrub were made for transplantation purposes. An obstacle arosi-. however, from the fact that the hilly ground, with a soil of light sand)- loam most suitable for Tea culture, was principally in or adjoining the savage districts; and the untamed warriors of the forest were; disinclined to give up their territory to their enemies the Chiro

Formerly the savages in the extreme north wen: but rarely disturbed' and the boundaries of their districts remained the same year alter year* but now, with the vision of ample profits from the f/ea trade, the colonists made great progress in annexing the " hill barbarians' ' land, and within ten years (1868 to 1878) the greater part of two ranges of hills, varying in elevation from 1,000 to 4,000 feet, lying to the east of Taipehfu, had been cleared of all heavy timber anil forest trees, and the jungle with its savage occupants had been replaced by little plantations of 'lea and other agricul-tural products. This was not accomplished without much dangerous toil, however, nor without considerable loss ot life. It was customary for a Chinese headman to obtain a kind of charter from the authorities and then to assemble about him a force ot some 300 or 400 men, who would drive back the aborigines, and reclaim by degrees the land, which would then be placed in the hands of the less warlike Tea farmers, who were constantly arriving from the mainland. The headman undertook to see that the aborigines did not return to plunder or kill, for which service he ordinarily received, after the third year, 2,000 out of every 10,000 Tea plants grown on the land which he had reclaimed and guarded. Tie Chinese had by this time fully recognized the promising future ot the Formosa Tea trade, and numerous small capitalists had invested in plantations, while emigrants from Ankoi and other districts adjacent to Amoy had arrived in large numbers to profit by their knowledge of Tea culture. The Chinese, in their haste to plant the leaf, were not careful to remove all remnants of the forest, and numerous stumps of camphor and other trees were to be seen amidst the fields of Tea. Tea merchants were also attracted by the increased trade, and were willing to make cash advances to prospective growers, thus assisting in the laying out of plantations.

The district under cultivation continued to increase, and in 1S77 almost every mountain slope on the hills visible from Twatutia (Daitotei) contained some Tea gardens. Further inland to the very borders of the savage land, and south to almost half the length of the island plantations were also to be found. Tea, however, from the southern gardens was found to be unsatisfactory in quality, and the later expansion ot the industry was chiefly confined to the hills and plateaux ot the north. Such energy brought the pro-duction in ten years from a lew thousand to over eight million pounds.

CHAPTER XXIII (PART 2 OF 3)

From 1877 to 1887, the area placed under cultivation continued extend-ing, from Twatutia as a centre, in all directions, and from over eight million the production increased to over sixteen million pounds, from 1SS7 to 1897, the new plantations were extended to the south and west rather than to the north and east, and from .the quality of lea already obtained from the

new districts it is believed that the high grade leaf of the future will come from the plantations to the west and south-west of Twatutia. The increase for these ten years was not so marked as that of previous years ; but still a healthy increase, averaging nearly half a million pounds a year, is to be noted. The present annual production exceeds twenty million pounds. The industry is even yet in its infancy; and, with the vast extent of hills yet un-cultivated and the satisfactory profits hitherto obtained by theplanters.it seems not unreasonable, especially as the China Tea districts are gradually failing to produce a satisfactory Oolong, to anticipate a steadily increased production in the future.

At present the best Tea comes from Tsapgoahun (Jugofun) and the Paichi district in the vicinity of the town of 1'ankio. The gardens are all situated on the plateaux and hillsides, the more extensive ones covering an area of 15 to 17 acres, while those owned by the average small farmers extend over but two or three acres. The main centre of the production, however, is to the south and west, about twenty miles from Twatutia, where the soil is a reddish yellow sticky clay, most difficult to travel over in wet weather, but which produces large quantities of tea. The leaf is also widely grown in the Kelung district and extends even into the Kapsulan plain on the north-east of the island, while in the north-central districts, above the villages of Sui-teng ka (Suihenkiaku) and Sikkan (Shakko), the highlands are most thickly studded with tea plantations, though the quality of the leaf obtained from the latter districts is not generally of very high grade. Thoughout the north of the island the conditions for successful Tea culture, as laid down by specialists, are largely realized. A hot damp climate with a rainfall of not less than 80 to 100 inches per annum, absence of drought, and a soil of light sandy loam being best adapted for the purpose.

Soon after Tea became a profitable export from the north, the Chinese in the central and southern portions of the island made some attempt to grow it in their respective districts. It was generally believed that Tea would grow in any part of Formosa and that the hills to the rear of Tainanfu were specially valuable for that purpose. A number of plantations were established in the vicinity of Aulang (Koro) and Changwha (Shoka), but the product was found to be very inferior, and the planters soon wearied of the experiment. In 1878, several hundred plants were set out near Tainanfu, but the result was likewise so discouraging that no further attempt was made to grow the shrub for export in the south. There is, however, some internal trade in the south in sun-dried Tea, which the Hakkas, Pepohoans, anil even the savages sometimes have for sale.

In preparing virgin soil in the hill districts, the long grass and shrubbery are first removed, the trees are then felled and the roots dug out, and frequently the whole patch of ground is burned over, fires that are some-' times seen at night with picturesque effect from Twatutia. The jungle being thus removed, a crop of indigo or sweet potatoes is planted, to be replaced, the following season, with young tea plants. There are two methods in vogue for propagating the leaf in Formosa. The first and most favored is

THE FORMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY. 38 1

by slips and cuttings. The best of these are obtained by bending down branches of the mother plant and covering them with earth. This is done in the early part of the year. In ten or twelve months the branch has taken root; it is then severed from the mother plant and is read}- to be transplanted. The second method is by sowing ; but this is not much in favor.

In the newly cleared districts, the virgin soil is so fertile that no manure or fertilizer is required. The plants are placed in rows two or three feel apart, with a like distance between each plant. These rows are usually run at right angles to the slope of the hills, and in many cases form a dam, which, during heavy rains, is frequently filled with water or is washed away, leaving the Tea bush high above, with its denuded roots projecting down below. From this the reader may judge that but little attention is paid to drainage. Great care must be taken to keep the young plants clear of weeds and under-growth, which, with the heat and moisture of Formosa, spring up very rapidly, and, if left untouched, would soon smother and destroy the tender shoots. After three years the plant has attained a height of two or three feet, and then being considered big and strong enough to yield a return for the labor spent upon it, is turned over to the tender mercies of the Tea pickers to be plucked of its foliage. From this time on, the plant does not obtain the attention from the cultivator it deserves, but fortunately the soil is so fertile that the result is not so serious as it would be in most of the Chin Tea districts. Pruning and irrigation, both of which would be of great value. are very rarely resorted to, and frequently weeds are allowed to grow in gardens that are by no means abandoned. These earn- on a struggle with the Tea plant which, if not choked out of existence, is oftimes so affected that the produce per bush is lessened in quantity as well as deteriorated in quality. In the well cared for gardens the weeds are kept down, and four times a year the ground between the rows is spaded. In the rainy season the roots are covered with earth, care being taken to loosen the soil, and make an air passage for the benefit of the leaves just about to sprout.

The picking of the spring, summer, autumn, and winter crops occurs for the most part during the months of April, June and July, August and September, and November respectively. Of the four crops the summer one is considered best, the autumn and spring ones take the second place, and tin-winter one the third; the last being so inferior that but little of it is shipped for foreign consumption. The work of picking is performed almost exclusively by women and children, who walk along between the rows, stooping down beside each bush and stripping it of its leaves, which latter are then placed in baskets strapped on the collectors' backs. A group of these Tea pickers, the girls attractively dressed in bright colors, laughing and chatting together and lacking the boorish appearance which often characterizes the rustic laborers in other climes, the dark green of the tea plants, and the hills gracefully sloping away towards the interior, forms in all a scene picturesque and engaging. Work under such conditions gives a brighter aspect to the usual dull agricultural life of the Chinese; and the Tea pickers are to be envied by their more aristocratic city sisters who must suiter from ennui in their prison-like homes.

382 • i HE ISLAND 1 '1 I ( iRilOSA,

The pay for this labor varies according to the season, the leaves being stiffer and, therefore, more difficult to pick, in some seasons than in others. This remuneration runs from 2 to 4 cents (local currency) for about three catties, which will make about a picul (133 lbs.) of prepared leaf; and a very rapid worker can, when the leaf is tender, pick from seven to ten catties a day, though the average picker earns but from S to 10 cents a day (4 to 5 cents gold j. If the pickers wish to obtain midday food from the planter a few cents is deducted from the day's earnings. Besides the pickers who are engaged to pluck the leaves from the growing plant, indoor pickers are required who take out the twigs and leaf stalks from the Tea after it has been dried, and whose earnings are about the same as the outdoor Tea pickers. There are also male employes, such as cultivators at about 20 cents per day, food being provided by the planter. If cultivators are engaged by the year, their wage is about #30, or if for less than a half year from $4 to $5 a month.

Formosa Oolong is the pure article and free from all coloring matter. Compared with China and other Teas it has been subjected to the least amount of manipulation, and the process of manufacture is, therefore, very simple. The green leaves brought in by the pickers are spread out in the open air, in the sunshine it possible, and there stirred every five or seven minutes. In a short time the moisture in the leaf has evaporated slightly and there is some trace of fermentation.1 The Tea is then removed into a well ventilated building and is there spread out in shallow circular bamboo trays 2*/£ feet in diameter, a few pounds to a tray, which are then placed in a bamboo frame, one above another, with a sufficient space between each to allow of a free circulation of air. Every ten minutes or so the leaves are stirred, which incites fermentation, although the process is not allowed to pro-ceed far enough to place the leaf in the category of fermented teas, such

1. Mr. Hosie in an interesting consular report published by the British government ou the trade and resources of Formosa, describes a crude tea preparing machine worked by foot power and used for softening the tea leaves. I have been unable to gain any information regarding this contrivance, but I can, at least, say that it is not in general use in the larger plantations. The machine is described by Mr. Hosie as follows: "Between the exposure in the open air and the firing, the leaf has to undergo a somewhat peculiar treatment, a process which I discovered accidentally, and which was unknown to the foreign tea merchants to whom I mentioned the matter. One day in September I was wandering at the base of the Noith Hill, near the port of Tamsui, on the lookout for a certain plant, when I suddenly found myself close to a farm house, and saw a man sitting on a high stool on the threshing floor turning rapidly with his feet what appeared to be a long cylindrical drum. On near inspection, I found that the machine was 8 feet long and 2 feet to 21 feet in diameter, six sided, each side made of brown, coarse cloth let into a wooden frame work, that the axle ran right through the cylinder and rested on two wooden supports, one at each end. Between the support and the cylinder at one end were four treadles fixed in the axles. Working these with his feet the man caused the cylinder to revolve rapidly, each revolution being accompanied by a swishing noise inside the cylinder. On my expressing my desire for some enlightenment the man willingly unfastened one of the sides, which was the door of the cylinder, and laid it back on its hinges. Exposed to view were six bamboos, corresponding in number to the sides of the machine, fixed at equal intervals into the ends of the cylinder midway between the axle, to which they ran parallel, and the periphery of the " Cha-nung," or tea preparer, as the machine is called. At the bottom of the cylinder there was a heap of green tea leaves, which hai been placed there after the necessary exposure on the threshing ' floor. As tiie machine revolves, these leaves are dashed against the bamboos, whereby their edges are rendered quite soft ; they are then removed and put into the iron firing-pans. It will be asked " Why are the edges of the leaves softened ?" The answer is easy. Were the leaves, after being picked and exposed for a short time, placed in the firing-pans, they would split up — the tea leaf is thick and brittle — and lose all semblance to the whole leaf which is so much desired. Such, at least, was the explanation given to me, and it appears to be very reasonable and natural."

Up-country Tea Manipulations.

Tea Plantation near San-kak-eng. First Manipulation of Leaf. First Fire Drying.

Tea Picking.

Second Manipulation.

Light Firing.

Mil Fi iK « iSAN I I A INDUSTRY. 3S3

as China Congous or Salons. After two hours, the leaf is placed in big bamboo trays five feet in diameter, some forty pounds in each, and is stirred by attendants every ten minutes. After some two hours of this, the edge of the leaf begins-to turn to a reddish brown and slightly to emit the

odor characteristic of the prepared f/ea. The leaves are now placed in metal pans, several pounds to each, over a wood fire, and subjected to con-siderable heat. After a few minutes, during which an attendant tosses and stirs the leaves, they attain the curled up and spongy appearance and smell desired. They are then placed in small trays resting on benches, on one end of which the operator sits, and for several moments rolls and twists the leaves. After another drying over the fire, the leaves are again placed in bamboo trays for a second rolling or twisting, and then, on the completion of this, are again dried over the tire. No set rule can be laid down for this drying process. The object is to remove sufficient moisture from the Tea to insure its standing transport and storage until placed in the hands of the exporters, and the amount of manipulation required to attain this is depen-dent upon the weather ; hot sunny days, of course, greatly lessening the labor. Finally the Tea is subjected to a light firing over a charcoal fire, an operation which will be described later on. It is then packed in jute bags, holding some seventy pounds each, to be transported by boat, railway, or carrier, to Twatutia, the market of Formosa.

It is at this stage of the industry that the brokers, native merchants, and packers make their appearance. Although the final export is carried on through the foreign firms, there are usually numerous Chinese middlemen between the foreign merchant and the grower. Not infrequently the Chinese dealers and packers, who are sometimes men of capital, secure control over a certain amount of leaf by advancing money to the growers, who, when the season opens, turn the Tea over to them at a discount ordinarily of some ten per cent, less than the market price, and also allow for interest at a rate of about one percent, a month. Again brokers and middlemen visit the planta-tions and make other financial arrangements, sometimes under orders from Twatutia packing-houses, and sometimes merely on speculation. In the latter case, samples are sent to the different Chinese and foreign firms in detail, and in case the Tea has been first secured by the native dealers and packers, samples representing the leaf as it comes from the planters or the prepared goods which have been given the final firing by the Twatutia native firing establishments are sent to the foreign firms, and if purchases are made the leaf is delivered at once. The brokers are generally sufficiently expert in Tea to avoid paying more than the Tea is worth. Unlike some oi the Chinese Tea districts, which are often a great distance from the Tea marts, the furthest producing districts in Formosa are but two or three days' distant from Twatutia. The planters, consequently, are generally acquainted with the rise and fall of the market, and. though they are often stubborn in realizing that a decline has taken place, they exhibit great alacrity in demanding an advance when there is the least suspicion of an upward movement in the market. The broker's chances of a fortune, therefore, are not specially bright, but he usually insures himself a comfortable living from

384 THE isi AND 01 FORMOSA.

the squeeze obtained out of the very elaborate charges which purport to represent his actual expenditure. It is not unusual, when selling on com-mission, to charge the employer 14 to 15 yen per picul for expenses which probably do not really exceed half that sum. Sometimes, however, the broker, incredulous of the foreigner's reports as to a declining market, continues, for a time, to make purchases at the old price's and thus suiters considerable loss.

The stock in native hands, which is not disposed of to the foreign buyers in Formosa, is shipped to Amoy, a China port lying directly across the channel from North Formosa, where advances on it are made by the foreign firms there. Thus it comes about that there are two markets for Formosa Tea, and the proportion of the crop disposed of to foreign buyers in either market depends upon the variation of trade conditions trom season to season. I his is due to the fact that there is no suitable harbor in Formosa convenient to the tea districts, and that it is at present necessary to make Amoy die port of shipment. Should the Japanese government construct a thoroughly safe and convenient harbor in Formosa, preferably at Tamsui, it is possible that the market for the Tea would lie eventually confined to the island. In 1S9S one half of the total crop was settled in Amoy.'

But this is anticipating, and we must follow the leaf through the various channels before it is ready for the shipment to Amoy described above. Upon the arrival of the Tea at Twatutia from the country districts, the Japanese inland tax of 2.40 yen 1S1.20 U. S. G.) per picul is paid. 1 he goods are now delivered to the purchasers and placed in their godowns. Although partially cleared of coarse matter up-country, the Tea is not as yet considered clean. Jt is at this stage that the tea picking girls appear on the scene, and, sitting down in front of big bamboo trays, on which a quantity of Tea is placed, apply themselves to picking out by hand the twigs, stalks, and bad leaf.

To a stranger visiting Twatutia during the summer months, nothing is more striking than the crowds of girls, who at noon and night simply overrun the place. Fortunately the Tea picking period is looked upon by these coy damsels as the opening of the social season as it were, and a younger sister is brought out with considerable eclat, not unlike the debut of a young lady attending her first social function at home. I say fortunately, for the slovenly and not always cleanly appearance which she exhibits in her own abode is quite the reverse of that shown when she blossoms out as a Tea picker. The best clothes are none too good, and her toilet is most carefully prepared. The coiffure is oftimes a work of art and is extensively decorated with the strongly scented blossoms of the magnolia, while, with her feet bound up in the very smallest compass, she is prepared to dazzle the community.

1. The settlements of Formosa tea in Amoy for six years are as follows; :—

Season. Settled in Amoy. Season. Settled in Amoy.

IS93 70%

L894

1896 00%

1897 48%

1898 50%

THE FORMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY.

There are about one hundred and fifty Tea manufacturers big and small in Twatutia, besides the half dozen foreign establishments. The

largest firms employ from one hundred to three hundred Tea picking girls during the busy months ; but, if there is much tea on hand anil it is desired to rush matters, the number of tea pickers, working in one establishment, may reach, for a few days, four or live hundred. On an average the total number daily employed in Twatutia exceeds some twelve thousand. Wages are paid each day according to the amount of work done ; and, though 5 cents for 7 catties is the nominal rate, measure-ment is in favor of the employer and the average payment does not really exceed some 60 cents a picul. Even at this amount it is interesting to note that the earnings of these girls amount to nearly one hundred thousand dollars (local currency) a season.

The majority of the pickers are girls from 14 to 18 years of age, but old women and little children also form a considerable part of the corps. The hands and eyes of the young girls are the quickest : and a bright worker can earn in a single day (6 a.m. to 5 p.m.) as much as 15 cents, while the average picker can only secure from 9 to 10 cents. The Chinese tea men are very susceptible to a pretty face, and a possessor of one finds her work much lightened and her earnings often augmented. Several thousand Chinese leave their families in China every spring to work in the Tea establishments of North Formosa, and the circumstances under which young girls are sent from their homes each day to labor with strangers from the Chinese mainland, whose highest ambitions are to spend their idle moments in the opium dens and brothels of Banka, are not conducive to morality, although it would be perhaps incorrect to imply that the majority of the girls are not virtuous, or to assume that the percentage of those that fall is larger than it would be under similar conditions in some other countries.

The Tea which, up to this time, has been only very lightly fired, and is known to the dealers by tin- somewhat misleading term of "green leaf" must now be thoroughly fired to prepare it for the long voy; to America or Europe. The firing establishments in Twatutia, whether belonging to the Chinese or foreigners, consist of rooms holding from fifty to several hundred fire places. These fire places are simply circular holes two feet deep, two feet in diameter, and a foot apart, surrounded by, and the tops flush with, a low brick platform about a foot or eighteen inches high. Following the operations of tiring, we find that the charcoal, which is the fuel used, after having 1 een lighted, is allowed to burn until ry particle of combustible matter has been consumed, the charcoal reaching a state of red heat. But before this result has been completely attained, the tiring room has become a huge oven, the hundred tire places sending forth a flame and glow which tests one's powers of endurance to the utmost. The Chinese coolies, almost naked and with wet cloths about their heads, covering their mouths and nostrils, rush into the furnace, and with iron implements break up and, agitate the 1 urning mass, that the red heat im-penetrate to the heart of every glowing coal. When the fires have ceased

to emit smoke, they are banked with a layer of ashes to temper the heat, and in this way will remain alive for over a week without replenishing. A dozen or fifteen hours after the luel has been first ignited, the lues are considered ready to receive the Tea. 'The receptacle used is a large basket some three feet in height, shaped like a dice box, with a bottom formed bya sieve placed a few inches below the centre, thus leaving open spaces at each end. The basket, having been put over the fire, some seven pounds oi Tea are placed on the sieve and lor the first two or three hours left practically untouched. By that time it is well heated, and firing-men pass from basket to basket turning over the contents. This is repeated about every hour, thus permit-ting die heat to diffuse equally throughout the Tea. Although as a rule 8 to 10 hours is sufficient firing, as with the drying of the freshly picked leaf in the country, no set rule can be laid down as to the time required. The object is generally only to evaporate every particle of moisture, and as soon as this is thought to have been accomplished the lea is removed. In the earlier days of the trade, however, parcels of Formosa Tea destined for the English market were sometimes fired very heavily to give the liquor the very dark appearance much favored by consumers in Great Britain, anil even at present some buyers prefer a Tea which has been more heavily tired than is really necessary for preservation.

\\ hile hot from the fires the Tea is packed in boxes containing an inner case of thin lead, which when soldered, becomes air-tight and. prevents the contents from spoiling. The standard size of box is a half chest which holds about 40 pounds, although there are besides quarter chests and 10 lb. boxes. The lead is imported in pigs weighing upward, of a hundred pounds each, and manufactured into very thin sheets in Twatutia by a very simple process. An iron pot and two pieces of tile constitute the whole apparatus required, and the rapidity with which plates of a very good quality are turned out is quite amazing. The labor is generally performed by two men, one of whom looks after the tire and trims the plates, and the other handles the tiles. A visitor to one of the establishments (if a room 12 feet square which not only contains the whole factory but is used as a living room for the workmen as well, should be honored by so pretentious a term), will find the chief workman standing beside a pot containing molten lead, and on the floor may he seen the two tiles, one on top of the other. Commencing operations the Chinese with one hand lifts one side of the top tile up slightly, and with the other hand dips a little of tin molten metal out of the pot and with a dexterous movement clashes it in between the two tiles ; then, instantly dropping the upper one, and stepping upon it he applies sufficient pressure to force the melted lead to spread over the tiles. The metal hardens in a \c\v seconds ; the upper tile is again lifted, the newly made plate thrown out, and the operation continued as before. These plates, alter having been trimmed, are soldered together in the shape of a box.

For the lea boxes, pine boards of the right thickness, and cut to about the proper length, arrive here from Amoy and Foochow and are knocked into boxes with but little alteration. Colored paper, bearing some printed

THE FORMOSAN TEA [NDUSTRY. 387

adornment, is afterward pasted over them, or they arc painted by a truly "lightning artist," who, by dipping different parts of a brush in different pots, wields a single implement, with which he dashes off a more or L

complicated design in three or four colors in less time than it takes to write about it.

So far we have dealt only with the preparation of pure < Jolong. There is, however, a new but growing industry in the manufacture of scented Tea or " Pouchong " as it is commonly known. The term "Pouchong" means literally the kind in hags, referring to the small paper lags which are some-times used in making up small packages of Tea. In Formosa, however, the term is applied almost exclusively to scented Tea. A Chinese merchant named Go Fok -hi in [881 first introduced to Formosa the present method of manufacture. The demand for these Teas is rapidly increasing, and the production during the last two years has averaged some 2 ^ to 3 million pounds valued at upwards of 450,000 Yen ($225,000 U. S. Gold), which is about 12 per cent, in quantity, and 6 per cent, in value, of the total production of Formosa Tea.' It might appear to the reader that the opposition of dealers who were endeavoring to obtain Tea to be made into l'ouchongs would interfere to a greater or less extent with the ( )o1ong trade. It does not, however; for generally only the inferior and refuse leas are utilized in the manufacture of Pouchongs, and this takes from the market the undesir-able Teas which, were it not for this trade, would to a large extent be worked off in Oolongs, thus lowering the quality of the latter.

The greater part of Formosa Pouchongs is exported, via Amoy and Hongkong, to Java and the Straits Settlements, and the balance goes to Swatow, Saigon, Siam, Hawaii, and San Francisco. It is almost exclusively consumed in these various markets by Chinese colonists residing there.

While Oolong is the pure leaf without the addition of coloring or flavoring matter, Pouchong is the leaf artificially flavored witli the scent of certain flowers, obtained by placing the leaf in direct contact with freshly picked blossoms, no chemical flavoring that can replace them having as yet been discovered. Tons of the strongly scented blossoms of the White Jasmine [Officinale), Jasmine [Sambac), Oleacear (Olea fragrans), and Gardenia {Rubiacear), known to the natives as Su-eng, Boat-Ti, Ch'iu-lan, and Ng-ki respectively, are gathered yearly to be used in the manufacture. In fact, such large quantities are required that the production of these (lowers has become an industry in itself- Scarcely an hour's walk irom

1. Japanese customs Reports give the total Formosa Tea export for 1897 as 20,504,610 pounds valued at 0,920,030 Yen (J3.460.315 U. S. Cold) and of that amount 2,441,215 poun ' at 400,910 Yen (8230,465 U.S Gold), was Pouchong Tea. [n 1893 the export of Pouchong was l.si-j.o;, pounds. In 1894 it reached 2,290,266 pounds ; and, high prices ruling, the production brought 760,930 Sen (1380,465 U.S. Cold) to the fortunate Formosa dealers. The export for 1 i ,281 piouls (2,714,100 lbs.) valued at 520,7:33 Yen ($268,861 IT. S. Gold).

2. While in Formosa only the four van ties above mentioned are at present used in the manufacture of scented Tea, in China the list is more extended and. according to Fortune, c insists of the following:—

Rose; Plum; Orange; Jasminwn Sambac; Ait: Jasviinum paniculatimi, Soxb ; Aglaia odorata, Botco; Osmanthus fragrans, Lour; Qardmia florida, T<.

CHAPTER XXIII (PART 3 OF 3)

See page 26, vol. XXIV Transactions Asia! f Plants from 1' I

by Henry.

Twatutia will bring one to the vicinity of large gardens filled with these fragrant plants. The prices of the blossoms vary with the demand, but generally range from 5 to 28 Yen a picul according to the kind, the White Jasmine being the must expensive and the Gardenia the cheapest.

Several different processes are in use in the manufacture of Pouchong Tea, but the general principle is the same. There are several grades also, chiefly dependent on the kind and quantity of the flowers used. The proportion oi blossoms to tea runs from some 30 percent, upwards, the larger quantity being required when the Oleacewr flower is utilized, and in making one particular grade all lour flowers are used together. The most common method of manufacture is as follows : — Tea, the same at this stage, though of a lower quality, as the Oolong exporters might he asked to buy, having been brought in from the country, is spread out on the floor of the building. The sweet smelling blossoms brought from the various gardens, freshly picked, after having keen completely sprinkled with water, are now mixed with the Tea, and the mixture is then piled up to a height of 7 or 8 feet, separated by small partitions running out from the side of the room. The stuff is now carefully covered with a cloth to prevent the escape of the flowery odor. Alter some 7 to 1 7 hours, according to the kind of flowers used and the season, the scent from the blossoms is found to have thoroughly per-meated the Tea leaves, and the mixture is then turned over to the Tea picking" girls who separate the now withered blossom from the Tea leaf. In the case of the Oleacear flower, however, the separation is usually done by the aid of a sieve, after the lea has been dried, as the blossom is too small to be quickly picked out by hand. When this is completed, the Tea is put on the fire for seven hours, being subjected to about 1800 Fah. of heat, after which the manufacture is considered complete. It is then taken to the packing room, where it is packed in small gaudily labeled paper bags holding a pound or more each. These in turn a:e packed in half chests, the same as used for Oolong, and the1 Pouchong is now ready for export.

The Formosa Tea, both [jure ( )olong and Pouchong, now packed, labelled, and matted, is sent in cargo boats down river to Hobe (Tamsui) ten miles distant, where the Customs export duty of yen 1.10 (55c U.S. Gold) per picul is collected. The Amoy steamers which lie at a wharf are loaded with ease and convenience, and in eighteen hours after their departure from Hobe, Amoy is reached, and the Oolong for foreign consumption is there landed to be more securely packed and later transhipped aboard Pacific steamers to the western coast ports of America or to London and New York via the Suez Canal route.1

The aromatic and pungent flavor of Formosa Oolong is highly appreciated in America ; but in England the demand is very slight, and the import is almost exclusively used for mixing with other Teas to give the latter flavor. We find consequently that of the total export nearly 90 per cent, goes to America and the balance is shipped to Great Britain. The

1. Ordinarily tlie tea with freight at 10c. pur half cheat can he laid down in A v godowns for

about 15c. Tamsui currency, although opposition between rival steamship lines sometimes brings freight down to 5c. a half chest, making it possible to lay tea down in Amoy for 10c. or so.

Chinese control the Pouchong trade, so that it may be said the foreign Tea houses are, with the exception of the few small shipments to London, exclusively engaged in supplying the American market. The value of this trade has in one year exceeded 7,000,000 yen ($3,500,000 U.S. < rold), but the average during the last fv.\v years has been somewhat under that amount.1 This trade is conducted almost wholly through seven large firms, English and American. Of the above mentioned firms four have their head otfices in Amoy with branch offices in Formosa. There is as yet only one Japanese firm established in the Formosan Tea business on anything like a large scale. This firm (whose president is one of the leading Japanese tea merchants in Yokohama) has for the last three years been exporting increasing amounts of Oolong to Japan for re-export to the United States, and ma)', in time to come, rival some of the foreign export houses in extent ot business done ; though, as long as the trade remains as it is to-day — largely a commission and joint account business — American and English home firms will prefer to place their patronage, other things being equal, with people of their own nationality, with whose business ability they are acquainted.

Of shipments from Formosa to America, either direct or with transhipment in Japan, or of final packing in Japan, there have been, with the above exception, practically no indications, the lack of proper harbours in the island rendering shipment by large steamers a difficult task. Tamsui harbor, in its present state, admits only vessels drawing about 13 feet. From this harbor the run across to Amoy is made by coasting steamers in 18 hours. Some small Japanese steamers also make regular trips to Kobe, and a foreign firm has made a few tea shipments by this route, but of rather an experimental nature, I believe. If the government could be induced to improve Tamsui harbor, which, owing to its convenient location is of the greatest commercial importance in the island, the problem of direct shipment would be much simplified. While Kelung harbor is accessible to large steamers, these can not come in close to shore, and the difficulties of loading are considerable. The greatest obstacle to shipment via Kelung, however, is in transporting the Tea from TwatUtia to that port. The two places are connected by rail, but the rolling stock is insufficient for the handling of large quantities of Tea. From Tamsui it could be carried by boat round to Kelung, but with such difficulty that the sea route is entirely out of the question. The expense of shipment via Kelung to japan is considerably higher than via Tamsui to Amoy, although from Amoy to America, and Japan to America, freight rates are the same.2 Should the Nippon Yusen Kwaisha give through bills of lading from Kelung to America at the same rate as their usual charges from Amoy they would doubtless obtain a good share of the trade.

1. In 1893 the export of Formosa teas readied 30,047,000 lbs. valued at 7,305,900 yeu (3,052,950 U. S. Gold).

2. At present (1899) steamship freight between Kelung and Kobe is 15 sen a half chest, Kelung shipping expenses 2 bud, railway freight about 2 sen, giving a total cost "f laying down tea in Kobe from tho Twatutia railway station of about 19 sen per half chest, (2 lapauose sen equal 1 t\ S. Gold cent).

Kelung harbor, when properly dredged and the breakwater con-structed, and the railway extended on the south east side as is now planned, will permit oi big steamers entering close to the; railway jetty, and the present difficulty of loading in Kelung will disappear. It will, however, take several years before this extensive programme is completed, and by that time other unforeseen obstacles may have arisen, and the advantages of shipment per Amoy still remain supreme.

In any case the willing and constant co-operation of the railway from Twatutia to Kelung (20 miles) will be required. With cheap railway and steamship freights shipment to Kobe for final matting and marking, or for transhipment to American steamers, will then be quite practical, and new firms may eventually find it to their advantage to send some of their Teas that way. It would require, however, promises of very marked advantage, which do not at present appear, to induce the Amoy firms to remove their principal offices to Formosa, and notwithstanding what other changes may be made, shipment via Suez can always be most conveniently made through Amoy.

It is reported, however, that the Japanese government may introduce legislation which will practically result in giving the mainland of Japan favorable treatment. That is, at present there is an export duty in force throughout the Empire including Formosa. When the new treaties come in force (July 1899) it is the intention to abolish the export duty in Japan proper. Should the Formosa government, for revenue purposes, continue the export duty in Formosa, it would offer a considerable premium on exports shipped via Japan, providing the old condition of free trade between Formosa and Japan remain in force. However it is quite possible that the government may decide that Formosa is not to enjoy free exports nor free trade with Japan proper, and that an impost of some kind will be placed on goods shipped from the island to Japan.1

Twatutia has grown very rapidly of late years. A large number of new buildings tor the Chinese merchants have been erected and the foreigners are installed in commodious dwellings. In fact the only class that seems unaffected by returns from the d'ea trade-, is the one that receives the largest share. I refer to the Chinese Tea growers. Every season nearly seven millions ot silver dollars are brought over from the mainland. A few hundred Chinese Teamen, barefooted and dressed in common clothes, present themselves and exchange their Tea for the silver dollars. They return to the narrow confines of the Tea district and "presto" the silver disappears, and die following season the same ragged fellows reappear with the same poverty stricken appearance. The same mud, brick and straw huts remain up country, the same crude farming implements are in use, and the same half starved dog rushes out to bark as you pass by. Perhaps an.

1. While this chapter is in press, news arrives that tin- Japanese government, although abolishing all export duties from Japan proper, will continue the collection <.t export duties in Formosa, and further-more that the duty on shipments of ' tolonjj tea from Formosa to any foreign port will be increased to yen 1.60 while Bhipmenta of Oolong from Formosa to any poi t. in Japan will pay yen 1.00 a picul, called "harbor tax." It is not known whether this is a temporary measure or wil] be permanently adhered to

'I III SAN TEA [NDUSTRY. 39 1

extension of- a Tea field may be noted <>r even ;i new rice field laid out ; but

of prosperity, as we know it in the West, there is not a sign. What becomes of so much treasure is truly a mystery.

Under the new treaties with Japan, which have now come into force, it will be possible for foreigners to take up their residence in the country and to engage in trade on practically the same basis as the natives, except that land cannot be owned, although twenty year leases are possible. Under these conditions what are the chances for foreigners as Tea planters?' I do not refer to the large foreign Tea firms. The owning or controlling of a plantation by them may be of indirect advantage in many ways, and the mere difference in values between the cost of cultivation and the ruling prices on the Twatutia market, so long as there is no special loss, may be a matter of secondary importance But I refer chiefly to the outside investor, who desires to place his money in some profitable venture, or the ozone loving individual who wishes to engage in agricultural work and who would look forward to a life in the Formosa hills with pleasure, provided a comfortable income was to be obtained.

1 his subject might well be prefaced with the information that a good lea producing district is usually an unhealthy one, the moisture and rain required being rather conducive to malarial fever. Still our planter might be provided with comfortable quarters and good food, and might spend a por-tion of his time in Twatutia, which though it has a bad reputation, does not appear to be specially unhealthy so far as foreigners are concerned. The question then resolves itself into one of profit and loss. To the writer it would appear that foreigners, and even Japanese, at least until the latter have greatly increased in number, w ill find it very difficult to compete with the Chinese in agricultural pursuits.- The only opportunity, therefore, would be for one who, having obtained new and fertile ground, could give such atten-tive care to the plants that the product would stand out clearly as superior to the average native grown Tea. But should he profit by the application of new means and methods, the neighboring native planters would eventually discover the cause of his success, and they might, the chances are they would, soon adopt a like system and probably undersell the foreigner in a few seasons, owing to their frugality and closeness in money matters.

It is difficult to form an estimate of the cost of production, an outsider, specially a foreigner, being obliged to pay for much that the Chinese planter would partially or wholly avoid. Some idea, howe\ er, of the capital required may be ascertained by the following estimate of the: principal items : —

1. Several parties have made similar inquiries of the writer, as United States consular repre-sentative. The suhject was dealt with in a consular report, a portion oi which is reproduced in the present account.

2. Until the new order of things in Japan is made public and the exact privileges granted to foreigners are known, it cannot be definitely stated whether or not foreigners may engage in agricul-ture. But should a foreigner desire to control a tea plantation, there would doubtless be legal methods open by which he could do so, residence in the interior being allowed him.

392 THE islam) OF FORMOSA.

For a plantation of 100,000 bushes.

25 acres of the most desirable laud 80000 Yen.

100,000 young Tea bushes, planted ... 1,600.00 ..

Cultivation and care of plants for three years ... ... ... fi"0.00 „

Farming implements (native) nml litil t'oi (iilt ivator ... ... ... ... 160.00

Total 3,160.00 Sea.

As regards the working expenses ; after studying the subject, on and oft for nearly a month, I found it quite impossible to arrive at any satisfactory results. The Twatutia Chinese merchants know very little about in-country conditions, and inquiries made direct to the planters resulted in such a mass of conflicting statements — one man giving different figures at each interview on three different occasions — that I gave up in despair. Doubtless the simple rustics believed that the "barbarian" was planning to oust them all. If not, why should he be so inquisitive? 1 he Agricultural Department of the Formosan government has published a table showing the working expense of an average plantation ; and as they have conducted an experimental Tea station, special opportunities have been afforded them for ascertaining the cost, though I am not quite sure that the figures given are correct in every instance, 'i he government estimate is as follows: —

For a plantation of 100,000 bushes. Cultivation

Picking and manufacturing Charcoal and fuel Wear and tear of implements (cultivation and manufacture,)

Total

To which should be added Transportation

Taxes ...

Interest on invested capital

Giand Total

Receipts will depend upon the grade of Tea the planter succeeds in producing, as well as on the market prices ruling. The cost of picking and preparing is about the same for all grades of tea, so that the profit on the choicer kinds are often very large. A good plantation of 100,000 bushes will yield about 400 piculs of leaf, which when manufactured amounts to 120 piculs of clean prepared Tea. Assuming that the foreigner will strive to produce the highest grade of Tea and that he. will personally dispose of his produce at Twatutia, without the aid of middlemen, he should average about 40 Yen a picul.

ISO piculs @ 40 Ten 4.800.00 Yen.

Deduct working expenses ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 3.51200 „

600.00 Yen 1 .7.r>0.00 „ 338.00 ,. 100 00 „

2,788.00 Yen

120.00 „ 288 00 „ 31600 ,.

3,512.00 Yen.

X.t profit 1,28300 Yen.

About 40 ",, on invested capital.1

The above is on a basis of a 100,000 bush plantation, one ten times its size would represent a like increase in expenditure. With the foreigner

1. The Japanese yen here mentioned may be taken roughly as about the equivalent of the Mexican dollar and equal to about 50 cents United States Gold.

Tea Manipulation at Foreign Establishments

Final Firing.

A Belle among the Picking Girls. An Exporting Firm's Packing Shed.

Picking out Bad Leaves.etc. Tea Tasting at Daitotei.

THE F0RM0SAN TEA INDUSTRY. 393

established in his new plantation, what would be his position financially as compared with his Chinese neighbors ? A Chinese can live more economi-cally than it would ever be possible for a self-respecting foreigner to do, and of course, as the former deals with his own countrymen, he requires no middle-men. A foreigner, if he lived on the plantation, would require a residence. A two storeyed structure would cost from 2,500 yen upwards. The Chinese planter would live in a wretched mud brick hut representing not more than a tenth of the outlay.

Chinese Tea plantations are often much smaller than the one above described. The largest, with the exception of those ot a few millionaires like Lim of Pankio, who own big plantations which they rent out to growers on sharing terms, average about 10 to 15 acres, while the small gardens, forming the vast majority, are only from two to five acres in extent. The Chinese grower with the aid of the members of his family, the more numerous the better, performs all that is required in connection with the cultivation of the plant. After having obtained possession of the land either by purchase or lease, and having secured the necessary young plants, the Chinese grower, by avoiding the employment of outside labor, decreases his expenditure to almost half of that which the foreigner would be obliged to meet. After his plants have sufficiently matured to yield a return, should the planter find his labors too great for his family, the neighboring villagers and farmers combine to assist him. The planter has his little garden ot sweet potatoes and other vegetables, perhaps a small rice field, besides pigs and chickens, which furnish food to the family. During the few days o| picking and manufacture it may he necessary to call in outside labor : but the Chinese farmer would get more work out ol his em-ployes for less pay than the foreigner could ever expect to do. By these methods he reduces the amount of working capital to a minimum, and it is doubtful if the actual money-outlay for production exceeds fifteen to twenty Mexican dollars a picul. But the foreigner could scarcely expect to be so suc-cessful. Were he perfectly familiar with the language ol the country, he would he able to deal direct with his employs and exert a general supervision over his men, which would be a great advantage to him. Still he would require a native overseer, and it is likely that this individual would feather his nest at the foreigner's expense. If the foreigner was ignorant of the language, and consequently unable to earn- on negotiations with Chinese, he would be obliged to employ a Chinese compradore and place himself almost entirely in this person's hands. Should his manager turn out to be honest, well and good ; but apart from the integrity which this worth)- would doubtless show in business affairs that were, or might be, eventually open to inspection, the chances are that by " ways that are dark and tricks that are vain " he would manage to turn a good share of the profits into his own coffers, besides this, the foreigner's plantation would attract all the disreputable characters in the neighborhood, and a considerable quantity ot Tea would be lost through robber\-. Whether the foreigner could survive in competition with the Chinese under such conditions sc-ms very doubtful. The Japanese planter

would probably find himself in like difficulties, except that he would have the advantage over the European or American of lighter living expenses.

In closing-, it may be well to devote a few lines to the important part Tea plays in the island's prosperity. First, it sin mid be noted that the hills upon which the Tea flourishes would, were it not for this trade, probably be left waste or planted to sweet potatoes or some other crop of very little value. The industry, therefore, so far as land is concerned, is almost a clear gain, leaving as it does, the rich plains and valleys for the growth ofrii sugar, and other important products.

By glancing at the industrial map the reader will observe that the district under Tea cultivation is a comparatively small one in the north. Although occupying about one-sixth of the territory utilized by sugar, and only a fraction of that given up to rice, or the area covered with the vast camphor forests, the production firings to the island nearly five times the receipts obtained from sugar, over five times the receipts obtained from camphor, and more than one half of the total value of the whole export trade of Formosa.1 Its importance to North Formosa may be judged by noting that, on an average, about 86 per cent, of the annual export receipts are obtained from Tea. It is not too much to say that the very exist-ence of the port of Tamsui (Hobe) is dependent upon this industry. If the season is an unprofitable one to teamen, either growers or packers, a noticeable reduction occurs in the Chinese demand for piece goods and other foreign imports, and should the industry be ruined, as it has been in the neighboring districts of Amoy, the general trade ol North Formosa would be almost nil, thousands thrown out of work, and the government revenue directly and indirectly cut down perhaps a million of dollars (the present direct taxes from Tea yield over half a million yen). -' This the Japanese authorities should keep in mind, and regulations or imposts which would tend to hamper the Tea trade should be discouraged. So far the government has exhibited the right spirit. Regulations have been passed to prevent the adulteration of Formosa Tea, a fund has been provided for advertising the goods, and, although Chinese immigration is not generally permitted, easy methods have been devised by which Tea laborers may go back to China at the close of the Tea season and return to Tamsui in the spring. The government taxes now amount to about a tenth of the total value of the Tea export ; and with the lightly taxed Japanese and free Ceylon and Indian Teas in competition in American markets, it is to be hoped that, if any change is made, it will be to lighten the tax rather than to increase it.

1. In lN'.H. Yen. Export <>f Sugar 1,404,011

Camphor 1,339,435

Tea 6,920.6311

Total Export from Formosa 12,759293

,, Tamsui 8,315,766

(These -win- may )>•■ reduced to l". s. gold dollars by dividing by two).

2. The government revenue for 18!'S. From the Tea manufacturing tax aiiifimted t" yen Wii.TU, and from the Customs export duty tn yen 235,117; n total of yen 041,828,

Till; FORMOSAN TEA INDUSTRY. 395

FORMOSA OOLONG EXPORT TO AMERICA AND EUROPE \M> TOTAL I KA BXPOR'J FROM COMMENCEMENT OP THE TRADE.

Export Formosa

Export Formosa

Total Expoi t 1 t

St-as<»n.

1 loleng to the

( lolong t,,

Season Average Price (xamsui

Formosa Tea

United States.

Europe.

currency \ per picul

1 1 33 11)

fall kinds).1

isiii;

$10

180,824 !b>.

$15

2711.700 lbs.

1 285,200 lbs. | shipped direct from Formosa

$20

528,210 lbs.

{Choice

(Fair

$25 (a 281

$16 '; 20 j

720.-.

[to New York. 1

|s7n

Choice

("Choice

Fine

(.Good

... $82 Ui 35 ,. $36 (• W]

$27 (a 32

... $38 fa 11^

1,405,348 lbs.

1,082,110 lbs.

2,032.220 lbs.

1 5, 1 53 lbs.

.. .., \ i Iboice $ 15 (a 55 1

Suiiinii'i- 1 eas . - ... ioa

1 h 1110 $08 (a 44 1

2,601,801 lbs.

/ 25 (» 80% lower than 1s7l'. Daring Angu

Spring pi ices

5r good clean '

1,261,361 lbs.

57,360 lb.-.

Teas could l„* purchased ftl SI 1 (8

2,081,324 lbs.

1 15. Some even ai 10

During Fall ,

\ pi ices recovered fully I1 1

1 May Medium to Ch<

ice $23 Oi 45 1

ls71

2,818,959 lbs.

283,742 lbs.

June 4 July .. 1 Aug. to Dec. ..

1 Lowest point

$36 (a Hi . $12 5l ' Good $16]

3,338,846 lbs.

1,896,345 lbs.

100,796 lbs.

Highest poiut

\ Medium and Fine ...

t $4U

5,643,140 lbs.

... $20 (5 36]

1S7C

6,487,840 lbs.

1,102,369 lbs.

(Choice

/ 1 1 1

(CI e

si 1 (a 15 !

$20 1

.. $33 (a 36)

7,854,020 lbs.

1S77

7,704,693 lbs.

608,884 lbs.

Fine

1 Good

(Choice

... $26 <■■ 32 ... $17 (a 24 1 ... $45 (a 55

9,230,754 lbs.

1S7S

8,152,168 lbs.

1 287,360

F

1 1 lood

1 1 11

$30 (a 10

... $17 (a 25 j $55 (a 60]

10,701,524 lbs.

L879

9,783,513 lbs.

1 ,056,034 lbs.

Third 1 !rop i Fine ( Good

., $45 (a 50 . $35 fa 36 J

11,337,710 lbs.

1 SSI 1

10,884,127 lbs.

636,295 lbs.

. . $39.50

12,068,450 lbs.

1881 '

1 1,978,605 lbs.

61 1,151 lbs.

$35.65

12,854,355 lbs.

10,406,260 lbs.

752,478 lbs.

$34.04

12,040,146 lbs.

11.272.5139 lbs.

1,018,481 lbs.

$36 13

13. 21 II, .720 lbs.

1SSI

11,779,448 lbs.

726,293 lbs.

$3J 85

13.155.1:17 lbs.

1 885

1 1,631,082 lbs.

931,270 lbs.

$35.12

16,364,041 lb>.

13,797,879 Ins.

0211. ITU lbs.

$87.72

16,171,605 lbs.

lss7

14,524,015 lbs.

1,199,950 H^.

$34.46

16,816,786 lbs

isss

1 1,961,048 lbs.

947,51 1 lbs.

-

1 s.i 1.-,:;. 553 lbs.

IS V.I

1 1,539,894 lbs.

1,007,646 lbs.

$34.99

17.3si.iiii- lbs.

1 1,212,326 lbs.

975,264 lbs.

$37.34

1 7.1i'7.257 lbs.

ism

15,029,535 lbs.

7IH.220 lbs.

$31.81

18.055.1 19 lbs.

15,211 076 lbs.

735,368 lbs.

$3

18,230, 1 lbs.

L893

18,479,927 lbs.

7 1 1,981 lbs.

s;;s.5J

21,908,530 lbs.

IS'.ll

16,748,236 lbs.

7.". 1, 144 lb

$44.74

21 1.53:;.733 lbs.

15,912,426 H>s.

784,891 lbs.

11.14

10.550,1 16 lbs.

IN! if,

19,327,460 lbs.

572. 257 lbs.

$38.59

21.171.2"'

16,672,683 lbs.

lis:, ( •„-,] lbs.

SIT 25

20,516,020 lbs.

is: is

16,261,238 lbs.

688,318 lbs.

r.«8

2H.532. IH7 lbs.

16,051,000 lbs.

189,347 lbs.

(a 36

19,837,331 lbs.

(estimated.)

(estimated.)

(estimated.)

1. The above total covers all grades and kinds "t Tea exported for each calendar year as reported by the customs. The Japanese customs reports classify Tea iu five divisions, and the 1898 figures t,r each are as follows i

Tea, black (Oolong) 17,378,977 lbs. Declared value Yen 5,696,841

Tb», black (Pouchong) 2.007.373 lbs. .. .. Yen 520.733

Tea, bancha 199.766 lbs. .. Yen 11,657

Tea, dust 200,564 lbs. .. .. Yon 7,621

Tea, stalk 55.727 lbs. .. .. Yen

Total 20,532,4071 Yen 0,210,000

396 IHi PORMO

FORMOSA POUCHONG EXPORT PROM COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRADE.

Average price Tamsui

■Vverage price Tamsui

Total Export.

currency per picul (138 lbs.)

Season

Total Expoi 1

< mien, v per picul (138 lbs )

ISM

10,666 lbs.

$ 26.25

2,290,266 lbs.

ISSli

152,000 11

» 80.00

L895

2,700,000 lbs. 1 estimated)

769.880 lbs.

S 83.00

1897

2.279,900 lbs. 2,441,216 lbs

$ liii 111 - 25 00

L883

1,367,688 lbs.

IV. is

2,719, 167 H>-.

- 26.00

L893

1,966,838 lbs.

is: m.p

2,911,636 lbs.

$ 26.16

The figures in both tl bove tables showing the export of Formosa Oolong t<> the United States

ami Europe, with the exception of the earlier years, are from the Amoy < !hamber of < lommerce returns, and are undoubtedly correct. The figures showing the total export including Pouchongs, etc., are from 1 Ihinese Customs Reports, t lie only available source for such returns, and tor tin- last three years from the Japanese < !ustoms Reports. The half chest of Oolong contains about 40 Urn. "t Tea. Owing t.> the fact that, with the exception "t the last few years. n.> separate entry was made in the Customs Reports which would show tlie expert of Pouchong Tea. the table for the latter is incomplete. The fact that some Pouchongs are shipped direct and not landed at Amoy renders it impossible to obtain exact figures from the latter port, and again, as seme small parcels not specified »* Pouchongs when shipped from Formosa are later gold as snch, the local customs figures are m't wholly to be relied upon, lint little more, therefore, can be claimed for figures in the Pouchong table than thai they are approximately cor-rect. Pouchong packages vary greatly in size, containing from 20 to W lbs. of Tea each.

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 1 OF 6)

THE CAMPHOR INDUSTRY.

The Camphor and savagi questions inseparcdde — Formusan Forests — Price <<< Camphnr in blood — Endless war/art — Camjdior in the 16th century — First Formosnn monopoly — Rebellion of 1722 — Armed agriculturists occupy Camphor land — Xineteenth century traders — American firm secures Camphor monopoly — Taotai's agreement — Improvements at Takow — .In American concession — Yearly export — English jinn* established — Monopolists defied — Foreign Governments interested — •/,' Gendre's Report — Increasing troubles with officials — Raid against

foreigners — Camphor confiscated $500 for a foreigner's head — British consul lands naval force <>i Anping — Monopoly aMished — Sarages aggressin — Military

forces in action — Governor's nephew and eseoii exterminated — Governor J.>< takes the field — Tokoham campaign <>i 1891 — Monopoly re-established — Stand taken by Fornwsan Government — Monopoly opposed by foreign representative*

— Withdrawal •;/ monopoly — Store tax introduced -Mandarins' private profit — Futile attempt /<• introduce Japanese stoves — Speculator's unwise prophecy — Cnl. North's syndicate — Exciting apt culaiion- —Arrival of Japanese — Camplwr industry "i to-day — Location <f Gamplior forests — Soil — Manufacturing stations — Ports of shipment- -Ajourney to tin- Camphor district — .1 Camphor station — Ami iii if tlir mountains — Plant life in the hills — Rattan industry — Camphor forest — Home mid life oj Camphor tree described — Probable supply — Afforesta-tion system required — Camphor trees in foreign lands — Industry in China — Value if tree apportionate to age — Cultivation if tree a questionable investment

— Uses "f tree apart from drug — Scientific cultivation — Record growth of Camphor tin* m foreign lands — Tree-stripping — Savage district reclaimed by Camphor workers — Necessary requisites fur Camphor manufacture — Camphor stills iii operation — Probable effect if present monopoly — History of private ownership in Camphor district — Border life — Stockade life — Hakka pioneers — After-dinner contracts— Headhunting <u cursions — Binder ivarfan — Victims of treachery — Savage prisoners — ( 'amphor forest ownership — Armed artificers — Detailed description of construction of Chinese stun- — Distillers and their method of labor — From fort si in still — 21 thod nf manufacture — Care of fire — Distillat'wn — Financial arrangements — Arrival of Japanese and introduction if their stoves — Detailed description of Japanesi stove — Operation of stove in detail — Camphor

398 mi: tSLAND 01 PDRMDSA.

oil statistics and method'oj refining described — Chinese and Japanese stores compared — Improved distilling apparatus- Clanese and Japanese forest work compared — Formosan Camphor tree ami its richness in drug — Table shmcing yield of carious parts of tree — A hazardous occupation — Warfare a factor in cost of drug — 'Treachery and murder in Camphor districts -Chinese official savage system versus Japanese system Headhunting expeditions — Treachery and its fatal result — Japanese system of Camphor control — Ineffective protection against savages — Headhitnters and a Japanese victim — Mnnhr nf Japanese officials in Camphor district — Control of heftdhunters — Japanese bukonsho offices 1 at di 'ili sh ed — The savage qilestion — Policy of non-interference — Ainu. I guards — Status of Formosan savage — Tin land question — Economical aspect of savage life — Status i>r' civilized aborigines — Japanese Camphor workers — Japanese ami Cliinrs, Camphor workers compared — Transportation <a Camphor — Loss in weight — Camplior adulteration ami methods of detection — Japanest taxation as applied /<< Camphor — Confusion <>i claims — Difficulties in fam/ilmr district — -Foreigners withdraw from < amphor innh—Miil Formosa district — Camphor nil 1, 1. r — Camphor monopoly established^Governmeni system of control — Japan's Camphor export -Table showing Formosa Camplior export for half century.

Tin-. Camphor question is in reality the savage question, inasmuch

as the success or failure of the industry is dependent upon the position occupied by the savages, and as, in a general account of either subject it would lie quite difficult to separate them, I have included some material which may appear at first sight as more appropriate for the account of the Formosa savages given in a later chapter. It is only that phase of their life which has been exhibited in their contact with outsiders, who in this case prove to lie Camphor workers or troops sent to protect the latter, that 1 make any pretence of recording here. I have also included such little information as can be obtained regarding other products of the forest besides Camphor.

Of all the products of Formosa none is of such interest as Camphor. The fact that it is snatched from the jungle over which the wild savage roams, and that it is not produced to any extent in any other part of the world, save lapan. accounts lor this. It would be an inviting subject for the statistician, whose hobby is to study problems such as how man)- days con-sumption of matches placed end on end it would require to encircle the world, to figure out how many drops of human blood are represented in the few ounces of Camphor which the humane young lady purchases to keep her dainty garments freer of moths, or how many lives are lost that some decrepid old gentleman may be cured of his rheumatic pains. The trees which produce this valuable article are unfortunately within the country of the aborigines or upon the immediate border ot it. The methods of obtaining the drug adopted by the Chinese necessitates the destruction of the trees, which are never replaced : and while temporary permission is some-times granted by individual savages or their village headmen to work certain border districts, the aboriginal population as a whole naturally views

with deep concern the gradual encroachment on their native soil ; and, as a consequence, the border districts have, since the earliest days, been in a chronic state of disturbance. Every opportunity has been seized lor the perpetration of outrages, and, sad to say. these outrages have not been on the

part of savages alone, for the Chinese, on their side, seem never to have let slip any chance which presented itself of wreaking their vengeance on the unfortunate aborigines. The lives that during the last twenty-five years have been lost directly in consequence of this would sum up a very large number ; while indirectly, for instance among soldiers sent into the savage districts to avenge the murder of some Camphor worker, and vice versa, among aborigines making a raid on Chinese peasants living near the border, there must have been a deplorable addition to the above mentioned loss of life. Statistics are not sufficiently complete to afford exact information, but the historical notes which follow will give some idea of the " butcher's bill."

Camphor is mentioned as an article of trade in the early history of Formosa, but whether it refers to the crystallized product of the tree, or simply to the wood which is used for building purposes, etc., is not clear.'

In the 1 6th century the Camphor forest extended down on to the plains. and along some of the plateaux, even to the west coast. At as compara-tively late a date as [868, Camphor trees were growing on the lower ranges of the hills north of Taipeh in the north, which are now' giyeti over to the cultivation of tea and other staples. The main supply, however, is now, as it always has been, in that vast district covering the mountain region stretching through the heart of the island from north to south.

Chinese historians tell us that, early in the iSth century, the government declared a monopoly in Formosa over Camphor and other products ot the forest, the penalty for cutting down a single tree in contravention of the regulations being death. Under this rigorous law over two hundred people were decapitated in the one year 1720. This so enraged the colonists that two years later they l.roke out into a rebellion, during which many thousands lost their lives, and the capital of the island fell into the hands ol Choo Yih-kwei, the rebel leader.- Although the government did not relinquish its

1. The early history of Camphor is wrapped in obscurity. While mention of tlie tree is found in several early records, there is not always evidence that the manufacture of the drug was practised. The first indisputable reference to the trade in the drug is made l>y Klaproth (Memoires Belatifs a 1'Asie.— Paris 1824), who refers to the manufacture of Camphor as being one of the important in-dustries of the island at the time of his visit in the early part "f the present century. It is clear,

however, that the crystallized product of the tree was known in very early days t" tl astern nations,

and that it was introduced into Europe by the Arabians. It has also 1 n asserted that India was the

first country to manufacture the drug, and 1,200 year- ago a prince of thai nation is aaid to have made a present of Camp In.r t" the Chinese Emperor. U all events, the first intimate knowledg the manufacture of the drug obtained by Europe, seems t" have been got from India, and this land was the first customer for China's product, bo that the known manufacture "f Camphor in China dates bark many centuries. Coreans were also acquainted with the drug, and it was they, who in later years, introduced the manufacture to Japan. S'atsuma was the firsi province of Japan t.> profit by the instruction tendered by their neighbors, and some 180 years ago, sufficient Camphor was produced to place regular supplies in Nagasaki, where the drug was known as a Bpecial product of the above province. Later Kyushu, Shikoku, and other parts of Japan took np the manufacture. China, whe-ther 1 an-e -he had exhausted the supply of available trees, or oould net 1 ompete with Formosa and

Japan, where trees were more plentiful, gradually withdrew from the industry, until at present the expert of Chinese Camphor is practically nil.

2, See pages 70 to 73 Chapter V. for an account of this rebellion.

claims to a monopoly, the laws controlling the same were, made more lenient, and, by the payment of certain royalties, work in the Camphor forests was permitted.

A boundary line established by the Formosan authorities in 1738, was expected to separate the savage regions, which the officials made no pretense of governing, from the Chinese district over which they nominally ruled. In 1 788, a force of armed agriculturists, comprised of Pepohoans and other civilized aborigines, which had been formed by the authorities to aid in the subjection of Lim So-bun's rebel band, were given a large district of territory on the savage border, with permission to dispose of the Camphor growing within their respective boundaries, and afterwards to till the tree-denuded land so as to produce the necessary food-stuffs. For administra-tive purposes the concession was divided into six districts, and a tax was imposed. For some years the Pepohoans profited by their position and led a contented life ; but later on, their prosperity attracted the attention of unscrupulous Chinese, who stepped in, and by cunning anil treachery gradually deprived the unfortunate pioneers of their possessions. From that period, (the beginning of the present century,) the Chinese. Hakkas chiefly, succeeded in controlling the manufacture. The savages have shown no disposition to engage in the industry themselves, work being regarded by them as quite on a level with small-pox, famine, and other plagues, while the more willing 1'epohoans lost the opportunity from their own shiftlessness and general simplicity.

I'pon the arrival of the first foreign traders, in the present century, the Chinese officials still claimed an exclusive monopoly of the Camphor industry. In [855, an American, W. Ah Robinet of Hongkong, the first foreigner in later days to engage in trade in Formosa, despatched a vessel, the American bark Louisiana, commanded by Captain Crosby, to Takow. The vessel returned with a profitable cargo, as did the Santiago which closely followed her. The success of these two voyages becoming known caused several other parties to take an interest in the trade.

Two American firms, Nye Bros. & Co. and Williams, Anthon & Co., contemplated starting at once permanent establishments, but were persuaded by Mr. Robinet to carry on business with him on joint account, and the new company at once bought the American bark Science, which was despatched, well armed and manned, to remain as a store ship, being commanded by Captain George A. Rotter. At the same time the bark Isabelita J/vnr, the ship Architect, and the schooner Frolic were sent over with funds to the amount of eighty thousand dollars and valuable presents for the authorities. An American, C. 1). Williams, aboard the brio- Qarita, accompanied the expedition, the first object ol which was to inspect the various ports, select a site for an establishment, and enter into some agreement with the Rormosan authorities. After calling on the officials at Taiwan (Tainan), he took passage in the Frolic and visited all the ports on the west coast as far to the north as Kelung. Mr. Williams' trip was successful, and he secured from the authorities an agreement giving his company the monopoly

THE CAMPHOR INDUSTRY. 4OI

of all Camphor produced, and other trading privileges, as well as per-mission to form an establishment at Takow.1 In consideration of th< concessions, the Americans agreed that their vessels should pay one hundred dollars each voyage as tonnage dues, that they would protect Takow against pirates, and that, when necessary, they would furnish the authorities there with a ship to pursue the pirates, to be under the orders of the Chinese authorities and carry the Imperial flag during the time so employed. Captain M. Rooney was sent to Takow, and under his super-intendence some improvements in shipping were introduced. A small channel which divided much of the water oft the bar was filled up, and a signal station provided with a light was erected at the entrance to guide ships by day or night. On shore were constructed a granite storehouse caiiakle of containing 1000 tons, two houses, and a wharf from which vessels could load. A considerable portion of the surrounding district was marked oft', and over this small concession the American flag was flown. After an expenditure of the equivalent of $45,000 -old in these improvements, the Camphor promised was not forthcoming, and the first few vessels returned to the mainland with cargoes scarcely paying their expenses. 1 hen the Americans, as merchants wen- wont to do in those early days, decided to force the authorities to carry out their agreement, and accordingly assembled their little fleet, making a naval demonstration before the astonished mandarins. ( )n a visit to the Science being made by the prelect, the salute of three guns, with which it was customary to honor him, was with-held, and he was inform* d that forcible measures would be adopted it he did not act faithfully. The result was very satisfactory ; as much Camphor was brought in aswaswant< d, with which and with other cargo, 78 vessels were in less than two years laden, bringing a large profit to the promoters. For coasting purposes a small schooner of 80 tons, the Pearl, Mas constructed and employed in collecting Camphor as fast as it was purchased by native agents stationed at the principal ports along the coast. Upwards of io.oco piculs of Camphor were obtained yearly by the company at a cost ol about $8.co a picul, and sold at a very good price in Hongkong.

1. •■ Agree nf entered info with the Taotai, or Inteudimt of Circuit in Formosa, about carrying

uii trade in the island.

" The Taotui grants the privilege of trading at Formosa to th iviiers of the ship - on the

follow tug conditions : —

" The owners of the Science agree to protect the port of Takow against pirates with t mid whenever required by the [ntendaut or nnj other high officer, they will furnish :i vessel Lo pursue pirate?, which vessel, for the time being, shall be under charge of n Chinese Officer and carry hu fWg. They further agree to pay fifty dollars charges for each i|iast of every loads for their

account. The captain of the Science is to afford, ever} I t assistance to the authorities if it

does not 1 promise his nationality.

"The Inteudimt, on his part, agrees to give the Captain ofthi - for the lawful trade to be

carried on, every protection, and to Bee til .1 all the Chines • merchants faithfully tut til their couti and particularly the Camphor monopoly entered into with th* Chinese contractors. He ts to

the Captain the privilege nf building godowns t.. store d permits him to place lights at the

eutrau E the Port on a flag-staff erected for such n purpose, and to station buz-ys on thebar. He

will tnk" measures that property of every kind shall he Every hindrance is to he placed in

the way of all other vessels attempting to trade in Foimosa.

"It is also understood that, wli.-ii.-vr there shall be a bad crop of riue'nnd this grain ' Bcarce, the Intendant's prohibition to export 11 shall be rwpected by the Captain of tl ; but

The successful operations of the American firm brought others into the field; and, after a vain attempt to interest the United States authorities in the island, the concession was sold to an English firm.

Upon the establishment of consular jurisdiction in the island (1861), two English firms, Jardine, Matheson <S: Co. and Dent & Co., shared the Camphor monopoly between them. Other foreign firms were, during the next two or three years, established in considerable numbers, themembers of which strenuously opposed the monopoly as being an infraction of the treat)-, discriminating as it did against individual enterpri

There were, at this time, several settlers in the interior who possessed wealth and power enough to frequently defy the government authorities. It was common for them to sell Camphor to foreigners at Tamsui, and 1>\' providing the carriers with a large armed escort they were enabled to guarantee safe delivery at that port. This naturally resulted in frequent private wars, and on one such occasion, in 1863, about two thousand men were engaged on each side. Although the loss of life was small, it threw a large district into anarchy, and resulted in a considerable financial loss from the dislocation of trade.

( >n the ratification of the French and English treaties in [860 and their subsequent enforcement, it was declared that the whole coast was not open to foreign trade, but only Tainan and Tamsui and its dependency Kelung. '1 his was a blow to the foreign firms interested in the monopoly, as by visiting the west coast ports and thus getting nearer the field of production, they secured the Camphor at less expense and were better able to control the trade. The coasting vessels were withdrawn, and the foreigners con-cerned were obliged to confine their labors to the treat)- ports. The monopolists purchased the Camphor from the producers at a very low figure and exported just enough to meet the demand at Hongkong without permitting the pries to fall: but now, with the additional expenses of transportation over-land, and the tact that the Camphor frequently got into other hands, the foreigners found it more difficult to pay the prices de-manded by the government, while the consumers did not exhibit a willing-ness to meet the increased cost. A temporary lull in the trade result

'I he Chinese compradores and others were not slow in availing tin m-selves o( the- inactivity existing, ami, though the contracts conceding to certain foreigners exclusive privileges had not been officially annulled, the Chinese above referred to practically rendered them nugatory by giving expensive presents to the mandarins, and obtaining thereby almost control of the trade ! Every advantage and facility was afforded them by the officials, and every obstacle and hindrance placed in the way of foreigners trying to enter die market.

mitted to export all tl been contracted for,— within a month

of llii' prohibition.

" It is Further agreed that the Captain of the Science shall Bee that tin' crew of his ship, and also

• iin<7 f Bhall ii.it attempt t' plunder or annoy the people, aud shall be

ly punished whenever they nre found ;<• ••

t Taiwan June, 27, is.",.",.

1ntkmia.ni at Fojwosi (L.S.)

R<J1 A POTTEB

HIE CAMPHOR INDUSTRY-.

In 1865, there were at Takow the English firms of Jardine Matheson oc Co., Dent cc Co., and MacPhail 6c Co., at Tamsui and Kelung, the German firm fames Milisch <>c Co., the American firm, Field, fiastus cv: Co., and the English merchant John Dodd, agent for I >ent <S; Co. No little rivalry existed between five firms in the Camphor trade.

So much opposition, however, was shown them by the Chinese mandarins, who wished to corner all the- profits I with the- industry, that

affairs were very unsatisfactory, and so frequent were the resulting distur-bances that the question came up before the English and American govern-ments for solution. The stand taken by the foreigners was defined in a report liy U.S. Consul Le Gendre to his government.

"If China had no treaties with Eoi

interfered with by the colli tax on the

■ wonlil bi ly of the • . within tl the imme

diction of the i affected by the existing treaties. I. various \< >rts, to deal ■ with Chinese operate

by til • The praetici 30 injurious t i the foreign trade

that, in 1842, the ok up the matter ami ma le it a condition of peace to Ik.

Nanking, of Juui rmit

British mercha g at tlie treaty-ports to carry on their mercantile transactions with wlial

persons they might. . I lie aborigi

.ings with them by 'ing could

be maintained, the treaty remains in fore

The Chinese, ever evasive, at first endeavored to overlook the question of the trade in the crystallized product as being petty ani unworthy of their consideration, and produced for the inspection of the parties concerned a proclamation which declared that "in the mountains of every place the entire produce of" timber is required for the navy, and no person shall be permitted to cut down the tree secretly. With regard to the article Camphor, in order to pay outlay for axes and saws and other implements, permission should be given to the (Government monopolist) foreman to erect sheds for its preparation, and he will be allowed to take and dispose of it as he please

J. Reports on Amoy and the Island of Formosa by C. W. Le Gendre, I Government Printing Office, Washington, 1871.

i. / xmjthor monopoly issued l> By Imperial ap]

ment, Mil n and the Peso iver of Judge of Assizes, also

Admiral, I I the Board of Examination, and invested with the eutirt Lffairs

in 1

Ting, Makes Pi n. Whereas my ofii .'iglit of establishing naval dock-

yard pairing and bui

The timber required 1 have aln 1 now it is

j and

lists in each department that they may

i of abundant naval timber are I of Tamsui and K tf. W. and N. E I

ce all the preceding Taotais ho f the said |

to erect tents for the f surveillance over the workmeu and I shape the w<

lated lengl

v it in boats f ir deli' established rule,

delivery of the I, the pn

Tuotai, having just taken over office, am d

to, and will not suffer it again I icted through remissness. 1 hi

said Kim Keshinq of the (cain| aud at the -

time to confer it, of which deed this i- Cai-chuug hiui with

the foreinauskip Or the spring period, aud the latter is expected to couform to its injuueti

404 'HlK ISLAND Ot leKMosA.

• The matter remained unsettled for some three years, and meanwhile rows and disturbances between the employes ol the foreign firms and Chinese in the pay of the authorities resulted. Treachery and even murder wen- resorted to by the officials to k :ep die foreigners out of the trade.

During the year 1868, the conduct of the Chinese local officials became unbearable. In the north at Tamsui, during the early months of the year, several small lots of Camphor, which had been bought in the producing dis-tricts directly from the manufacturers by a foreign merchant, were conducted to Tamsui under the protection of an armed guard. This stirred up the monopolists, who resorted to a series of aggressive acts in the hope of rendering the trade so ha/ardous that foreigners would be induced to abandon it. With the assistance of hired agents, boats were stolen, boatmen in foreign employ were attacked and beaten, and employes of the foreigners were- threatened with violence if they would not consent to desert their masters. Eventually an open conflict broke out, during which four or five natives were killed and several wounded. Some ooo worth of Camphor, the property of Elles & Company, was seized at Goche; but after pressure had been brought to hear by consular officials, the Chinese authorities agreed to restore it. 1 lowever, upon Mr. Pickering, the firm's representative, attempting to visit (iodic to inquire about the drug, which, notwithstanding the Taotai's promises, had not been restored, the Taotai issued a proclamation offering $500 lor that gentleman's head. Subsequently, soldiers commanded by a military officer attacked him while in Lokiang (Rokko), and he was obliged to take refuge in a small boat, in which, after a dangerous journey, he reached Tamsui.

All business now came to a standstill, and attacks on foreigners, murders ol Christians, destruction of foreign property, and other outrages became so alarming that .Mr. Gibson, the British consul at Anping, was obliged t<> take a determined stand; British men-of-war were called to his assistance, a landing party took possession of Fort Zelandia, and after a skirmish, as described in a preceding chapter, drove the Chinese soldiers entirely out of the town. The effect of this exhibition of power was most

public are hereby informed that in the mountains of every place tbe entire produce of timber is claime 1 tor the requirements of tbe naval dockyard, and uo prison shall l>u permitted to cut down trees secretly. With regard to the article Camphor, in order to pay outlay for axo9 aud saws and otber implements, ■ ''1,1 11 should be given to the said foreman to erect sin-. Is for its preparation, aud lie will be lI iwed to tain of it as lie pleases, as has been established by mauy precedents. Now I. am

informed 1 hat in the interior mountains certain pe: ms are in the constant habit of secretly cutl ing dow a tbily preps Such malpractices are hereby strictly forbidden, and on the

1- ue of this notice the public are enjoiued respectfully to observe its restrictions, and assist in proclaim-ing its warnings that the law be. not transgressed. And if any evil-disposed workman will not submit 1 1 be so restrained and in league with evil-disposed people secretly ascend the mountains aud destro naval timber, and cut it up for secret use or secretly prepare therefr im Camphor 1 11 soi rel export with a ■ I al uch il taken in the act or convicted on evidence, shall be apprehended, aud

if they dare to make resistance information must at once be laid against them before the local authorities, who with the assistance of the military will seize the misdemeauauts and deal with them severely and without leniency. The foreman is enjoined to be diligeul in his duties and with regularity to cut down the tinibor, and reporl il for delivery without let or biudrauoe. Opposition will be punished. Respect this a special proclamation.

Reign TuugoliiU— 2ud year, Oilt moon, ijih day (Gth November i C I).

Ill HOfc IM'i STRV. 405

salutary. Among other substantial results, the Camphor monopoly was abolished and a proclamation issued declaring the right of foreigners and their employes to go and buy freely; while an indemnity of $6,000 was paid to Elles & Co. for the loss of their Camphor.

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 2 OF 6)

The depressing effect which the monopoly hadhad on the Camphor trade became apparent at once when it was abolished. The export for the first six months following the date on which the monopoly was abolished amounted to 7,637 piculs against r,3 1 3 piculs for the corresponding period in 1S67. During the early part of the year, foreigners were obliged to pay to the monopolists $16 a picul for the drug, but immediately following the abrogation of the monopoly the price fell to $g, and for a short period even to $7.80. The enormous profits reaped by the monopolists, whose high prices were strangling the trade, werenow open to free competition. At that period, however, the demand for Camphor was comparatively limited. Some found its way to India, where it was used in religious ceremonies, but the larger part was consumed in medicinal preparations, and the amount required for these purposes was not expected to vary much trom year to year. Still it is not unreasonable to believe that the low price of the drug for the fifteen years following this period is responsible for its comparatively large consumption at present, inasmuch as its cheapness encouraged chemists to study more carefully its properties and to utilize it in several manufactures which are now firmly established, but which would probably not have been so, had the old or the present high rates prevailed.

Thus freed from government interference, several foreign firms engaged in the trade; the number of Chinese, principally Hakkas, employed in the manufacture on the borderland of the savage territory increased greatly ; and the aborigines were driven further and further into the interior, losing not only their lands but oftimes their lives. From an annual average in 1865-67 of 7,102 piculs the export increased to 14.240 piculs in 1868-70.

In 1875, the export decreased by half, owing to the extraordinary activity of savages, who were awakening to the fact that their lands on the west were fast falling into the hands of their enemies, the Chinese. Numer-ous savage raids were made on the 1 lakka woodsmen, and the necessary supply of Camphor chips was very difficult to obtain.

For the next five years the export improved somewhat, in 1880 amount-ing to 1 2,335 piculs. But from this year on, the trade fell away, until, in 1SS5, die export practically ceased, amounting to only 3 piculs (about 400 lbs.) tor the year. Warfare between the Chinese and savages, which it is noexagg tion to say had existed in a greater or less degree from the first day of Chinese dominion in Formosa, reached this year to such a magnitude that it extended from the north of the island to the south, the border line being converted into one long battle-field, and the savages becoming so aggressive that they came out of the hills and attacked the plain villages : while the Chinese retaliated by firing large districts of forests, destroying the villages ol the savages, ami driving the inmates further into the interior.

(Hike naturally the manufacture of Camphor came to a standstill. The

406 THE ISLAND 01 l:< iRMOSA.

next year large numbers ol troops were employed against the savages : < reneral Lin Chiau-tong marched 1,500 men against the tribes to the south-east <>f Tokoham (Taikokan) ; a large force entered the east coast near Gilan; and even Governor Liu himself for a few months took the field. In this year the Chinese losses were over 500, and during 1887 a general and 400 soldiers met their deaths on the east coast; while later Lau, a nephew of the Governor Liu Ming-chuan, with his force consisting of 1 So soldiers, was in the same district surrounded by the savages, and with the exception of one person, a young boy, totally annihilated, tin- savages escaping without the known loss of a single life.1

Though fighting did not by any means cease, it quieted down in some districts lor the next lew years, and it was not until the spring of [891 that hostilities on a large scale broke out again. After a hundred or so n[ Camphor workers had been killed along the border, a large military force was again put in the field, ,1 number of the villages near the savage territory were garrisoned, and later a large expedition marched against the savages near Tokoham. To describe the numerous troubles would be to repeal much that has been given in a former chapter; and in leaving the subject it is sufficient to point out that up to tin; occupation of the island by the Japanese, scarcely a month elapsed without a combat between the savages and the Chinese braves.

From the year 1868, when the government monopoly was abolished,

foreigners were permitted to buy Camphor in the interior and to transport the same to the coast, transit passes being issued for that purpose. Butafter the French war, the heavy expenditure connected with the campaign was made an excuse by the Chinese to again establish a Camphor monopoly. The stand taken by the governor of Formosa is thus described in the Custom Reports." "The Camphor forests, reclaimed by warfare from the savages and brought under cultivation at government ex-pense, are the property of the Crown, and that instead of utilizing the natural resources of such crown land under official administra-tion they permit Chinese settlers (and traders) to do so. This can only

1. Tn details -<f this slaughter are as fallows: The C ped for the night iu the

istrict, and with characteristic stupidity had no men detailed on outpost duty. Tims while wrap.

pud in slumber to a man, d c lofideiit ttiat the morrow \v mid bring them victory, they were quiet.

|y sun-oui aly attai from with great uoi e, and out them

u one by one n thej arose fr their ileep. Not a sliot was fired, and t > opportunity for

defence, even bad the Chinese been prepared for a sudden attack, which appears doubtful. A > • 0 1 u ^ ■ Hi, of 1, 'in, tli ''s Uephew, escaped into the long grass and la} there hidden

until the massacre wa ircd. He then reached the border di tricl , aud later

Taipei the alarming tale do known. Admiral Tin j eral men-of-war was now order-

ed t" the east coast, ami Governor Liu decided to bis nephew aud. party iu pei

ami accordingly took command of a cousideral which was marched into the offending district.

Quite a quautity of contact mines bad been constructed in the Taipeh arsenal especially for use 011 this ccasion, ami having reached the lene ol operations these mines buried along a leading

pathway. An attack was then made on the ivagi ind folio ing i tli 1 dm .. , ami

withdrew taking up a position some distance from the pathway where, nearest one of the largest mines] they had left a tin are weakening, rushed after them, and crossing

the pathway, some thirty of their number were killed by the exploding mines. Not caring to cross arms in regular combat, Liu returned rep ictory, but in fact the engagement was a failure ami

i'H\ were able to push further out and to occupy land which at one time had beeu seized from them. Chinese government forces in that district were then withdrawn.

•i. Dr, Ilirth iu the Tamsui Trade Report for 1891, Imperial Chinese Maritime Custom--,

lie done on conditions the framing of which rests with the government." The monopoly was farmed for a term of three years, the fanner agreeing to pay $12, the same to include I.ikin, and to deposit $5, 000. While the mono-poly was in the name of a compradore, it was in reality held by Lauts and Haesloop, then of Anping, who later transferred it to Renter, Br ckclmann & Co, of Hongkong, the price paid for Camphor increasing to Si ~ly4, and later to $20 a picul.

This was in direct opposition to the signed agreement of the authorities when abolishing the monopoly in [869, and the foreign representatives quite naturally protested. The governor, however, strongly maintained that the rights of the government to the produce of the crown lands was indisputable, and that no restriction would be placed on foreigners buying from private dealers at places near tin- coast. Much trouble resulted, and Camphor pur-chased by foreigners was on a few occasions seized. As during the mono-poly in early days, trade- was much disturbed, the- export lor the years [887 to 1889 averaging only about 4,000 piculs.

Fortunately for the Camphor trade, chemists brought before the world several useful inventions in which Camphor formed a useful ingredient ; celluloid, smokeless explosives, lire/works, etc. ; and in [888 and [889, it was thought that the demands lor Camphor would be so greal to supply these new wants that the market price rose al out ICO per cent. At this j oint, Count A. Buttler ofTamsui made an offer to the Chinese authorities ol | a picul which was accepted, anil the trade passed into his hands anil was held by him for nine months. Under the former rates, but little profit had accrued to the mandarins, but now about $18 clear gain was obtained. The distiller was, however, not much better off, the government allowing but $12 for the original cost and for local transportation. The protests by foreign representatives now became more pronounced, and the system of monopoly was abolished earl) in iNoi. It was then announced that a tax of $18 on every picul produced would be imposed to defray the expenses of the military stationed on the savage border. This excessive tax met also with such opposition that it was replaced by a tax of <S imposed on each stove, counting ten jars to a stove,' and likin of 5 7 cents a picul became payable when the Camphor was transported. An ordinance was also published at this time, prohibiting purchases in the producing districts, buyers being obliged to resoit to one of four inland Camphor de] ots established by the government. This being an infringement on treat)' rights was soon withdrawn. As in 1869, the abolition of the monopoly was marked b) a great spurt in the amount of export, the figures reaching 18, 881 piculs for the unrestricted trade of [891, against 7,242 piculs for tSqO. The stove tax remained in force until the arrival of the [apanese, and was a very im-perfect and unjust method of taxation, and unsatisfactory to all responsible merchants.2

1. The distilling apparatus in use in Formosa is commonly called :>

'2. The faults in tin; Camphor stove tax were many. It was difficult to keep a proper control over the itoves, Producers naturally did not wish to pay when the • not working, and, frequently either

from a scarcity of wood or water, lack of laborers, or from troubles with the savages, it was found,

408 . THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

The mandarins profited largely by the trade, as the following figures will show : According to the amount produced by the average Chinese stove, it would require r6jars to produce 125 catties of Camphor, which, with loss in weight and allowance for water, is considered to be al>cnit a picul fii weight when shipped from the island. At the rate of taxation on a ten jar stove, this picul would be subject to a tax of $12.80, and, as the total output for 1892 was 17.540 piculs, the tax collected must have amounted to about $224,500, whereas only $95,000 was reported to Peking; while in 1893, it was about $426,000 collected against $160,000 reported.

A vear prior to the war between Japan and China, some six or seven Japanese Camphor-men arrived on the island to establish the Japanese system of Camphor manufacture. They erected stoves near Taiko (Twao), but. owing to the indirect opposition of the Chinese, they were unable to make much progress. A few months after their arrival, some of the workmen died of fever, two or three literally starved to death owing to a flooded river which cut them off from all communication for a considerable period, and eventually the sole survivor gave up in despair, and left the island for 1 longkong.

With the occupation of Formosa by the Japanese, and the reported hostilities of the natives toward them, it was thought that warfare in the interior would put a stop to the manufacture ot Camphor, and that the com modity would accordingly become scarce, and the pi ice correspondingly high. Furthermore, it was believed that a heavy tax would be placed on the drug 1)\- the victors, thus enhancing the value of Camphor held outside. '1 his naturally attracted the attention of speculators, and a famous operator. Colonel North, organized in London a- syndicate to purchase all the Cam-phor on offer, and in this way to obtain a corner on the drug. Crude Camphor of the Formosa grade was then bringing in London about $20 gold per cwt. News of the syndicate si ems to have leaked out, however, and prices were put up on the buying brokers until $27 gold was reached ; and then to the dismay of the syndicate, it was found that the Japanese operations in the island were not interfering with the export, and that there seemed no end to the supplies. Three members of the syndicate are said to have been so disgusted with the outlook that they threatened to unload

iscoutinue the distilling in e< [f the owner desired to resume work with his

I uture date when conditions had b favorable, a private arraagenieut was necessary,

and tliis became the: frequent causa of dishonest tricks ou the part of the producer, aud afforded abundant opportunity for the petty squ tern also induced hired distillers, whom it was

difficult for the employer to watch, to sell tl I to unscrupulous traders who paid no

taxes and refore able to offer a higher price lor the drug, thus workiug great injustice to the real

owner of the stoves who paid the taxes. The tax was unfair as it discriminated against certain distillers, and favored others. For instanop, by taxing the stove instead of the production, the man with a poorly located

re yielding but a half picul of Camphor had to pay twice the sum proportionately paid by the owner win se stove yielded a picul, and four times the sum paid by the happy possessor of a stoi g two

)Is. The result was that producers with stoves of a low output were unable to maintain their lu borers in an honest way, and were obliged either to pay heavy bribes to the officials or abandon their stoves and Camphor wood, which, under other circumstances, would not have been lost. Again the system encourag-ed a useless waste of trees; the distillers, being anxious to obtain heavy productions from their stoves to

en their tax, selected only the lower portion of the tree and the roots which give the most Camphor, while the rest of the tree was allowed to rot, and frequently a whole tree after having been cut down was abandoned, if there was a suepioioa that it would BOt yield high letui

their shares: and, to avoid total collapse, the remaining members bought the discontented ones out. Camphor now reached the highest prices ever known. In October 1895, American refiners were bidding as high as $50 gold per cwt. -without success, and refined Camphor was quoted in the New York market at 65 cents (gold) per pound in barrels and cases. In Novem-ber, the price fell to 59 cents, and soon after the death of Colonel North, in May 1896, it dropped to 46 cents.

Formosa was naturally sympathetic with these movements. From $37 (Mexican) per picul in January 1895, Camphor rose to over #97 in < >ctob but fell in early November to $65, recovering to $90 in December. From $90 in February of the next year, the price gradually declined, and in June, on the news of Colonel North's death, it fell suddenly to $36. It can be easily seen from these figures that 1895 and 1896 were very exciting years in the trade, and the chances of making fortunes and equally of losing them were most abundant. The manufacturers and local dealers, as a rule, pro-fited greatly, and in direct contradiction to the prophecies of the speculators, the export forthe island for the year 1895 exceeded 52,000 piculs (6,916,000 lbs.), the largest in the history of the trade.

This brings us down to the present occupation of the island by the Japanese, and we will now deal with the industry as it exists to-day. After years of destruction without replanting, the forests in which the Camphor trees are found are now limited to that vast tract of mountainous territory stretching from the far north to the south, and extending to the east coast of the island. The savages, helpless without the friendly protectionofthe woods, have retired with the disappearing forests, but have tenaciously stuck close to the border, and in most districts disputed inch by inch the advance of the Camphor workers. Although the trees are found throughout the mountain-ous district from north to south, they are most abundant in the north-central districts, and gradually decrease towards the south, k:\v trees of commercial value being found south of the 22nd parallel. The trees seem to grow best on moderate slopes at elevations not exceeding 4,000 feet, where the soil is well drained and consists of a rich vegetable mould and where the sun's rays can reach them.' Only glimpses have been caught of the vast interior districts, and but little is known as to the area of forests in which the Camphor tree is found; but, according to an estimate made by a Japanese expert, it is expected to reach over 1,500 square miles in extent.

Of the Camphor stations now existing, Tokoham (Taikokan), Lamshun (Namsho), Twao (Taiko), Tang-si-kak (Tosei kaku) are the most import-ant in the north, and Chip Chip (Shushu), Polisha, and Linkipo in the centre. Camphor exists and has been worked in other places, but owing either to the difficulties of transportation or the too powerful opposition oi the savag the stoves have been abandoned, and with the exception of some small and unimportant stations, the manufacture is limited to' the above mentioned

1. In some ci untri is, v.h.-re experiments have in the growing of Ui

or loamy soil, provided it is well drained, lius given very satisfactory results, the growth of the tree being Very r^iid.

4io thf. island of Formosa.

places. Teckeham (Hsinchiku), Maoli (Bioritsu), and Goche, (Gosei) are important local markets, and much of the drug passes through these places to the ports of Tamsui and Kelung whence the Camphor is exported. Anping in the south, which at one time exported considerable Camphor, has been practically out of the trade for the last two years.1 Takow, the other southern port, has shipped no Camphor since iSS<;.

That the reader may the better understand the Camphor industry I will ask him to follow me on an imaginary journey to the Camphor districts. There are no stations near the railway or along the main roads of travel, anil it will be necessary for us to pierce the wild jungle ami to travel over roads which no conveyance, not even the- light mountain chair, can pass. We must, therefore, count on a rough tramp, fully compensated for, however, by the magnificence of the scenery and the uniqueness of a journey into the territory of the savage head-hunters.

Tokoham (Taikokan) is the nearest Camphor station to Taipeh-fu the cas pital, and can be easily reached in a daw I lowever, the southern station offert greater inducements in splendid scenery, and it is to the important distric-near Lamshun (Namsho) that I would take the reader. An interesting rail-wax' journey of 40 miles southward from Twatutia (Daitotei) brings us to Teckeham (Hsinchiku), where, unless we are in great haste, we spend the night. The next morning finds us spinning along on the little narrow-gauge railway, our toy passenger-car pushed by interesting Hakka coolies, men and girls. Tofun, 14 miles from Teckeham, is reached in two or more hours if the- weather is favorable, and here we take our tiffin and secure our chair for the four hour trip straight towards the interior to Xamsho. the border village. Leaving Tofun we cross a river, which has, for a short distance, a large stone dyke to prevent it overflowing in time of flood. As we proceed, the- scenery changes. We leave the level tracts of cultivat-ed land with its rice-fields, and gradually ascend into the foot-hills. Here, on the red sandy loam, we find numerous tea-gardens and some patches of ramie. Crossing over the first range of hills we enter a valley rather sparsely settled, and, having crossed it, find nestling at the foot of the moun-tains, our destination, the village of Xamsho. It is a queer looking little settlement. A large number of small one-storeyed huts packed together with no trace of ornamentation, and every structure just like its neighbor. Quarters can be obtained here in a Japanese restaurant sufficient to shelter us for the night. We will do well to call on the; Japanese chief of the local office and also perhaps on one or two of the principal Camphor merchants. I assume that we have provided ourselves with the necessary permission to cross the border, which is withheld only when the trip is considered especially dangerous. Doubtless the head of the police will provide us with one or

1. The cause of this stoppage of Anping ex] largely due to troubles aud disputes with the

officials in the Camphor districts and the fact that the disturbed condition of the country interfered with

mphor. Put ■luring the Chinese regime steam launches

not allowed to eugage iu the coasting trad- Camphor from mid-Formo was carried

by junks. During the north-east monsoon, junks could not well make the trip to the north, and there-fore during the winter months the drug was carried to Anping for export. Now steam launches are free of restriction aud bring the Camphor to the northern ports at all times of the year.

THE CAMPHOR INDUSTRY. 41 I

more armed guards, and we may be so fortunate as to be accompanied by some Japanese engaged in the Camphor industry, who can intelligently describe to us the methods of manufacture

We start early in the morning for our inland trip. Leaving the village and crossing a mountain stream, we come to a slightly elevated plot, on which stand several newly erected official buildings, which, when I visited the place, wire occupied by the police inspector, the only Japanese officer stationed in the district. We see here the Chinese police or kotei as they are called by the Japanese. These hardy "sons of Han" are armed and uniformed, and, together with their Japanese companions, protect the district against savage raids, and also perform the usual duties of civil police in the village and neighborhood. A short distance from the river, situated in the centre of a beautiful grove of bamboo, we come to the roomy house built entirely of bamboo, occupied by Shi ta-boi, a wealthy civilized savage chief. Although of like design, save for its size, to the structures possessed by his wild brethren in the interior, 1 was surprised, at the time of my visit in 1S98, to find what a neat and well arranged affair it was. A mud-wall which surrounded the place and was provided with loop-holes for defensive purposes was well built, and the entire premises, so far as cleanliness was concerned, would have passed the most critical inspection. Inside the house was one large room with a sunken lire-place in the centre and mat beds raised a foot from the floor against the side walls. The furniture was very scanty, consisting only of a few Chinese benches. A gaudily colored foreign clock was the only ornament. On the occasion oi my visit, the chief was absent, and the single servant present, a middle aged savage with the customary tattoo marks on the forehead and chin, moved about the place most languidly, not taking the least notice of his inquisitive guests. He did not understand a word of Chinese, and there being no one present conversant with the savage dialect we were obliged to satisfy our curiosity by personal observations, unaided by any explanations from this son of the forest. In accordance with all the traditions of his fellow savages in the hills, the door-way of the building was decorated with skulls. In this case monkey skulls were apparently considered about the nearest substitute for the human article, although I was informed that the chief has his own private collection of Chinese skulls, which, living, as he does, within Japanese jurisdiction, he dares not expose to the gaze ol the multitude.

A short distance beyond, we commence our laborious ascent ot the mountains. Our pathway is but a narrow trail, and we march along single tile, our guard on the constant lookout, the forest growing more dense as we proceed. It is a dark wilderness we enter with no trace of habitations and a vegetation so dense that any side excursions are quite out of the question, and even along the trail we must frequently brush aside the tall grasses which impede our progress. Such a mass of twisted ami entwining plant life, impenetrable and shutting out the light and sun, it is difficult to comprehend without actually seeing it. Mother earth seems almost unnecessary ; for the innumerable varieties of parasitical plants, drawing

412 Till: ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

nourishment from the growths to which they are attached, are everywhere prominent. The rattan and other huge creepers, some as thick at root as a man's leg, wind erratically through the forest from tree to tree, binding all :ther in an endless chain, and affording support for countless plants, which hang down in graceful festoons. The rattan, wild in the forest, is far from recognizable as the smooth and shiny article which it appears when prepared for the foreign market. In the forest it is a dark-green climbing plant covered with sharp hooked thorns, growing sometimes to a length of 500 or more feet, and forming, where it is most plentiful, a natural barricade — which foot-soldiers would not care to charge. Here is the home of the Formosan head-hunter, and here he lies unseen and unheard, ready to pounce down on any unwary Chinese who may happen to pass by.

Rattan for export is obtained In mi this and like wild districts by a considerable number of Chinese, who are regularly engaged in this industry. The climber having keen cut at the foot of the trunk, the workman pulls the long rope-like plant out, or, if this is not successful, advances knife in hand, and cuts away the clinging incumbrances, unwinding and disentangling the rattan as he proceeds. Not infrequently his movements are watched by the treacherous savages, and as he bends down at his labor he is shot or speared in the back. The rattan is used in the island in considerable quantities in lieu of rope, which for many purposes it excels. Suspension-bridges supported solely by rattan cables exist near the savage border. It is shipped to I [ongkong and China where it is made up into furniture.1

At the lower levels few Camphor trees are seen; in fact so thick is die mass of tangled undergrowth and ferns that it is very difficult to tell what tlie jungle does contain. As we ascend, we find the mass of ferns, palms, and grasses gradually thinning and an occasional giant tree makes its appearance, an outpost of the Camphor forest beyond us. The path now winds around the side of a cliff, the pathway scarcely wide enough to afford a foothold, while a single mis-step. means a fall clown the almost perpendi-cular precipice. The inexperienced among our party instinctively cling to the wall, while our Chinese guards, and even the coolies laden with Camphor, walk erect with not a trace of fear. Further on, we cross a deep ravine; a single fallen tree stretches across from bank to bank, and over this unsteady bridge our Chinese hill-men run with the. agility of professional tight-rope walkers, though the timid tourist will, no doubt, elect to straddle it and help himself along with his hands. I hiring the dry season it is usually possible to enter down into the ravine, and thus cross without testing such primitive: bridges.

1. Thi export of rattan from Formosa, nearly all of il ivage districts, amounted, in

i to 1,488 piouls (19E 700 lbs.) valued at 7,818 yen, and i chiefly from I | Rokko), Keluug,

Takow, ami Anping, and finds a maik.it in Ilui a. The price in Japan at present is (i yen

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 3 OF 6)

a pici agoodi sport to Japan should he built

up. The growth of rattan in Formosa is of great interest i i botanists. The Malay Archipelago is the home of the rattan, iii fact the name is undou i ■ ■ ;. mg."

Rattan is found in Fori in, and at mainland, which hi I Me authorities to

believe that it is a stranger in both islands, the plant being carried up from the Malayan Archipelago by Black Stream," which sweeps along the east coast with an average velocity of 30 to 40 miles a day (See Hosie's Consular Report, Commercial No. 11, published by British Government, 18U3,).

THE CAMPHOK INDUSTRY. 4I3

Now and then, as we come out on the clearing, the most magnificent mountain views appear before us. The nearest hills, clothed with dense forest, form a picturesque foreground for the dark blue masses of the high range beyond, and Mount Sylvia with its wave-like peaks, which wen-. during my first visit, covered with snow, makes in winter a superb crown. We continue to ascend higher and higher, and more numerous and larger become the trees. Now the pathway is so bad and the incline so steep, that we are frequently obliged to lay hold of the reeds and bushes along the path and pull ourselves up. Still there; is an end to all things, even high hills, and after a last climb we see to our great relief a little clearing, with a lew one-storey houses, a number of odd looking- creations emitting a little smoke, which we later learn are the Camphor stoves : our destination, the Camphor station, Shi-jii-pun, has been reached, and our seven and a half miles' steady climb is at an end.

The Camphor laurel does not monopolise the forests in which it appears. It is, in fact, only one of several different varieties of trees which are found growing together. Camphor trees of various sizes are fairly numerous, but big trees, such as the Camphor worker most desires, are found only here and there, sometimes only a few rods, and again a third of a mile or more, apart. The Camphor tree attains an enormous height and girth in Formosa, and is properly the king of the forest. Trees are frequently seen with a circumference at base of twenty-five feet, a few reach even to thirty-six feet, and some have been observed in the island which required at least a forty foot line to reach around them. Nor are thi measurements those of a knotted irregular bod)', for the Camphor tree is as straight and fine-formed a tree as one meets with, and as handsome a one exists. Commercially the value of the material obtained from the felled tree places the Camphor laurel among the most valuable of trees. A tree forty feet in circumference would keep a single distilling stove supplied with material for several years, and would yield several thousand dollars worth of Camphor. Trees of average richness, measuring twenty feet around, which are often met with, would supply a stove for some two years, and, at the present price of Camphor, yield nearly two thousand yen worth of the drug. One tree near Tokoham (Taikokanh on land in which foreigners were interested, furnished chips for twenty Chinese stoves and yielded over $3,000 worth of Camphor, and that when the drug was bringing but S27 per picul. The trees, however, from which most of the Camphor is obtained, measure some twelve feet in circumference and yield something over fifty piculs of crystallized Camphor, at present valued at about fifteen hundred yen. Alarmist reports notwithstanding, the supply of Camphor trees in Formosa, assuming that the depletion of the forests continues at the same pace as at present, is still sufficient for the needs of the whole world for the next century. This, however, should not be taken as any excuse for the present wholesale destruction. The government would be very short-sighted if it did not introduce some system of afforestation by , which trees destroyed would be replaced ; for the future welfare of the island should be as much a

4 14 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

matter of concern to the authorities as its present well-being. Further-more, the difficulties of transportation increase as the Camphor seekers advance towards the interior, and it is necessary to guard against the drug reaching too high a price; lest scientists should be tempted to find some substitute, or other lands be induced to enter on the cultivation of Camphor.1 Many of the hills on which the tree is found are not suitable for ordinary agricultural purposes, and these should be planted to Camphor. In other places it is a matter of doubt whether agricultural produce would not be el greater value, for it must be taken into consideration that, so far as we now know, from forty to fifty years are required before the tree reaches a sufficient size and richness in the drug to be of a value equal to the trees in the virgin forest, and that land devoted exclusively to Camphor would yield no income for that period." A happy solution ot this difficulty would be to plant in such situations as would permit of agricultural products being grown at the same place and time.

Apart from the; drug, the tree yields a valuable wood for general purposes, ship-building, and cabinet work. Clothes boxes made of this wood are especially esteemed, owing to the Camphor scent being obnoxious to insects. Furthermore, the shade afforded by this evergreen would be specially useful for certain cultures, — eg: coffee, cacao, vanilla, etc.

1. The high values readied aud the increased demand for Camphor during the last ten years, lias induced enterprising people in several countries to make investigations with the hope of introducing the Camphor industry into their own lands. Although the Camphor laurel is found wild in but a limited area in East Amu, it has been proven that it will grow readily in mauy parts of the earth aud under various conditions of soil aud temperature. In Italy, South-eastern Prance, California, South Carolina aud Florida, Mada-gascar, Brazil, Egypt, Ceylon, the Canary Islands, and many Othei countries, it has been cultivated with most satisfactory results, aud in experiments made, comparatively \oinig trees in new lauds have shown richness in the drug in some eases exceeding trees of like age in Eastern Asia. The Agricultural Depart-ment of the United States Government has taken an interest in the subject, aud Florida aud other Southern States may in future years become producing districts. The officials connected with the

riinieut Gardens in Ceylon arc actively carrying on investigations : several small plantations have already heen sot out, from which plauters are being supplied with cuttings, while a still has been set up for

iimental purposes. Even China, which of late years had practically ceased the manufacture ol the drug, was stimulated into action by the high prices ruling during the Japan and L hina war, and the Chinese Customs " Trade Reports " show that during 1805, when prices reached their highest, China was able to export 1,75G piculs (223,548 lbs.), this being produced principally in the provinces of Chckiaug, Kwangsi, aud Fokien. The Camphor tree abounds in the central and southern provinces of China, and giants of the forest, 24 to 28 feet in circumference, are found in Kiangsi province.

2. It is quite possible that trees which are carefully cultivated on scientific principles will reach a growth and possess sufficient Camphor to yield a profitable return in a much less tune than forty or fifty years. Under favorable conditions, the Camphor tree may repeat in a general way the history of the Cinchona tree in Ceylon. When the cultivation of the tree was first proposed, Ceylou capitalists looked unfavor-ably on the venture, for the history of the tree iu its native environment made it appear that returns must be so long waited for; but iu actual cultivation, the Ceylon planters soon narrowed down the period to a few years ; and the product was of such a quality that Camphor cuttings planted in a government garden in Ceylou aud carefully nursed have at the end of two years developed into vigorous trees, while leaves and twigs from these young growths have been found to he as rich in Camphor as the trunk of the tree. It is recorded that, in Italy a Camphor tree, iu eight years from the planting of the seed, had attained a height of 90 feet and a circumference of over 3 feet ; a tree planted in New Orleans iu 1883 is now a sturdy fellow over 6 feet in circumference, although oddly, in comparison with the Italian tree mentioned, only some 40 feet iu height. These two cases are undoubtedly exceptional, however, and an American botanical expert, Lyster H. Dewey, states as the result of experiments iu America, that an average height of 30 feet, with a circumference of say 30 inches, may he expected iu trees teu years from the seed. No attempt, having been made to cultivate the Camphor trees in Formosa, no information can be giveu as to the pro-bable rate of growth in this island. It is barely possible that, under some coudit ions, it may be found that Camphor cau be obtained from the tree without cutting it down, as is at present done iu Formosa and Japan. The tree might yearly be stripped of its leaves aud twigs, and from them the drug be obtain-ed. Leaves and twigs from trees iu Florida less than 20 years of age have yielded about 1J per ceut. of the crystallized product,

Much as there is to be said against the old Chinese custom of destroying the tree without restriction and without replacing it, it must be admitted that the present occupation of the foot-hills by peaceful agricultural Chinese, the placing of the border line far in the interior in the north and west, the limitation of the scene of savage outrages to the main range of mountains, are clue to the rapid advance of the Camphor workers and the destruction of the forest. Had it not been for the lucrative profits of the Camphor trade, or if the planting of new trees had been carried on from the first, the probability is that the Chinese would have shown no desire to risk their lives in the mountains, but would have settled down near the foot-hills, content with the yield from the plantations, while- the savages would have roamed supreme over the virgin forest. And it may be some consola-tion to know that, even should the old system be allowed to continue, it will at least result in the eventual conquest of the whole island. So long, however, as the forests exist to shelter the savages, so long will they be able to preserve practically their independence; and unless the government is prepared to provide them with rations and supplies, as is done by the United States in their reservation system for the Indians, continual trouble is bound to result.

Given an abundance of trees, the next important requisite is water, without which the manufacture could not be carried on. Facilities of trans-port, and last, but not least, protection against the attacks of the savages, both those occupying the adjacent forest and those from afar who occasion-ally go considerable distances when a raid is planned, are equally to be considered.

Chinese and Japanese have now the control of the industry, foreigners being practically out of the business. The number of stoves in each district varies greatly,1 the number in operation at any one time depending upon the price of the drug at that time. With the bringing into operation of the Camphor monopoly, and the correspondingly low prices paid by the government for the drug, certain districts, Bioritsu (Maoli) and Taichu chiefly, will suffer, and the number of stoves in each will undoubtedly lie greatly lessened. Other small producing districts, such as Toroku (Taulak), Horisha (Polisia), andGilan, will probably give up the manufacture altogether. Tokoham, owing to the low

1. The Camphor producing districts with the number of Camphor stoves (stills) iu operation in January 189<J are as follows: —

Bioritsu (Maoli) district ves.

Shinchiku (Teckcham) distriqt '■" '

Taichu district '■" •

Sankakuyu (Sankakeng) district 241 ,,

Nanto (Namtau) district 191 •>

Gilan district - :

Horisha (Polisia) district 13 ..

Toroku (Taulak) district 5 .,

Total 2057 ..

In addition to the above, there are doubtless a number of stoves run secretly without government consent.

rates of transportation between it and Taipeh, will, under the monopoly, quite likely become the chief producing district in Formosa. In Tokoham,

Japanese control most of the production, but in the other places mentioned they share it with Chinese, who, as a rule, have in each place the largest number of stoves.

It will now be necessary to take a step back into history to explain fully the procedure by which the Chinese obtained the right of cutting down the Camphor trees, and the reason of the frequent quarrels with the savages over the matter. A score or so of years ago, the inhabitants, chiefly Hakkas, living along the border were inclined to dispute the authority of the mandarins. Criminals from Canton were, in the early part of the century, banished to Formosa, and their descendants, together with other daring and oftimes unscrupulous fellows, who chose a life away from the uncertain pleasures of Chinese civilization, constituted a force sufficient to establish little settlements along the savage border, capable of protecting themselves not only from the savages but from extortion on the part of the authorities as well. Nearly every little settlement possessed a two-storeyed fortdike structure, to which the women anil children could retire in case of trouble, ami in the more dangerous districts the huts were surrounded with a strongly built stockade. John Dodd, the well-known pioneer of North Formosa, who was a frequent visitor to the Camphor districts in those early days, describes a night in the stockades as follows : —

" I luring the night, in such quarters there is not muo be got. When the savages are on the

war-path a good deal of powder is wasted, and sh ts are fired at intervals through the eight to show that the inmates are awake and quite prepai d I i an al acl The life in a stockade whether of stone or of the Bhanty typi — is not a pleasant one, especially in tl ather and at nights. Let alone the heat,

quitoes worry m the mosquito fire almost suffocate

Bundles of a dried fuzzy rl i shrub are lighted, which burns slowly throughout the night emitting i smoke, which, if it does <<•■' e the mosqu i aiuly drives them into the

open. To make matl - in the wooi dog and a

constant feeling thai. i will be suffocated Bhortly, does nut a ". In the

morning you get up feeling more like a baked owl than anything else, and with smarting eyes you hail i i" morn with delight "

It was these I lakka pioneers who produced the- first Camphor in For-mosa, and the methods they introduced were pretty well followed by the Chinese right down to the occupation of the island by the Japanese. The Formosa savages are very fond of roast pig and samshu,1 a weakness which has resulted in the loss of a good- deal of territory. The Hakkas by promising to give at certain seasons of the year a few pigs, a jar or so ot samshu, some rice and salt, and such like articles, with perhaps a little gunpowder, found that the savages were willing to permit them to cut down the Camphor trees in a certain district. The agreements were usually-entered into during the progress of a feast, at which the Hakkas had taken due care to see that their guests were " well charged" with drinkables. Once, however, firmly established in the new district and their position sufficiently strong, the settlers were inclined to forget all about their promises of pig and samshu ; but, unfortunately for the Hakkas, the poor savage had a very expressive way of showing his disapproval of such con-duct. The wild man from some hidden spot on the hill-top patiently waited

1. An intoxicating drink made by the Chinese from rice.

THE CAMPHOR [NDUSTRY. | I ~

until the settler left for the forest, and then speeding clown with stealthy foot he sought a friendly clump of underbrush near the pathway along which he

knew his man would pass. Here as quiet as death he watched until the unsuspecting Chinese passed ; then crouching he let t his retreat, followed for a few steps, and then upright, with the full strength of his sinewy arm the spear was thrown. 1 lis victim tails to the ground severely wounded, the savage promptly finishes the deed with a long knife, and. severing the head from tin- body, throws it in the bag which he carries lor the purpose, and disappears in the forest. Fighting now begins in dead earnest on both sides. The Hakkas, perhaps, hand together, attack ami burn a savage village, lives are lost on both sides, and, perhaps, prisoners are taken, who if they are of the female sex, or males who would prove useful as hostages, are not usually killed. Alter a considerable number of lives have been lost, a reconciliation meeting will be held, more roast pig ami samshu puts the savages in g humor, new promises are made, and the savages return to their mountain homes, to break out again when some new act of treachery or unfaithfulness enrages them.

It sometimes occurred, however, that the border settlers were so strongly opposed by the savages, and that the latter exhibited so much determination not to part with their lands, that the Chinese adopted other methods of attaining their object. Some years before the arrival of the Japanese, a foreigner visited the Camphor district near San-kak-eng (San-ka-ku-yu), and upon entering the hut occupied bv one of die leading dealers, he found two savages securely bound. Surprised al this, he made inquiries and was very coolly informed that they, the Chinese, had invited tiie savages down to confer with them, and that they were now negotiating with the prisoners lor a plot of Camphor ground, but as their guests had refused to accede to the terms of the agreement as laid down by the Chinese, they had seized and bound them, and they would hold them prisoners until they acquiesced, which it was expected they would do. If the)- should prove too stubborn, the Chinese added, they would probably kill them.

Another instance occurred at Tai-ko-kan (Tokoham) in 1880. A Cam-phor merchant there instructed his interpreter to invite a number ol savages down toa small settlement in the neighborhood, to a least given in their honor. The guests arriving, roast pig and samshu were dealt out in generous quantities, and when the savages were in a state of intoxication, at a pre arranged signal, numbers of armed Chinese; rushed in and attacked them. This dastardly trick resulted in the capture of fifteen men, including some chiefs who had long been bitter enemies ol the Chinese. The captors were very much pleased at the result of the ruse which afforded them an oppor-tunity ot making, as they termed it, an agreement. After much pleading on the part ol the leading chief that his life might be spared, in return for which he would comply with their demand ami let them have the Camphor desired, he was released on the arrival of his daughter and two sons, who were demanded by the Chinese as hostages to ensure the fulfilment of the so-called

agreement. A few months later, a foreigner visiting the village saw the

poor emaciated children, along with other prisoners, bound with chains running from their wrists and ankle-, to a long staff which they had to take about with them, and which, owing to their weakness, they found it difficult to carry. I he chains were never removed and all were treated alike, young and old, sick and well, for the Chinese have absolutely no pit}' for the poor wretches they hold in bondage. The cases in which savages have been in-vited to feasts and killed or poisoned by the Chinese are very numerous. In fact, savages, even to this daw frequently refuse t< i drink from a cup handed them by the Chinese until the giver has fust taken a draught of the liquor. I H course, it must be remembered that the savages rarely lost an opportunity of attack-ing the settlers, and the Chinese heads which they proudly exhibited in a row over ti f their mountain homes were the most treasured of

their possessions. In some cases, Chinese who understood that generous treatment of the savages was the best policy, were able to make more last ing arrangements, and as a rule avoided trouble.

["he Chinese officials gave no great heed to the almost daily conflicts between the borderers and the savages. The murder of those who had l,i en decoyed into the villages, the capture and holding as prisoners of an)' number of savages, was not thought to be a matter calling for official intervention. The willingness of the Chinese to pay the Camphor stove-tax was considered by the officials as giving them practically a right to the land on which the stoves were erected, and the terms of agreement with the savages were a matter ol personal arrangement be-tween the owners of th s and the wild men. Frequently the Chinese had no other title to show for his possessions than the official tax receipts, and these were generally accepted as evidence of ownership. Not infre-quently, however, the manufacture was carried on secretly, and the officials were not notified at all : and, even when the required notification was given the number ol stoves was usually misrepresented.

A piece <>1 land having been obtained, and having satisfied himself that the savages could be managed, the Chi ■ apitalist arranged for the con-

struction of the stoves. Although various systems for financing the industry were in vogue, it was, and still remains, customary for the Camphor merchant ficient funds to a headman to pay for the cost of a stove, on the understanding that all Camphor produced by the same should be sold lusivelyto him. 1 he amount advanced was about$20 lor the small Chinese stove; and about the same now suffices lor the construction of the Chinese modified Japanese-style stove, which has entirely replaced the former. The actual cost varies with the locality.

Having now the land and the necessary capital, the headman sets to work to engage his workmen to construct the still. The men are all armed to tin' teeth, so as io be prepared for a surprise-attack on the part of the savages, who not infrequently make some demonstration or other before the work is over. The ground having been cleared, a rough shed is erected. and in this is constructed the apparatus for distilling, known as the stove.

Illl. I AMPHOtt

which will be described later on. The old Chinese stove was an interesting

affair, but interior to the Japanese model still ; and the Chinese have been quick to recognize this.1

In running the stoves, the Chin- se placed a headman in charge of the work of perhaps ten stoves, and this person d from 50 cents to a

dollar for each picul (133 lbs.) produced. Besides, he arranged for the delivery of the Camphor to the merchant, paid compensation to the savag and furnished supplies to the workers, all of which brought him something extra. As stated above, tin: merchant had advan ne $20 for the

construction of each stove. To recover this sum the merchant takes the Camphor at from one to three dollars under the- market price ; or if lar. sums, as working capital, have been advanced, three or lour dollars under, until the debt has been paid off. The merchants have to take the risk of the stove being destroyed by savages, which occurs quite frequently ; in fact a loss of one half on this account each year would no irger merchants, be

surprising. Upon the destruction of .1 stove the distillers are considered

1. The old Chinese stove lias probably disappeared from the Camphor industry for ever, Still it si to manufacture more Camphor during the last century than any other appliance existing, aud deserves the detailed description of its construction given herewith. A I having been built, sufficiently largo

to cover the still, which if of the u.-ual capacity of 10 jars, would m . 7 by 1U feet, the gtouud

enclosed is cleared of shrubbery and beaten dow U i a firm foundation. Four planks are now

formed into a bottomless box-like frame 18 inches high. This frame is tilled with earth wll imped

down hard aud allowed to dry aud form what might be C8 foundation of the stove. Five round

holes less than a foot apart are now cut out ou each side of tins be

circular iron pan measuring some 15 inche embling somewhat tb Chinese rice cooking pot and intended to hold water. There is no chimney. The sm i its way out thro the single door of tb ■ furnace. Afti r these . ' i is covered with per-forated boards proj .. slightly over the edge of the pan, ana provided ivil i 6 v iodeu ec

can be taken out when it is desired i Iho pan and boards tight, a retort for the

fastened with hi uriug some 20 inches high aud fi liameter at the bottom decreasing

at the top, is placed over each pa . 'two big

planks are now placed lengthwise of bhi p of the retorts, and i

are tied together by strips of wood connecting the two at e thus enclosed is pa

full of earth pounded down bard. Nov. the whi ire is allowed to drj ily, and a

lire-hole extending to the opening under the pans is dug out. The earthenware jars in which Hie Camphor is collected, measuring some 17 inches in height by 11 inches in diameter, are now inverted over the b formed by the top of the retort and the stove, or to .-peak more correctly, the still, is now compli Before using the stove, however, it must be fire-dried aud tested, 'this is done by building a roaring fire, which is kept up for two or tin cracks iu the earth,

which will now appear, are filled up with a mi is then ready for

work. l!amboo pipes are laid to carry thi being required; tne necessary

tool.-, baskets, tubs, etc., an

Ordinarily only oue mau or his family care for one' stove, [u ternoon the workman,

carrying his axe, adze, and a ba

or o of labor, would return with some CO catti three or

four inches iu length. At the stove he breaks up the chi n club, sen

■ n the side used, and then fills the retort, which I ime,

and covers each top with the inverted jar. After ater poured in at the

of the retort, a lire is lighted and allowed to burn slowly all night. The ikeu out, the bol

half being thrown away and the top half, together witb ieut uumbe

retort, the partly exhausted chips being placed on tie distiller continui _ the

chips twice a day, refilling the pots, replenishing the fires, and . ps to the forest for li

During this time, the steam from the pan of boiling water pa

leat- ami the chips, and carries with it the fum iphor, which, striking the

comparatively cool walls of the inverted earthenware jar above, cond n '.ne ten da;,

this routine, the jars an i. and the Ca I the air, quick]

and now n wly fallen snow, is detached from the inside of the jar by hand lined

per jar varies with the skill of the laborer, ■ obtained, but

if the fire an attended to with great care and the chips are rich in the drug, this amount may be to 0 or 7 catties. The jar is now returned to its place, aud so the work continues, the lire not oucc being extinguished.

♦ ! UK ISLAM' Ot l"'l 'l: \v ISA,

absolved from all debts connected with the same, diey having no liabilities until inline)- has been placed in their hands to erect new stoves. Further-more, the Camphor workers were wont to sell the product secretly to outside parties, careful watching being required to see that this was not the rule rather than the exception.

Prior to die occupation of Formosa by the Japanese, some few experi-mental stoves after the Japanese design were erected in the island, but the new model was not adopted, the Chinese using exclusively the old style stove previously mentioned, After the arrival of the Japanese, however, the Chinese made alterations in their stoves; the crystallization jar was done away with, the chip retort was enlarged, and a bamboo pipe arranged to carr) the vapor hack to a crystallization box similar to that used by the Japanese. Now the Chinese use either this model or the real Japanese stove exclush el) .

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 4 OF 6)

In [895, on the change in government, much interest was taken by Japanese merchants in the Camphor trade, and the representatives ol several firms commenced operations in the interior. The)' brought with them from Japan skilled laborers, and the work from the start was com-menced on the principles of the industry as existing in [apan. The stoves or stills erected differed much from the old Chinese ones; and their super-iority being evident, Chinese distillers quietly adopted them ; and as they, or the modification of them mentioned above, at present represent practically the only apparatus used in the manufacture of Camphor in the world, I describe them in detail here. The stove, invented by a |apanese named Toye, was first used about thirty-five years ago in Tosa province, Japan, and is considered a great improvement upon the old Chinese model which was used in Japan prior to the introduction of the new stove. Whereas with the old Chinese model in Formosa a number of pots or condensers, usually ten, comprised what was known as a stove, with the Japanese, as d at present, a single furnace with one crystallization box is called a sti »ve or still.

In building the Japanese stove, it is customary to select a site with an elevation at the rear, on which to pi, ice the crystallization boxes, which should be well above the furnace. Such a plot having been cleared and teveled, a wall is constructed of earth and stone inclining inwards towards she top sufficiently to catch the edges of the water pan. and forming below a pla< Hiring some two feet in height, which comprises the lire-place. In

front is a small opening about 12 inches by [8 inches. As in the case of the Chinese stoves there is nochimney, this single door forming the oniy vent. In Iront and above the stove is built a shelf, on which chips can be placed to dry. On the pan, which measures some 2 feet S inches across, is placed a curved wooilen rim projecting over the edge slightly, and strips of wood perforated" are joined together and placed over the pan as a cover. On the wooden rim rests the wooden circular retort, ordinarily some 4 feet in height and 2 feet 7 inches in diameter at the bottom, decreasing to a little over a foot at the top, and in the best stoves built of Japanese fir, which is

Up-country Camphor Stills.

Old Model Chinese Camphor Still ("Stove") "A" Fire box. "B" Water-pan. "C" Chip-retort. "D" Crystallization Jar.

OTg|

Present Model Japanese Still. "A" Fire-box, "B" Water-pan. "C" Chip-retort. "D" Cooling-box. "E" Crystallization-box.

I III'. I \ M I ■ I i ' .1' IM il .-I |<Y.

considered a superior material for that purpose. < >n the upper part is a hole for a bamboo tube, and near the bottom is a small doorway, through which the used-up chips can be taken out. 'The retort is well plastered with clay or earth at all the joints, and around it is placed a large bamboo or rattan cylinder. lhe space between tin- two is tightly packed with earth, which not only keeps the' steam from escaping, but lessens the danger ol the retort bursting. To the rear and well above the stove, distant some 5 or 7 feet, are the crystallization and cooling bo While these vary in size and arrangement, in Formosa two are g< nerally used. The smaller, which measures ordinarily 3 feet square by 1 \ high, is merely a cooling receptacle. The larger measures 6 x 3 x i1-feet, and is the crystallization box. In the latter, pieces of board, five to tin in number, are fixed crosswise, thus separating the box into as many sections as there are- hoards, plus one. In the boards, on what is the upper side when the box is in position, and at alternate ends ol the same, art-holes through which tin- Camphor vapor passes, it being thus forced to go the length of each board before finding egress into the next section, thus traversing a distance represented by the combined length of the partition boards used. Both the cooling and the crystallization box, when in position, rest face downwards, in slightly larger boxes forming reservoirs in which water is placed, until it reaches slightly above the mouths of the inverted boxes, thus shutting: out all air. The sides ol' both the cooling 1 crystallization boxes project slightly above the tops, thus providing a p] for water. A bamboo pipe, connected with some mountain stream or spring, delivers a steady flow, which keeps the box cool, and the overflow runs into lhe reservoir boxes below, keeping them filled. A steady inch flow of water is ample for all purposes. From the top of the retort. above the furnace runs a bamboo pipe entering one side ol the small cooling box, from the opposite side of which runs a second pipe which connects with the crys tallization box. At the end ol the box opposite to that which this pipe enters, is a small vent known as the- testing tube, in which, during the pro gress of distillation, are inserted loosely a few reeds or blades of grass. When the stoves are working, the water in the reservoir boxes is warmed by the heat of the steam coming Irom the retort, and a pipe is run from oik of them down to the water pan below, so that when the latter requires replenishing, it can be done with water already partially heated. In some of the Namsho stoves, the conducting pipe, after leaving the retort, runs once around the (doling and crystallization boxes before entering the former, the idea being that the vapor having travelled such a distance would lose much ol its heat and condense more quickly. A rough shed has in the meantime been constructed, and after a lew days, during which the stove is allowed to dry, tin- latter is ready lor work.

To operate the stove, water is permitted to flow over the crystalli lion and cooling boxes into the reservoirs, and from one of the latter enough water is led through a bamboo pipe to the water-pan below to nil it. As soon as this has been accomplished, the lire is started, lhe retort, which holds ordinarily about 3 piculs, (399 lbs.), is now tilled from the top with chips

I 2 2 I III. ISLAND OJ FORMOSA,

which are well packed in. The opening in the retort is closed with a tight-fitting cover cemented in with a mixture of mud and ashes, and the door al the bottom of the receptacle is likewise tightly sealed. The lire is kept burning fiercely until steam makes its appearance at the test hole in the crystallization box, whereupon the mouth of the furnace is closed sufficiently to temper the heat, and during the night a slow fire is continued. The next evening the door at the bottom of the retort is opened, the old chips are removed, and after the door lias been cemented up again the top cover is taken off and fresh chips packed in, after which the top is closed again, and the distillation continues. Thus the chips an- changed every 24 hours. As a rule the tire is replenished four times during the 24 hours, anil the exhausted chips are commonly used for the fuel. Whenever fuel is added to the stove the pan is refilled with water, the amount used being about 28 gallons for the 24 hours. I lard water seems to give the best results. On the same principle as the old Chinese stove, the hot vapor from the pan passes through the chips in the retort, extracting from them certain r< sinous matter which is carried through the bamboo pipe to the cooling box, (thus lowering the temperature of the vapor), and thence on to the condens-ing or crystallization box. In the latter cooled by running water, the vapor passes through the various compartments, ami the Camphor contained therein condenses on the sides and top of the box in the form ot minute white crystals.

After some ten days of distillation the fire is extinguished, and for 24 hours the stove is allowed to cool off. The crystallization box is then simply turned up on one side, and the Camphor clinging to the boards is scraped off, that which has fallen into the water being skimmed oft with a cloth scoop. It is placed in tubs, and looks for all the world like so much snow. The amount obtained varies greatly, being dependent upon the size of the stove, the richness ot the chips, and the skill of the operator in controlling the tire. This last is a very difficult matter. \o other con-trivance than a lew stones, or a piece o! tin to close up the door ot the furnace is utilized, and too much, or too little, lire will effect the result very seriously. The average will probably be found to amount to from 6l/i to 7 catties (X to g lbs.) lor each day ol distillation, although it has been known to run as high as [3 catties- (17^ lbs.) It will thus be seen that the per-centage of crude Camphor obtained, taking tin: retort as being tilled once a day with 300 catties (400 lbs.), is about 2 'j. One stove in Namsho has been made to yield 5 per cent., probably the highest on record in Formosa. When the Camphor is placed in tubs provided with an outlet, there exudes a yellowish essential oil, known as Camphor oil. With the old Chinese stove but little of this was obtained, but by the Japanese it is claimed by Camphor makers at Namsho to run as high as 70 per cent. It has been. to the merchants' advantage, however, to represent this amount a's high as possible, as will be explained later, and according to government reports, the percentage of oil is expected to average about 50 per cent. From the oil there can, by certain processes, be extracted about 50 per cent, of Camphor; therefore figures showing the production of Formosa Camphor

should have about 25 percent added to them to represent the amount of Camphor which will be ultimately extracted from the oil. This is only approximate, however, as there would be considerable loss in weight during transportation, and some trifling quantities are disposed of directly for other uses than Camphor extraction. Furthermore, the percentage of yield of oil varies greatly with the quality of wood distilled, the construction and care oi the stills, and specially the season, the yield oi oil being greater in summer than in winter.' Formerly there was no plantin Formosa for treating the oil : hut the Formosa government has now provided, in its Camphor establish-ment at Taihoku (Taipeh), an apparatus for this purpose.5

In comparing the two stoves and the system of working them, we find that the old Chinese model stove (ol say ten condensers), would consume in a day about 200 catties (270 lbs.) of chips and yield about 4 catties (5 ' _; 11 is.) of Camphor, whereas a Japanese stove would consume 300 catties (400 lbs.) and yield about 6^ catties (8^ lbs.). The Japanese stove, however, yields double or treble the oil obtained with a Chinese stove, thus proving the

1. Experiments conducted by experts in Japan have given the following results: —

1 amphor chips weighing 266 pound-; yielded in summer 5.88 pounds of Camphor and 2. S5 pints of oil, while in winter the same weights of chips distilled in the same apparatus yielded 6.66 pounds of Camphor and 1.11 pints of oil.

2. Prior to the arrival of the Japanese. Formosa Camphor oil was given lint little attention in the island, the general opinion being that it was merely a refuse product "f crystallized Camphor and of practically no value. Almost immediately following the occupation of Formosa

merchants who had arrived in th,- island, brought up such small quantities as could ned, and a

market for the stuff was then established. In Osaka and Kobe exist factories for treating Camphor oil, and the Formosa article was accordingly forwarded to Japan. The crystallized product is obtained by subjecting the oil to repeated distillation until all the Camphor ha, been extracted. A quantity of erj lized Camphor equal to 50 per cent of the oil handled is obtained, and furthermore the residue amounting t" about 33 ... is also a salable commodity. This residue takes the form of two oils known as " White " and " l!rd " or " Brown " oil and is used in Europe in various manufactures such as Boap, paint, i

Owing to the confusion attending the establishment of the monopoly, as this book goes to press.

definite figures as to the price of oil and Camphor cannot be obtained, but that some idi oi th cost oi

manufacture and the probable proceeds may he gained, we will assume the Ja price of

oil-camphor to be 95 yen a picul, and the cost of the oil laid down in Japan at 41 yen a picul, about this

i being necessary if the extracting is to he done at a profit.

Cost of Camphor oil .. .. .. .. .. .. 14.00 yen a picul

Coal is.'

Miscellaneous Expenses .. .. .. .. .. .. 5C

Wages 1.80

18.18 yen

Proceeds from sale of 50 catties Camphor .. .. .. 47.50 yen

18 catties Red oil 1.80

i i mites White on 1.60

50.90 yen Waste during manufacture equals about 17 catties.

Taking the total production of Formosa Crude Camphor at .10,000 picnls, we obtain roughly the side products in the following quantities :

Total production Crude Camphor .. .. .. 30,000 picuN.

Total upcountry production Crude Camphor Oil .. .. .. .. 15,000

Loss in weight during transportation, repacking, etc., and allowance

for quantity consumed for outside purposes .. .. .. .. 3,000

Total Crude Camphor laid down in Japan for manufacture ' .. .. 13,000

Crude Camphor obtained (49 to 50%) 6,000

Red or Brown Oil (18%) 2,160

White Oil (15"., » 1,800 ..

Waste during manufacture (17%) .. .. 2,040

(l Picul - ion cat pounds.)

\2-\ THE islam tRMOSA,

former superior in extracting power. Furthermore, the services of the distiller, (neither stove requiring more than one person) bring a larger yield with the [apanese stove, the cost oi operating being therefore less per picul. The |apanese stove requires less fuel, although in Camphor making, fuel is not a question of importance, for after the fire is once started the ex-hausted chips obtained from the retort each day furnish a sufficiency. The first cost, however, of the best [apanese stove is some 20 per cent, higher. The Chinese stoves were very rudely constructed. The steam frequently leaked out through the retort, and it was quite common, in knocking a Chinese stove to pieces, to find recesses in the earth-walls filled with crystallized Camphor. While it may strike the reader that both Chinese and Japanese stills are very crude, it must he taken into consideration that, owing to the fact that stoves must be removed every few years, an expensive apparatus cannot be used, and moreover the steam carrying with it the Camphor fumes must not come in contact with metal. It is necessary, therefore, for most of the apparatus to lie madeofwood, although earthenware could likewise be used.

As for work in the forest, we find the [apanese and Chinese systems similar, although the adze-like tool used by the Chinese for cutting the tree is a little narrower and more curved, giving thicker chips. These chips con-sequently do not yield so readily to distillation. The tree is not first Idled, but die workmen commence at once to cut the chips from the standing tree, and in this way soon cut away sufficient to cause the tree to fall. Some-times, this point is reached sooner than anticipated, and occasionally results seriously. Within the space of a few months two Chinese workmen were thus killed in Namsho district. One man, either [apanese or Chinese, finds no great difficult)- in cutting enough chips to keep a single stove supplied, besides looking after the distillation. .\s a rule the trees arc within a mile of the stoves ; and. as the workman usually brings in the chips as soon as he has obtained a picul (133 lbs.), the difficulty of transportation for a strong man is not much.

The Camphor tree of Formosa is said to he much richer in the drug than that of Japan. As a general rule, however, trees found growing in shaded valleys with a moist and heavy soil are not as productive as those found in a sunny clearing where the soil is poor. The latter conditions are more liable to produce wood strong- and hard and rich in Camphor. Still this is not by any means an unfailing guide, lor trees growing side by side, and alike in appearance and size will he found, one perhaps very rich in Camphor ami the other practically barren ; and the difficult)- of it all is that there is no reliable test to ascertain which is which, without subjecting the chips to distillation; while, to add to the puzzle, a tree may yield more on one side than on the other.

( )ne argument for government interference rests on the fact that the Camphor workers, anxious lor the maximum of profits, utilize only the lower ten feet or so of a tree for distillation, as the branches and upper por-tions are not found to yield sufficient of the drug, ami that they leave the

rest of the forest monarch to rot, thus wasting vast quantities of wood which would yield considerable amounts of Camphor, and which, were it not that more tempting material was close at hand, would probably be used.1

It is while at work in the Camphor forests that the workmen are most frequently attacked by the "head-hunters," and if the persons killed are the sole protectors of the Camphor stove, as is very often the case, the savages do not cease their ravages until the stills are destroyed. In case of the murder of a workman, the capitalists ordinarily paid a certain sum, usually :>io, to the family of the murdered man. In erect-ing stoves it is usual to place as many of them together as possible for purposes of defence, and it was customary to erect in some localities high scaffolding supporting small bamboo huts in which were stationed watchmen night and day, the expense being borne by all.

This constant trouble with the savages, and the clangers encountered while at work in the Camphor districts, is a very important factor in swelling the first cost of the drug. Admitting that the savages are atrociously barbarous, and that they are unreliable and treacherous, still, in the olden days, the Chinese practised so many cruel tricks on them that they were often justified in retaliating. They would, however, have been more deserv-ing of sympathy had they been more discriminating in their selection of victims. \\ ere the savages outraged or even offended in any particular district to an extent sufficient to incite them to murder, they killed the first unfortunate Chinese that they could reach, with absolute disregard as to whether he was the guilty party or not. The Chinese government appointed at many places along the border an officer called a "Bukungkiok," whose nominal duty it was to act as a protector of the savages and to control trade passing between savages anil Chinese.

The Chinese officials were also anxious to provide against the destruction of the stoves, for such meant a loss in revenue, inasmuch as tin- government tax at that time was on the stove rather than the production. ( )ccasionally an officer would appreciate the fact that honest treatment of the savages produced the most satisfactorv results. The inherent instinct of the Chinese official to squeeze, however, generally proved too great a tempta-

1. Prof. Moriya, of the College of Agriculture in the Imperial University, who is perhaps the best authority on the Camphor manufacture in Japan, carried on experiments with the object of as-certaining the quantity of Camphor to be obtained from different parts of the tree. He worked with an improved apparatus of his own design and used wood which he declares would not have yielded over 2 per cent, if distilled by the ordinary model. The result was as follow

Twigs 2.21 per cent.

Branches .. :i.70 .,

Upper part of the stem .. .. .. .. .. 3.84 „

Lower part of the stem .. .. .. .. .. 4.2M .,

I'pper part of the stump .. .. .. .. .. 5.49 .,

I iower part of the stump .. .. 5.74 ,,

Root 4.46 ,, ..

Average 4.22 per cent.

Prof. Moriya obtained with his apparatus 10 to 15 per cent, of oil from the orude Camphor. His

experiments have shown that a larger yield of nil is obtained from the upper than from the lower part of the tree, and furthermore that while the tree yields the most Camphor in winter it yields the most oil in summer.

426 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

tion, and the savages frequently suffered in consequence. As an example ot this, on one occasion, a few years ago, it was decided to open a new district. < >n broaching the matter to the savages they agreed, promises of a fair rental being previously held out. Prior to this, the savages

in this particular district had been controlled by a very humane and just official who had gained their regard. But at the time 1 write of, this officer had been repined by a thorough rascal, from whose utter un-scrupulousness they were soon to suffer. No sooner had the stoves been erected, and the armed workmen gathered together, than the mandarin began to persecute the hillmen. lie pocketed the rents that rightly belonged to them, and abstracted a ".squeeze" whenever the savages came down to trade. The aborigines were naturally much enraged at such treatment, but they remained quiet, until small-pox broke out in the tribe, and carried off a chief's wife and child. This crowning misfortune, which they likewise attributed to the Chinese, was overpowering, and to appease the gods, they started out on a head-hunting expedition. The Camphor workmen, much alarmed by the hostility of the savages, deserted their stoves and sought shelter in an adjoining village. On learning of this, the mandarin exerted himself and eventually, by dint of numerous promises and much feasting, succeeded in quieting the angry* aborigines, and work was com-menced once more. Not profiting l>v the lesson, however, the officer, as soon as affairs were again running smoothly, renewed his netarious practices, in which he was ably assisted by numerous disreputable interpreters who were continually clashing with each other to extort the largest squeeze. Affairs were now in a state of chaos, and in hopes of in-ducing the savages to give up the destruction of stoves, a foreigner in-terested in the industry visited the district mentioned, and having the confidence oi the savages was able to persuade a party to come out and meet him ami talk the matter oxer. This greatly enraged a certain inter preter, who. lor obvious reasons, desired to confine all intercourse with the savages to himself, and who on learning of the proposed meeting, reported to the Chinese official that the savages were planning a raid. 1 hree hundred Chinese troops were sent to the border, ami as the seven savages were leaving the forest on their way to the pre-arranged place of meeting, they were suddenly attacked by the Chinese, two of them being killed and several wounded. At first sight it appeared to the savages that the foreigner had betrayed them, hut later they learned the truth, and such vengeance was taken by the tribe that about fifty Chinese were murdered, a thousand stoves des-troyed, and the government deprived of taxes amounting to about $8,ooo.

It would not be correct to say that the interpreters were all cruel rascals; in fact an occasional one, ordinarily the possessor ol a savage wife. took a true interest in the aborigines, and endeavored to obtain for them fair treatment. Such conduct, however, did not always assist the schemes' of the Chinese officials. Nor were they always gentle in their methods ol showing their disapproval, as the following incident will show. An interpreter, who was rightly regarded by the savages as a protector of their interests, did not always concur with the plans of a local

general, who was largely interested in the Camphor district, and the

latter decided to destroy the interpreter's influence with his forest friends, and thus obtain a larger degree of power for himself. He ordered the

interpreter to bring' the four leading chiefs of the tribe to his yamen that he might consult with them, bearing treachery, the Chinese first refused to carry out the order, but eventually convinced that the mandarin meant no harm, he visited his friends, and by guaranteeing them perfect saiety, was able to return with tour chiefs. < )n reaching the yamen, to the intense dismay of the interpreter, the four confiding savages were at once beheaded. On learning of the murder, the tribe quite naturally thought that the>- had been tricked by the interpreter, and two of the hitter's sons who were at work near the border were killed in revenge, while general head-hunting ensued for months, Tricks of this kind were very numerous, resulting in the total loss of confi lence in the Chinese and the continuance of warfare with the savages.

With the arrival of the Japanese the conditions improved on the whole. There were no more Chinese mandarins to deceive the savages, who were now more sure of justice. However, the Japanese government, which had introduced a tax on production, was not so directly interested in the working of the stoves, and official protection was practically withdrawn in some districts, thus permitting the savages to murder without much danger of punishment. At present the government forces, distributed among the Camphor stations, are smaller in number than they ever were during the Chinese regime, and it cannot be said that the Savage Question has been by any means successfully solved. Chinese lives are lost so frequently that the matter is not given any attention ; and. unless a Japanese is the victim, retaliatory measures are but rarely adopted. Of course, all that is possible is done without the actual use of force by the civil authorities to induce the savages to be peaceful. Japanese are not allowed to enter their territory without official permission, Camphor-men are, wherever possible, forced to live up to their obligations, and the government generally endeavors, I believe, to act fairly and humanely. The Chinese are still regarded by the savages as their great enemies, and Japanese are comparatively rarely attacked. For instance, in Namsho district, which was visited by the writer, out of 38 persons killed only 3 were Japanese. The murder of one of these, a man about 42 years of age. was described to me as follows :

When last seen, the Japanese was at work alone in the forest reducing to chips the trunk of a tree. At the Camphor stove half a mile or distant were two Japanese women and two sick men. < >ne ol the latter heard the report of a gun, but neither was able to go and investigate the cause. Other workmen in the neighborhood, however, heard the sound, and surmising at once that it was the work of savages, started off at a run through the forest towards the direction from which the sound had come. Chinese hillmen also joined in the search, and, being quicker footed, soon reached the place where the workman above mentioned was last seem. The Japanese now came op and called out their comrade's name, but

426 THE ISLAND Ot FORMOSA.

obtained no answer. Alter some search, the stark-naked, headless body of their fellow workman was found. Tools, clothes, and all had been carried away by the savages. The party then ran further into the forest discharging their guns and hoping to get a shot at the murderer. In this they were not successhil. Alter penetrating a short distance into the jungle they turned about and were returning slowly, when they heard from the summit of the adjacent hill the single report of a gun, a signal of defiance from the savage, that his pursuers might know that he had outstripped them and gained the protection of the dense interior jungle. The above attack occurred in January, and on the same day in February the headhunters came out again. Ihrec Japanese were at work on a single fallen tree. < >ne of the workmen whose position was a bit hidden by shrubbery thought he heard a suspicious noise. Although somewhat alarmed, there was no immediate repetition ol the sound, and he was about to recommence work when again a noise was heard. 1 le now saw a slight movement in the under brush near by, and on more careful observation discovered two crouching savages with pointed muskets taking aim at his two comrades. 1 le secured his gun as quickly as possible to discharge it, but to his great horror it missed lire. Simultaneously he shouted to his companions at the top of his voice, and grabbing a loose piece ol wood at hand, threw it with all his strength into the brush wherein the savages were concealed. This alarm from an unexpected quarter seems to have frightened the would-be murderers, lor they dropped their weapons and lied through the forest, and although the Japanese started at once in pur-suit the two head-hunters were not seen again.

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 5 OF 6)

In the year 1.S9S, in the Goshi/ai district, three Japanese officers went with seven savages to visit the latters' village. On nearing their destina-tion, the officers were attacked by a party of outside headhunters who were joined by the very savages accompanying the Japanese. One of the officers was able to escape and lied into the jungle, eventually reaching the village ofGoshizai. The bodies of his two companions were later found, badly mutilated and headless. A military expedition was sent against the offend-ing tribe to punish them for the outrage. The savages retired as the military advanced, and no opportunity occurred for a battle. The Japanese then burnt one of the villages and returned to the plains. This act had a very beneficial effect not only on the tribe punished, but also on the savages in the adjoining districts, and there has been a notable lessening of head-hunting raids in that particular territory ever since.

That the headhunting propensities of certain of the Formosa savages is a very serious matter is obvious when we note that, during the year [898, savages attacked the Camphor workers and others 303 times, and that 635 persons were killed and wounded. During the single month of September, savages attacked on 45 different occasions, causing injury or death to 85 persons. In other words, this is one attack for every 16 hours, and a life or an injur)- to one person every 8 hours. This death roll is evidence that the Japanese have not yet solved the savage question.

Soon after the arrival of the Japanese, through, I believe, the advice of the former prefect, Mr. Hashiguchi, bu-kon-sho officer, the equivalent of

THE CAMPHOK INDUSTRY. 4 J 9

the Chinese Bu-kung-kiok were established along the savage border, the duties of the incumbents being to control the savages within their districts. It was desired that these officers should devote their time to the study of the savages, learn their language, become familiar with their customs and super-stitions, and take an interest in them and their life, and so gain their regard and respect that they might be guided by the officer's advice, protected Irom outside persecution by him, and gradually led along the paths of civilization by peaceful methods rather than by force, although force was to be at hand should it be required. This admirable policy, which has given splendid re-sults in certain American Indian reservations, would, doubtless, have worked equally well here, had the government considered the matter ol sufficient im-portance to make the office an important one with generous compensation so that it might be attractive to really efficient officials. Instead, the office was considered an inferior one, the chief official ranking but little higher than a clerk with a salary corresponding to his position.

The post was not at all an attractive one, and the officers, of varying ability, who were placed in charge, were shitted about, being changed in some places once or twice a year, and of course the value Of the services ol even a conscientious and capable official would, under such circumstances, be almost nil.

The savages are attracted by personality rather than system, and there-fore the scheme could only be successful when good officials were placed in positions for long terms, so that each savage might become familiar with the officers and follow them out of personal affection.

The officers in Formosa were also under great disadvantage in not having the police under their command, the result being that, when occasion arose for police assistance, a second authority entered the district clashing with the bu-kon-kok and causing confusion and dissatisfaction. This, com-bined with the unattractiveness of the position, owing to its low rank and small pay, entirely annulled the most valuable parts ol the system, and towards the last the bu-kon-kok became an office of scarcely any value either to the savages or the Camphor workers who looked to it for protection. In 1898, the offices were abandoned, and the affairs of the savages were placed in the care of police officers in each district. At the present writing the police are still in charge, and the beneficial results from the employment of civil officers whose sole occupation was to care tor, direct, control, and it necessary, punish these children of the forest, will probably not tor the time be obtained.

It is thought by some Japanese authorities that the government is under no obligation to do anything for the savages, so long as the latter are beyond the pale of civilization, and pay no taxes. In Europe and America, however, savage tribes are now generally considered as the wards of the ruler who governs de jure the territory of which they occupy a part. America, for instance, which asks nothing more of the Indian than that he should be at peace with his neighbors, spends annually from eleven to four-teen million dollars gold in caring for two hundred and fifty thousand Indians.

43° THE 151. ASH "1- KUKMUSA.

Japan with a hundred thousand savages would surely be justified in spending a few thousand yen on them.

The [apanese merchants who arrived in the island to engage in the Cam-phor business soon alter the occupation were- under the impression, as were the old manufacturers, that the new government would give efficient protec-tion to them. The Chinese authorities in the old days generally considered die payment of a considerable sum in Camphor taxes a claim tor the services of a few soldiers in keeping order. In many districts troops were stationed, and in others some payment to the savages on condition of their keeping the peace was made. The mandarins were not by any means always successful in this; but still, ineffective as their savage system was. they recognized the right ol the manufacturer to some protection. The (apanese government introduced temporarily a different policy, that of practical noninterference with savage affairs. It was not wise to follow in the footsteps of the Chinese who officially announced to Peking that the aborigines were not men but wild animals, and should be treated as such, and who, by their clumsy inter-ference, had reduced the export ot Camphor one year to only three piculs ; and the Japanese, being totally ignorant of the savages and their ways, apparently thought it best not to declare any policy of control until the authorities were more familiar with the situation. Thus, the protection of the Camphor workers was practically left in the hands of the manufacturers. A border village was given its quota of police, some ten or twelve in number, and perhaps some uniformed Chinese police known as Ke-tei ; but these are more to keep the villagers in order than to protect the Camphor workers from attack.

The manufacturers employ [apanese, Chinese, and even the civilized aborigines to protect their workmen, one single firm paying in 1898 as much as twelve hundred yen a month on this account. These armed guards are known as Ai-tei, and receive from $15 to $20 a month wages. At some places where the savages are specially aggressive a considerable force is required. For instance in Twao (Tai-ko) the manufacturers are obliged to support about a hundred armed men. In Tokoham, owing to the assu-rances made to the savages by the authorities to the effect that Chinese would not generally be employed as guards, Japanese are for the time utilized. As the wages of Japanese in Formosa are very high, and as Tokoham district is a notoriously dangerous one, requiring the services of many guards, the expense of protection is very high, and the manufacturers are much handicapped by it.

The Japanese government has made no clear declaration regarding the status of the savage, but in an ordinance relating to the control of the forests it is written : " All forests and prairie lands for which no title deed or other positive evidence of ownership exists is hereby declared government' property." No person is permitted to purchase or otherwise obtain land from the savages or to occupy land nominally held by the savages, without the consent of the Governor-General, who may grant a concession if he-sees tit."

THE CAMPHI iB i . I -USTKV. 43 I

The so-called savage territory, within the boundaries of which the wild natives are independent, is over 5,000 square miles in extent: and when we note that barely 100,000 savages are scattered over this large reserve, while the rest of the inhabitants of the island, over two millions in number, are limited to an area scared) twice as large, it is very obvious that the savage district is not supporting its full quota of population.

Still, in all justice to our wild friends, it must he taken into considera-tion that their territory, consisting exclusively of mountain land, is not capable of supporting as large a number of persons as an equal area ot tin-fertile plains of Western Formosa, ami furthermore that their method 61 living, hunting being their chief occupation, requires a large and unpopulated district. What the government will eventual!)' accept as constituting- " posi-tive evidence of ownership " and whether they will or not recognize tribal interests at all remains to be seen. It may be that the villages and sur-rounding cleared land showing traces of agricultural work will in time to come be admitted as the property of the savages, anil the wild forest un-used, save as an occasional hunting ground, will be held as government land. Hitherto, however, the authorities have in come cases recognized the right of the savages to receive gifts and money as the nominal rent of Camphor lands, although they have demanded that parties claiming rights based on agreements with the savages, shall obtain the government's recognition before operations are commenced. In some places, however, at Lamshun (Nam-sho) for instance, the civilized aborigines who own valuable Camphor lands, their right to which was recognized by the Chinese authorities, have likewise been recognized l>v the [apanese government as the undisputed proprietors of the same.

The [apanese manufacturers brought with them Japanese laborers from [apan to work in the Camphor districts. The Komatsu Company for instance started with about 200 Japanese laborers, but this number was, in a year or so, reduced to 30. In Namsho district four were killed by the savages while collecting Camphor chips, and thirty died of malarial feverand kak-ke (beriberi). This great mortality naturally discouraged many Japanese from taking work in the Camphor districts, and the)- found other situations more congenial. The [apanese companies, therefore, gradually introduced Chinese laborers, and now the latter are employed in greater numbers than the Japanese.

The Japanese laborers were not paid regular wages, but received or-dinarily 14 yen for every picul of Camphor produced, and 7 yen a picul tor oil. If the market price was high, increased pa)- was sometimes given. As one laborer has entire charge of a stove the work is very hard. The man goes to the forest, reduces the portion of the tree he desires to chips, anil returns to attend to the stove and manufacture the Camphor. Even at night the fire must be replenished, and the laborer has to depend upon veritable "cat naps" for sleep. A representative of the merchant usually takes deliver) of the Camphor at the stove. While the laborer is obtaining the wood, he cannot distil, so in reality he finds he only has some 20 or :: days for actual

manufacture. The merchant furnishes him with the stove, tools, and a home. The average earning of a [apanese Camphor worker is between 25 and 30 yen a month, although some specially successful distillers have made as much as 40 yen. The Chinese are employed on a totally different lvasis. Money is advanced to them by the [apanese companies for the con-struction of a stove, the loan being returned in monthly instalments of say 5 yen; and the Camphor is sold to the merchants at a price usually 2 yen below the market rate, until the debt is paid off. Sometimes the Japanese construct the stove and the Chinese pay a rental, say 3 yen a month, besides, in some districts, say 3 yen as land rent to the savage chief, and other small charges, amounting in all to some 10 yen. The Chinese agree to sell all the Camphor to the merchant who owns the stove at the market price ruling in the hill. Upon delivery of the Camphor to the merchant, the 10 yen mentioned is deducted and the balance handed over to the Chinese distiller. Although a Japanese distiller is more skillful in his work and can obtain a larger amount ot Camphor than the Chinese; laborer, the latter is now preferred by several [apanese merchants, inasmuch as the Chinese generally has his family with him. the wife and children frequently assisting in the work, and if the laborer falls ill, some relative usually appears to carry on the work until the man is well again. If a Japanese falls ill it means interruption of the work for the time, and results in confusion, and often in financial loss. ( >ver 600 Japanese are now engaged in the various branches of the industry, 400 of them being Camphor distillers. It might be men-tioned that the labor system in vogue in the Camphor districts is quite opposed to the fundamental principles of all industrial organization. To obtain full value from the toil of the Camphor workers there should be a better division of labor than there is. When it is noted that a steady, continuous heat for some ten days is required to get the best results, it can be easily seen how great the loss must be from improper firing, owing to the stove being attended to by one person who must also cut from the tree and bring in the chips, thus leaving the stove at times without an attendant. One man could quite easily attend to the firing of two stoves, and one man could casilv supply two stoves with chips.

Alter the Camphor has been collected at the stoves and most ol the oil drained off, coolies carry it down in sacks or bamboo baskets lined with large leaves, and the oil in old kerosene tins, to the; nearest market, where it is examined. The Chinese merchants store the Camphor in big vats, and sometimes cover the stuff with water, (in which it is not soluble), to prevent evaporation. Formerly the Chinese frequently took the drug direct from the water ami packed it wet, believing that the gain in weight thus obtained would be to their advantage, but it was in fact quite the reverse, as exporters would, if they found the least trace of water, make such a heavy reduction for it that it usually yielded a profit to them rather than to the country merchants. The Camphor destined for shipment via Hongkong was formerly packed in wooden boxes lined with lead, this covering preventing, to a considerable extent, the evaporation of the drug. These boxes held about 13S lbs. of Camphor. Japanese; merchants shipped almost entirely to Japan ;

the Camphor being packed in tubs, and the oil in old kerosene oil tins. From the country districts it was brought by railway or boat to Keelung or Tamsni, from which ports it was exported.

The loss in weight during transportation was very large As the hill-men invariably dipped the bag or bucket into water to add to its weight. the in-country merchants took from the producers twenty catties extra of Camphor for each picul to make up for this and for loss on account of evaporation. The total loss from mountain to Hongkong was often 30*0, and from Hongkong to Europe about 5%. The merchants, before accepting the Camphor, made a careful search for adulteration, which was very common with the Chinese-produced Camphor. Chief anion- the stuffs used for adulteration, is a material known by the Chinese as Cliai Yen, consisting of a certain seaweed product dissolved in water and boiled until it becomes of the consistency of soft paste. The- stuff is then carefully mi: with the crystallized Camphor. When the Chinese were using the oldnative stove, it was customary, whenever the retort was refilled with chips to take off the distiller}- jar and spread the adulterant carefully over the crystallized Camphor, thus forming alternate layers of Camphor and sea-weed paste. If this was skilfully done, the resulting product might contain from 10 to 30% of the false stufl without being liable to detection at sight. Besides adding to the weight, Chai-yen is also valued by the user for preventing evaporation, as, by its sticky consistency, it binds together the Camphor crystals. The outer covering of the Formosan rattan is also frequently used. This, when crushed and then washed in water, yields a sticky fluid called by the Chinese " tien-sui," or rattan water, which is mixed with the Camphor. Rice Hour. potato flour, a native-made vegetable gelatine, and powdered sandstone are also sometimes used. A well known Camphor merchant vouches for the following tale, which is not at all improbable. Very lew are the Formosan Chinese who have seen snow at close quarters. In the winter time the highest peaks are often covered, and the snow on these hills can be seen even trom Twa-tu-tia. but snow never reaches the plains. < )n one occasion. however, during the winter of 1892-3, during the coldest weather known in Formosa lor many years, a little snow one bitter morning was found lor the first time on the hills in the savage district not far trom Tokoham. A wily Camphor worker saw in this gift from heaven possibilities of a great fortune. He ascended the hills, filled a few baskets, and. returning to his stove, mixed in a sufficient amount of Camphor to give an odor to the production, and then started off in a hurry to the nearest village to dispose of the stuff The Camphor merchant looked at the clean, white crystals dumped down on the floor before him, deducted a trifle lor water, which, in his wisdom he thought he detected, paid the anxious hill-man, who doubtless claimed a pressing engagement elsewhere which necessitated his prompt departure, and then packed the Camphor in a vat that it might drain while he enjoyed the pleasure of an opium pipe. The language which he used on the second inspection ol his purchase has not been reported, but it was doubtless loud and voluminous; for it is told that, with the exception of a few citties of Camphor at the bottom, and a general appearance of moisture on

the sides of the vessel there was no further trace of the several piculs of glittering crystals for which he had paid a considerable sum of good, hard Mexicans but an hour before. Fortunately, whatever adulterant is used, its presence can be easilv detected. The presence of sea-weed paste and rattan water produces a product differing from the pure product slightly in color. Camphor crystals have a brilliant lustre, not unlike newly fallen snow. The presence of sea weed paste gives a very slightly darker and duller color, while rattan water gives a darker shade still. When pure Camphor is burned, it remains white until entirely consumed, and leaves no residue. II sea weed paste, rattan water, rice flour, potato (lour, or powdered stone has been mixed with the drug, a considerable residue remains, and in the case of the first two adulterants, the (lame sputters, and sparks llv out. Whether adulterants have been used or not can also be told by placing a little of the drug in benzine oil or even kerosene, when the pure Camphor and oil soon finds its way to the top, while the adulterant t;'ors to the bottom.

for the first year following the occupation of the island by the Japanese the old Chinese imposts were remitted, and it was announced that there would be no taxes imposed lor a year. October 31st 1895, official regulations were published which announced that only Camphor merchants who could produce permits granted by the Chinese government prior t<> the arrival of the Japanese would be permitted to engage in the industry. This caused much concern to some of the manufacturers, as the Chinese had not been at all uniform in the granting of permits, the mere willingness to pay the taxes and the tax receipt itself being considered in many instances sufficient evidence of the right to engage in the industry. The Japanese eventually gave way on this point, and if the Camphor man could give clear evidence to show that the Chinese had recognized his right to manufacture Camphor, this was accepted. This system, was, however; much complicated, as the Chinese authorities had sometimes made die very same concession to several different individuals. That is, when the original holder did not avail himself of the privilege granted, it was common, after a certain period, to give it to someone else who would work it; audit this second person likewise abandoned the forest, the permit would be passed on to even a third person, while the records ol these transfers, Chinese fashion, were practically nonexistent.

\\ ith the arrival ol the [apanese and the likelihood of increased valua-tions of the Camphor districts, claimants to the same ground sprang up, each with some son ol evidence as to the genuineness of his representations, thereby causing much confusion in ascertaining the proper owners.

1 here were at first almost continual difficulties; misunderstandings arose. Camphor was seized, Camphor men arrested, while the savages raided and destroyed stoves, and rebels rendered the country so unsafe that monev could not be carried up country, and eventually so unsatisfactory was the position that the foreigners both in the north and south gave up their stoves and withdrew from the trade, suffering considerable losses.

The industry in the north, which has always been the chief producing district, continued unabated under Chinese and Japanese control, but from

I Hi; i AM PI IOK IM'l STRY. 435

the mid Formosa districts, wliicfa since 1892 had sent varying amounts of Camphor to Anping for shipment, the output became yearly less, and from [une r 897 only some few hundred piculs have been produced, which went generally to Tamsui for shipment.

Tlie second year, the [apanese introduced a tax imposed in a manner which Camphor makers had long desired, \i/.. on the production rather than on the stoves, as was the case during the Chinese regime. This tax, which was officially put forward as representing the sale- of the trees claimed as government property, amounted to ten yen a picul, and was collected at special tax offices established at central points in the most important districts, a check being kept on illicit manufacture by die requirement that the exporter at the port oi shipment should present a certificate from the tax office showing that die impost had been paid.

This taxation at first applied only to Camphor in its crystallized state, and not to the oil, which, with the Japanese stoves generally, amounts to about 50^ of the product. Certain Japanese merchants soon after their arrival discovered that the oil would dissolve large quantities oi the Camphor crystals, the presence of which could not without special tests he detected. Therefore, as oil was free of duty, a profitable business was done in shipping Camphor in this way to Japan, where it was subjected to the distiller}' process, and the crystals separated from the oil. The government soon detected the artifice, however, and a tax of ', yen, together with a careful inspection of the oil, nearly if not wholly put a stop to the practic

lust as this book goes to press the Formosan government declares its intention of placing Formosa Camphor under government control and mono-polizing its sale. The government appears to have two objects in view — increased revenue, and a more complete control over the Camphor forests. That both these quite praiseworthy objects might have keen attained by the establishment of sonic more liberal system than a monopoly is quite pro-bable : but the government has given the Camphor problem considerable thought and study during the last four years; and the forests being claimed as the property of the Crown, the exclusive control of the sale of Camphor seems to be the most satisfactory solution, ["he production of Camphor being practically confined to Japan and Formosa, no opposition from com-peting supply districts, at least for many years, is feared.

The difficulty, in fact the almost impossibility in some instances, ol obtaining revenue from the Chinese in the island by the institution of the usual forms of taxation existing in Japan and Occidental countries, owing to the confused and complex famib system, and the irregular and complicated commercial methods in vogue among Chinese, has led the Japanese to adopt other measures of raising revenue, such as the salt monopoly and now the Camphor monopoly.

In order to gain a more complete control ol the Camphor forests, the urgent need of some more efficient system ol protection lor the border residents against the attacks v\' the savages, and the- institution of some system of afforestation tu prevent the total destruction of the Camphor

THE IMAM' I >V I i »RM< ISA.

forests have long been apparent, and should the government be successful in these two aims, the new system will have much to recommend it.

The general plan of the new system of protection as outlined provides for two forces, one to give protection to villages on the savage border, and the other to guard the Camphor workers in the forests, and to secure the stills against molestation. The expenditure for this purpose is set down in the budget at 180,000 yen, and there will be employed in the work 1,500 armed nvn — Chinese and [apanese. The line of operations will extend from l'olisia in south central Formosa to the northern districts, thence eastward to Gilan, a total distance oi nearly 150 miles. There are at present in the island nearly a thousand Chinese who were, under the old regime, engaged as guards along the savage border ; and many ol these will, doubtless, be brought into the new force. The work of organization and control will be entrusted to the police.

As regards afforestation, it has been stated that the government will lay out young Camphor trees in Tokoham (Taikokan), Samshun (Namsho), and other Camphor districts, an appropriation for this purpose having already been made. Young Camphor trees growing in the forests, which were formerly cut down for fuel by the Camphor workers, and shoots growing from Camphor stumps will be protected, and their destruction strictly forbidden.

'1 he manufacture ol Camphor by the regular manufacturers, i.e. those holding government permits, is not, within certain limits, to be interfered with ; but the entire production must be sold to the government at a certain fixed price, the maximum rate at present for the best grade being 30 yen per picul (13;, lbs. 1 The government names the maximum amount to be produced (40,000 piculs — 5,320,000 lbs. — will probably be the amount for the present year), and agrees to take that quantity from the manufacturers. I his is with the object ol limiting the- production, thus insuring sufficient demand lor the drug to support the high price which the government desires to obtain, and making it possible for the selling agent, who is obliged to lake over the whole production, to pay the same. This will not probably require the direct interference of the government in closing stoves, as the price offered is so low that many plants will be voluntarily abandoned by their owners. for instance, during the summer of i^<A there existed some 14,000 stoves, though only about 4,000 were in constant operation. With the rise in the price of Camphor during the autumn, the number of stoves in operation increased to 7,000. Hut with the enforcement of the monopoly and the low price paid by the government, certain districts, Lin-ki-po (Rinkiho), Taichu, and Maoli (Bioritsu) especially, (they being far from the head Camphor office), have greatly decreased their output, thus reducing the present number ol stoves in operation to some 2,000. The government has purchased stoves in several districts, ami will engage in the manufacture to a certain extent, experimental distilling stations are also maintained by the government at Rato and Kutsusaku. The price, 30 yen, is paid for the drug at the Taipeh Camphor office. Camphor offices have been also established at Teckcham (Shinc-hiku), Maoli (Bioritsu), Taichu, Lin-ki-po

CHAPTER XXIV (PART 6 OF 6)

I 111. CAMPHl IR INDUSTRY* 43,7

(Rinkihd). and Lo-tong (Rato), and the prices paid at these five offices are such as will, alter meeting the cost of transportation and loss in weight, lay the Camphor down in Taipeh at 30 yen.' Kelung and lamsui are named as the ports of shipment for Camphor and Camphor oil.

A vigorous attempt is being made by the government to raise the quality of the Formosa production, which has in the past been notably dirty and oily, giving the erroneous idea abroad that it possessed some inherent defect rendering it interior to the Japanese Camphor in crystallizing properties. Accordingly, standard samples have been issued to Camphor manufacturers with injunctions that their production must equal the sample in quality in order to be classed as 1st grade and to receive the price paid for that quality. This has created some consternation among certain manufacturers, but it has been demonstrated by the government that it will only require a little closer attention to the stove and the application ol perhaps a stronger and more stead}- heat, together with greater care in keeping the surroundings ol the stove and crystallization boxes clean, to produce the desired grade. Camphor has been produced in Tan-si Kak (Toseikaku), which has equalled and even excelled the sample, and the additional labor has been but trifling.

The procedure under which the monopoly is conducted is as follows : When Camphor is brought to the Camphor office it is inspected by an examiner, who declares its grade and weight. The examiner then issuer a certificate which, on the Camphor being placed in the government godowns, is exchanged for a cheque on the Taiwan Bank, which the holder can cash without further endorsement. This closes the transaction so far as the manufacturer is concerned.

The government receives the Camphor in bulk, and il the purchase has been made at one of the up-country posts, the government at its own ex-pense packs the Camphor in canvas bags holding 50 and 100 kin, and transports the drug to Taipeh. At the capital (Taihoku! is erected a factory to clean the Camphor and press it: and with the exception of such as is sold in its crude form, the Camphor is here treated. The plant consists ol six-large distilling furnaces measuring some t2 feet wide by 24 feet long, ami standing some 5 feet from the lloor. Some thousand pounds ol the crude Camphor are placed in the distilling oven, which is in the form ol a large iron box. After the openings in the retort have been closed and sealed, air is forced in to hasten evaporation, and tor the first 48 hours a slow tire is maintained, which drives off the water ami oil, these passing through a pipe

, ..... „ < ioverumeul price

Xa.no of Office. Government prices per picnl (183 i perpicul(1331bs.)

Crystaluzed Camphor. f„r Camphor oil.

First Grade.

Taipeli

Teckchain (Shiuukiku) .. .. 29.00 „

Ma'oli (Bioritsu) 27 ' 0

Tatohu 26.00 „

Lin-ki-po ^J.OO „

Lo-tuny vIUu>) ] -7.00 .,

ude.

Third Grade.

•JT.00 yen

- '\CII

DO ven

26.10 ,,

- . .6 ..

11.50 .,

24.80 .,

22.30 ..

13.80 ..

28.40 .,

21.10 ..

1S.0O .,

1-J.S0 ,.

IT.sc) .,

11.00 „

■Ji.SO ..

.. SO ..

13.S0 ..

438 THE ISLAM' 1 U FORM! ISA.

leading from the top of the retort into a tank cooled by water. The lire is now increased, and the above pipe having been shut off and a new one opened, the Camphor fumes pass through the latter into a large crystalliza-tion chamber, the tool of which is cooled by running water. Here it crystallizes as flowers oi Camphor.

The Camphor, after having passed through the above operation, is lirst shaped into a block in wooden forms: these blocks are then pressed by steam-power to prepare them for final treatment, which is to subject them to \cr\- high hydraulic pressure. The resulting block is a hard, firm, slightly opaque brick weighing 10 kin (13^3 lbs.). These blocks are then packed in lead-lined boxes holding ten, and after receiving the government label are handed over to the selling agents.

The enforcement of the monopoly dates fromAugust 5th (1899), but as there were large stocks of Camphor stored in Formosa owned by private firms, the disposal of which was not interfered with by the government, there was sufficient to supply the demand lor the summer and fall. Thus, though the government purchased what Camphor wag offered, they placed none on the market.

<>n March 24th (1900), tenders were called for from firms, Japanese and foreign, who were desirous of obtaining the sole selling agency for Formosa Camphor. In asking for bids the l-'ormosa government named several conditions under which tenders would be accepted ; the general tenor of the same being as follows : —

The holder of the agency must conduct the sale of the Camphor at London, Hamburg, New York, and Hongkong, and must be prepared to accept from the government from 30,000 to 50,000 piculs of Camphor a year. The Camphor will be of two classes, "A" to be known as Cleaned and Pressed, and " 15," which is the Camphor in its ordinary crude form. When the amount ol Camphor to be turned over to the selling agents exceeds 50,000 piculs a year, the selling price for the excess will be determined by the Formosa government in concert with the selling agents. The government will prepare and pack the Camphor ready for shipment ; and the selling agents must not change the wrapping or package, nor place other materials among the contents. So far as in their power, the selling agents should send such quantities of Camphor to various leading markets, (London, Hamburg, New York, Hongkong, etc.), as may be necessary to supply the demand. The term of the contract between the government and the selling agents will be three years. For the use of the government and also as raw material for the purpose of manufacture in the Japanese Empire, the Formosa government may sell to persons other than the selling agents. 1 lowevcr, this extra-official sale will not affect the minimum limit of the quantity to be sold to the selling agents. The government requires of the selling agents a substantial guarantee, this security being permitted to take the form ot a deposit of Formosa government bonds. Furthermore, the government reserves the right to interfere should the selling agents impair the government's Camphor monopoly interests by acts of " inordinate selfishness or of an illegitimate nature."

Government Camphor Works, Taihoku. Taikokan (Tokofcam) Village, Supply Station for Leading Camphor District. Kutsshaku (Kccho) Village, on Eorder of Savage District.

Up-country Japanese Still. Chinese Police on Savage Border.

Virgin Forest Land within the Savage District, North Formosa.

THE CAMPHOR IND1 439

Although the government generally recommends tin- sale of the " Cleaned and Pressed " (semi-refined) grade owing to the saving in loss in weight, etc., still it has been announced that the crude form of the drug will be furnished to consumers specially applying for it through the regular

channels.

An English firm was the fortunate recipient of the agency, their tender being the most favorable ; that is, they were prepared to conduct the business on the cheapest basis. The prices which will lx- asked for the drug abroad have been announced as follows : — For "A " Grade Camphor blocks for London. Hamburg, and New York 107,843 yen per picul (133 lbs.), (exclusive of import duties if any), and for Hongkong 102.378 yen. For crude Camphor 09.702 yen will be the price abroad. The government will receive from the selling agents 85.00 yen a picul lor the crude and 94.323 yen tor the "A" Camphor. It has been roughly estimated that the government expense in preparing the " A " grade Camphor, pro-viding for loss in weight and other expenses in connection with the monopoly, will average over 25 yen a picul ; and, though it is at present somewhat premature to state figures as to the probable resulting profit, considering that the monopoly is so late a creation, still the figures appearing in the government budget are doubtless approximate, though some slight changes have been made in the monopoly system since the budget was framed. In the budget the total expenses, including cost of Camphor, are given as 2, 1 27,61 1 yen, and the receipts as 3,455,035 yen. This leaves a profit of 1.327,424 yen, or about 34 yen a picul (133 lbs.). This is taking the probable production for the year at 39,000 piculs. The income to the government from the Camphor industry under the old system averaged about 400,000 yen a year.

Though Camphor has been monopolized at different times during the Chinese regime in the island, the system was quite different to the one the [apanese now intend to pursue, and the present monopol) may be

considered somewhat in the light of an experiment.

While there appears to be at present no obstacle seriously to interfere with the working of the monopoly, the future may bring forth either some-increase in the production from other lands, which may eventually require some important alterations in the present system, or perhaps the abandon ment of a monopoly altogether. The Japan production which, in 1887, reached 8,615,740 lbs., has rapidly decreased until only some three hundred thousand pounds were produced in 1899. To what degree this lost trade in Japan can recover its former importance under the stimulus ol stead) high prices is not known. It is at least sure, however, that there are not sufficient available trees to permit of any lasting competition with Formosa. China, encouraged by the high prices ruling in [895, produced throughout her dominions some 1,500,000 lbs., but it is doubtful if she could much exceed this in the future; for, as previously mentioned in this chapter, although there are districts where Camphor trees abound, they are not sufficiently rich in the drug to pay for distillation. Still it will be well to

44-0 THE ISLAND OF Fl 1RM1 ISA.

watch the Chinese production, and in years to eomc new lands in which the tree is being introduced may \v<\\ some attention.

Under the present monopoly regulations, the government controls the sale of Camphor oil as well as the crude Camphor. The trade in this article is in reality of only three- years growth : yet t<> such proportions has it reached that, in [898, over five million pounds were exported to Kobe.

This, even lor Formosa, exceptional quantity, when separated yielded two and a half million pounds of true Camphor, being equal to the total output o! Formosa crude Camphor shipped to Hongkong, India, and Europe, via 1 longkong; though it must he explained that the crude Camphor export figures do not correctly represent the production lor 1898, as large stocks of that war's Camphor were held over in Formosa over the calendar year.

Of course it must he noted that die government production of crude Camphor may not exceed 40,000 piculs k.^jo.ooo lbs). Still even with this amount, taking the proportionate yield of oil at 50 per cent., and allowing tor loss in weight during transportation to place ot manufacture. some million and a half pounds of oil will lie produced, and this when distilled will yield some seven or eight hundred thousand pounds of true Camphor. Even this quantity might prove a disturbing factor. To provide against this, the government will probably arrange that the parties handling' the oil shall dispose of it at a price which shall conform to the Formosa prices, and that the authorities shall he made acquainted with all sales.

The contract for the sale of the drug runs only lor three years, which will give the authorities the opportunity ol making alterations in the system if they find it necessary. Of course, die selling agents must be protected from outside competition, and it would not do to injure the market for Camphor by too high prices. Celluloid manufacturers may find some satisfactory substitute lor Camphor, or celluloid consumers revert to the use ol hone and other materials ; while chemists, if driven to it, may even discover some article which may to a large extent replace Camphor as

a drui;.

N O T E .

(Regulations applying to the Monopoly o) Forin< and I avipluyt Oil.)

NOTIFICATION No. 1.".. JUNE 22nd, 32nd Vl'.Ai: MI'.I.II (1899).

Art. I.— By the term Camphor employed in this Regulation shall be understood the crude Camphor produced in this island, and by tin- term Camphor "il shall !>•■ understood Camphor nil which, with crude Camphor, forms tho two prodnots obtained by the distillation process.

Art. 11.- Camphor and Camphor oil mn irned over by the manufacturers to the government,

whioh holds a monopoly of them. With the exception of the Camphor or Camplioi Id to the

government, the possession, hypothecation, transfer, or export of all other (Camphor or Camphor oil is prohibited.

Art III. The Government will make payment for Camphor or Camphor nil delivered to it, at a rate to he fixed by the Governor-General,

Art. TV. — Camphor or Camphor oil cannot 1>p exported from the island except through the Ports named by the Governor-General.

Art. V. — Th.' Camphor and Camphor nil manufacturers must render to the Government annually a report showing the anticipated amount of production for the ensuing year.

Art. VI. — All Camphor and Camphor oil will be sold by tin- government at a li^od rate, or, if desirable, will be offered to public tender.

Art. VII. — Officers will be despatched to inspect Camphor and Camphor oil manufactories and stnres or any place where it is believed Camphor is stored and take suitable measures for control.

Art. VIII. — Persons who have violated clause 2 of \H . If and Art. IV will be fined a sura ranging from 50 to 500 yen, and the Camphor or Camphor oil con 1 will he coi i respective of it

Art. IX. Any persons who have 1 : officers in the execution of their

duty as laid dowu in Art. VII will be fiued a sum ranging from 20 to 200 yen and if there is an aggrava-11 ,11 of the offence which is cow; aiual law tlieu the offending parties will he punished according

to such law.

Art. X.— Those who make false declarations or neglect to make declarations to the government or to answer the interrogations of the authorized officers will be fined a sum ranging from 10 to 100 yen.

Art. XI.— Per ms engaged in the Camphor and Camphor oil busim Inlterant to

Camphor or Camphor oil will he fiued a sum ranging from 10 to II 0 yen and the Camphor and Camphor oil concerned will he confiscated irrespective of il

Art XII. -To those who violate these Regulation the provisions of the Penal Code providing for cumulative puuishment for second or several offenci 3 will not be applied.

Art. XIII.— When the family, lodgers, representatives, or employes of those engaged in tl and Camphor oil business have offended against the forego! t his

representative cannot escape from the penalties provided, though lie had 110 cognisance of the offei

SUPPLEMENTARY CLA1 3ES.

Art. XIV. — Any regulations which it may at latei found nece arj to add ■ Ithi

enforcement of the preseut regulations will b aunounced in due time by tin 1 ral.

Art. XV.— Noli lieu tion No. 12 of the 29th year of Meiji providing f r Camphor I ind Notifica-

tion No. 9 of the 30th year of Meiji providing for Camphor oil taxation will be cancelled from the date of enforcement of this regulation.

Art. XVI. -These regulations will not be applied to Camphor aud Camphor oil which has been manufactured prior to their enforcement, but to Camphor aud Camphor oil on which the tax has not been paid these regulations will be applied and the owners must deliver the Camphor and Camphor oil to the t Miverntnent.

Art. XVII. — To Camphor manufactured from Camphor oil these Regulations will not at preseut be applied.1

REGULATIONS APPLYING TO THE MANUFACTURE OE CAMPHOR AND CAMPHOR OIL IN FORMOSA.

NOTIFICATION No. 16.

Art. I. — A person desiring to manufacture Camphor or Camphor oil must obtain government permission.

Art. II. —Any person holding government permi sion to manufacture Camphor or Camphor oil who fails to commence work within the prescribed period, or who having commenced, discoutiuues the work, will forfeit his right, and his license may he cancelled by the governm

Art. III.— Should the manufacture of Camphor and Camphor oil (in any district) be found opposed to the public interest the Governor-General may suspend the manufacture and revoke the lice

Art. IV. — When a Camphor and Camphor oil manufacturer's license has been revoked by the government, or when the former discontinues work voluntarily, the toes remaining unused must he returned to the government. When work is discontinued voluntarily suitable compensation will he paid.

Art. V.— Persons manufacturing Camphor or Camphor oil withoul p will he punished by a fine ranging from 50 to 500 yen and the illicit Camphor aud Camphor oil will be confiscated whenever found.

Art. VI. — Persons who utilize for some other purpose Camphor trees sold them by the G for the express purpose ef manufacturing Camphor and Camphor oil, or who transport them the manufacturer's respective districts v\ill be fined a sum ranging from 50 to 500 yen, and tie found will he confiscated, and for such trees as are missing payment will be denial

Art. VII.— Articles IX. XII. and XITI. of the Camphor Monopoly Regulations will, in addition to the rules giveu herewith, apply to the manufai imphor and Camphor oil.

SI PPLEMENTARY CLAUSES.

Art. VIII.— Any regulations which it may I 111 cessary at a later date to add, and the date for

the enforcement of the present regulations will he announced in due time by tie ral.

Art. IX. — Such portious of Notification No. 20 of tie r of Meiji | control of

government forests and the manufacture of Camphor as apply to the manufacture of Camphor will be cancelled on the date of enforcement of the presenl r. guhitions.

Art. X.— Persous who hold licenses to me n I imphor granted under Notification No. 2fi of the 2-th year of Meiji, providing for the control of I and the manufacture of Camphor, or under Notification No. 13 of the 29th year of Meiji providing for more complete control of the manufac-ture oi Camphor will be registered as also p tit , issiou indicated in the present Notification

from the date these regulations are enforced and continuing till the natural term of the lit pire.

1. Art. XVII, at first sight may appear to conflict with Art. II. This is not the case, however, a XVII only refers to Camphor actually manufactured from the oil, which is quite a distinct process from I lie ordinary distilling done in the island at presenl . It i- not a disturbing ft er, far while Camphor

manufactured from Camphor oil will not !>.' int. 1 1, ivd with at present, the Government have virtually 01 ntrol over it for the reason that they hold all the Camphor oil, and if parties desire to purchase it for the purpose of converting it into ordinary Camphor, thej must purchase it from the government, and the price asked for it will doubtless be sufficiently high to insure that the monopoly of Camphor will not be interfered with.

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA. FORM >- \ C wil'imi; STATISTICS

Year

185G 18G4 1866

1869 1871 1873 1875 1S77 1879 1881 1883 1885 1887

1893

1895 IS! 16 1898

Export from Tarn-sui iii pounds.

1,171,464

0 15,405

1,128,474

071,310

307 606

! II ! >

7;-. 2 469 289 410

335

001 ,973 373 507 ,467 ,002 ,408

,028 438 899 160

382,109

476,273

983,186

2,511,173

2,332,820 4,431,560 5,260,416 5,586,000 4,702,348 3,780,791 2,920,080

Export t

ping and Takow in ponndB

1,330,000 Nil.

107,996 200,564 314,279

Nil. 3,773

Nil.

41,629 B.778 Nil.

"36,841 28,329 2,394 Nil.

23,210 31,388

127,813

79,268

100,947

282,093 578,895 889,903

1,616,881

1,349,285

1,(104,133

li 6,581

121,121

Shipped from

Kiliiiiu lt<> .1

in pounds. 1.

981,188 1,761,452

Tutu! Export in pounds.

1, : 1(1,000 1,171,164 1,035,405 1,123,474

074,310

1,593,478

2,085,565

2,240,272

1,288,903

1,871,146

1,480,415

1,606,507

949,487

1,169,602

1,752,408

1,887,895

1,478,162

1,640,555

1,289,028

692,980

488,767

61,313

151,422

33G.51S

509,922

555,541

1,004,133

2,793,266 2,906,715 5,321,403 6,877,297 0,935,285 5,7G6,48l 5,168,5G0 1 803,258

Average Van

price Tiunsni cur-

renoy per pioul,

(188 lbs.) i" local.

currency.

$ 8.00

8.00

15 io

15.00

| 1G.00

- official price un-

( der monopoly.

9.01)

9.00

9.49

8.22

10.36

9.17

8.84

8.93

8.71

in no

9 50

1 2 24

12.81

12 33

17.47

11,95

13.89

10.8G

13.5G

f 12 00

official price un-

{ der monopoly.

I 13 ami 20

■ official price un-

( der monopoly.

official price un-der monopoly. 3G.50 41.75 44.85 41.00 68.50 57.00 47.00 42.00

l. Thi given in the column headed "Shippedfrom Celung to Japan " represent only crystallized Camphor

shipped to Japan lince the occupation of the Island by the Japanese, and as this is trade « ith the borne country, same are

nut given in the Japanese Custom Reports. They have been here included in thetotal export column inorder thatthe

reader may be able to arriveal the total Formosan production. Figures showing the export, from Tamsui, Anping, and

Chinese and Ja] ise I lustom Reports.

CAMPHOR OIL STATISTICS.

Year.

Export from Tam-sui in pounds.

K\ pi irt from an-ping and Takow in pounds.

Shipped from ECelung to Japan

in poi

Total Export in pounds.

Average Formosa price TamSUi cur-rency per picnl (133 lbs.)

7.581

87,381 20,216

0G5

800,000

(estimated.)

3,052,552

13,614

808,240

3,739,9 1 1 :,830

«• 20.00

15.50 16 50

The trade in Formosa Cnmpfc back only to 1695, the year of the arrival of the Japanese, who practically

mtule the market for < Camphor oil.

As with crystallized Camphor, Camphor oil shippedfrom Selling to Japan is not included in the Custom Reports, and the figures, as well as the average price appearing in this tab mated. Figures showing the export from

Tamsui and Anping and Takow are from the Japnaese Custom Reports.

THE CAMPHOR INDUSTRY. WORLD'S CAMPHOR PRODUCTION.

Year.

Export from Japan of Japav

phrir.

iritis.

Total value of

vcar's Export in

Japanese yen.

Export t

f For-mosa • 'amphor including ship-ment to lip in. In pounds.

1 ixport in Japanese yen.

Total Export Japan

*mplior

in p.

value J;ipari 1

itnphor in Japanese yen.

1868 .. ..

622,614

77,097

1,593,473

107,829

2,216,117

184,925

1873 .. ..

592,750

68.4 17

1,430,415

98,623

2,023,165

167,060

1878 .. ..

2,666,586

323,664

1,837,395

131,242

1,981

454,906

1883 .. ..

6,456,274

707,992

438,767

57,528

6,895,04 1

765,520

1887 .. ..

8,615,740

1,130,596

536 548

7,371

9,152,288

1,107,967

1889 .. ..

6,612,559

1,391,371

555,541

68,920

T,l>;8,100

1,460,291

1890 .. ..

5,936,961

-

1,064,133

24=0,1

2.172,022

1891 .. .

5,800,637

1,629,

2,793.266

766,573

..077

1892 .. .

4,075,126

1,274,752

2,906,715

912,446

6,981, Ml

2,187,198

1893 .. ..

3,308,355

l. 10

5,321,463

1,794,493

8,629,818

3,103,103

1894 .. ..

2,75

1,023

6,877,2'Jl

2,12'

9,682 --

3,144,763

1895 .. ..

2,971

1,2;.', - 11

15,285

2.s77,iX)0

9,912.221

4,103,831

1896 .. ..

1,751,400

910,728

6,166,481

2,155,930

7,917,881

3,366,658

1897 .. ..

1,661,442

290,000 estimated.

5,9S1,670

2,395,942

6,643,112

- j,942

1898 .. ..

600,000 estimated.

200,000 estimated.

6,868,688

2,163,636

7,468,683

2,363,636

The figures given in the ahove table for the year prior to 1896 are from the Japauese and Chinese

Customs Returns, respectively, but the figures for the years 1896, 1897, and 1898 vary greatly from

ima statistics. For the three years mentioned the Customs figures are of trifling assistance in

ascertaining the production of Japan and Formosa separately, aud it has been accordingly necessary to

calculate on a different ba-i-.

The total export from Japan now consists almost wholly of Formosa crude Camphor or Camphor manufactured from Formosa Camphor oil. Therefore to arrive at the production for export of Camp! ir actually produced iu Japan, I have given the Japauese Customs export minus the quantity of Formosa Camphor shipped to Japau. To obtaiu the value of the Japauese production, I have used the Japanese Customs figures as a basis.

The export from Formosa as stated iu the Formosau Custom's returns, for the years mentioned pro-vides only for shipments to Hougkoug, India, Europe, and America direct; and naturally makes no mention of shipments to Japau. Therefore, to ascertain the true production of Formosa Camphor it has been necessary to add to the Customs figures, the amount of Camphor shipped to Japan, together with an amount equal to 50 per cent, of the exports to Japau of Camphor oil, for the reason that Camphor exists in Camphor oil, aud wheu the latter reaches Japan, it is subjected to a distilling process, aud made to yield roughly 50 per cent, of its weight iu crude Camphor; therefore the latter should obviously be included iu the total showiug Formosa Camphor production. To arrive at the total value of the Formosau product, I have added to the Formosa Customs figures an amount based on the value of the Formosau Camphor in Japau aud Camphor manufactured from the oil iu Japau. For the year 1898, I have, to arrive at the Formosa production, included shipments to Japau aud estimated their value by takiug as a basis the value given by the Customs of the export to Hougkong, etc.

As absolutely exact statistics of the export to Japau of Formosa Camphor and oil are not obtainable, and as it is also difficult to ascertain what quantity of the Formosa drug is held iu stock iu Japan over the calendar year, or the amount, if any, of the Formosa drug consumed iu Japau locally, the figures giveu above for the lust three years cau only be taken as approximately correct.

The so-called " Borneo " Camphor (Borueol) aud other products which resemble Camphor are not included iu the above table, as they are not classed as true Camphor ; neither have the triiiiug exports of China Camphor beeu inserted.

LEADING CAMPHOR CONSUMING COUNTRU

This table gives the quautity of Camphor actually consumed in the countries named and not re-exported from them.

Average for the years from 1893 to 1897. Germauy . . . . 2,210,917 pouuds. United States .. 1,835,533 „ England .. .. 1,722.664 France .. .. 1,204,347 ., Iudia 1,002,155 „

'ie single year 1898. many .. .. 2,915,000 pouuds. United States .. 2,017,000

CHAPTER XXV (PART 1 OF 2)

England .. .. 391,000 „ During the year 1899, Eugland imported 853,000 pounds.

(IIAl'TKll XXV

THE FORMOSAN SUGAR INDUSTRY.

Sugar.- Production regions — Northern and southern fields compared — .Ire./ wilder cultivation — History <>/ cultivation — Sugar cultivation introduced during Dutch occupation — Cultivation and manufacture during Koxinga's reign — Rapid exten-sion of cultivation — Trade in 1833 -Robinet a) ('<>. ( 1856) Export from Takow — Market figures for 1856 Sugar boom of 1870 — Australia and the Formosa market — Shipment t<> London — Foreign markets for Formosa product — Shilr legislation destroys American market -Sugar districts in North Formosa Groioth of plant and soil — Cultivation of tin- cane— Harvesting — Yield per acre — Native Sugar factory — Mill charges — Employes -Land tenure — Methods of financing — Bad debts mid high interest — Japanese banks mid the Sugar tradt — Dr. Myers report mi the Sugar industry — Soil — Description of vane— Absence of proper fertilizing mid irrigation — Method of planting — Cane crushing will* — Description <;/ machinery used — Process of extraction — Cost of mill — Capacity — Estimate of losses incurred through use of imperfect machinery — Advantages of foreign machines — Stupid conservatism — Absence "i cleanliness ^Clarification of juice — Boiling process described — Clayed <>r white Sugar — Useof sewer refuse — Grading of Sugar — Manufacture of " samshu" — Market relations — Yield of s ititltrni district — Takow brown Sugar — Gross adidteration — Grades of Sugar — Markets for same— Foreigners .s7/<</v in Sugar trade — Export tn Japan — Opportunity for foreign enterprise doubtful — Government assistana — Fund* devoted /<> improvement — Schoolfor Sugar experts — Demand in Japan — Intro-duction i>d' Hawaiian seed nine — The Formosa Sugar Manufacturing Company — Japanese white Sugar factory — American Sugar milk — Climatical conditions — Dr. Nitobe's report — Lnproved cane required — Irrigation -Fertilizing — Ex-tension of area under Sugar — Improved methods of manufacture — Table showing iii/Tiii*! of production expected — Export statistics.

Of the several agricultural products exported from Formosa, Sugar, in respect to the area devoted to its growth and the number of employes engaged in its cultivation, occupies first place, while as regards the value of the output it is exceeded only by tea.

There are few cultivated tracts of any size in the island, in which some Sugar cannot be found; but the true producing region, where the plant finds its most congenial home, is in the mid and south Formosa districts.

Thus in the north, only occasional fields, covering each a few acres or so, and producing but a small quantity of the article, chielly for local con-sumption, are met with; while in central and southern Formosa, near Kagi for instance, practically a continuous held exists stretching from the interior hills to the sea; a distance of perhaps twenty-five miles. In the north the cane is used for the manufacture of brown unclayed Sugar alone, whereas in the south both brown and white are produced.

It has been roughly estimated that some 35,000 acres of land are devoted to the production of Sugar, of which 28,771 arc in the single district covered by the old prefecture of Tainan.

The cultivation of Sugar appears to have followed closely the settlement of Chinese in south Formosa. The Dutch on their arrival in 1624 found Sugar one ot the principal articles of export, and the first difficulty which occurred between the Dutch and the Japanese and Chinese colonists in the island had its rise in an attempt on the part of the Dutch to impose an export duty on Sugar and rice.1 In the trade which followed under the Dutch regime, the export of Sugar was an important item, the shipments to Japan being especially extensive. One authority states that as much as 80,000 piculs (10,640,000 lbs.) were shipped to Japan in a single year. This is difficult to believe, however, when we consider the comparatively small area under cultivation at that time.

The Koxinga family who followed the Dutch as the rulers of Formosa, gave a great impetus to Sugar cultivation by introducing from Fokien province, China, large quantities of seed plants. Chengching, the son of Koxinga, gave special attention to the industry during his reign, and taught the colonists new methods of cultivation and manufacture. With the encouragement received from the boy king the cultivation of the cane was greatly extended. Fifty years later the production had doubled, and in the middle of the 18th century Luchow, the famous Chinese statesman, called attention to the thousands engaged in the cultivation of the cane, and to the tact that a sjreat part of the Sugar consumed in the northern provinces of China was produced in the island. In 1833, the Canton Register states that more than 20 junks arrived annually in Tientsin with Formosa Sugar.

In 1856, Robinet & Co., an American firm, the first foreign arrivals following the occupation of the island by the Chinese, established themselves at Takow, and exported, among other products of Formosa, the local Sugar. At this date a good trade in brown Sugar existed with Japan ; while to North China there was annually shipped Sugar to the amount of about 160,000 piculs (21,280,000 lbs.), valued at some $470,000, one third being white, and the balance brown Sugar. The cost in those days was $2.00 (Mexican) a picul (133 lbs.) for brown, and $4.50 for white.

Prior to the year 1870, the total export of Sugar had never exceeded some 2i7 million pounds, but during this year the export doubled, and from that period the tendency was to increase. A growing demand in Australia

1. See page 11,

had much to do with this. In 1873, a representative of Melbourne Sugar houses visited Takow and gave large orders. This and other purchases were largely due to the existence of rival refineries in Australia, each desirous of obtaining for itself control of all the available raw stock. In 1875, in spite oi high prices, further large purchases were made in Formosa ; hut the bright prospects ot those engaged in the Formosan industry, who anticipated tin; continued patronage of such a satisfactory customer, were blasted by the amalgamation of the rival concerns, and their withdrawal entirely from the Formosan field ; their usual supplies from the Mauritius being sufficient for their requirements.

In 1S72, some 5,200,000 lbs. of Formosa Sugar was shipped to London, but this was exceptional business, and alter the withdrawal of Australia, only two foreign markets remained — Japan and California. The next blow was caused by state legislation in America which placed a high duty on the Formosa product, practically preventing its importation ; and, though strenuous exertions were made to induce the authorities to deal with the product more kindly, the only result was an alteration in the wording of the law, granting exemption from duty only on S igar arriving in cases, this being the form of packing utilized by Hawaiian shippers. Owing to the ex-pense, cases could not be used for the Formosa product, and thus the once promising trade was stifled.

Though a temporary boom was experienced in 1S76, owing to the partial failure of the cane crop in the Mauritius and West Indian Islands, and the beet-root crop in France, still the withdrawal of so much foreign custom was very dispiriting, and it was feared that the export business would gradually fall away. But fortunately, Japan, which had always been a stable customer, if not a large one, now began to feel the effects of the new order ot things following her great political changes, and with the resulting growth of trade and prosperity, the consumption of Sugar increased. The Formosa product enjoyed great favor, and Japan was soon able to take a quantity largely in excess of its former share, with the amount previously consumed in the United States combined. The demand in China likewise increased, though this trade was generally looked upon as unremunerative ; and in later years, Hongkong became a small customer. This placed the industry on a more favorable basis, and in 18S0, the total export reached over 141 J/2 million pounds, — the largest known.

In the north of the island there are several districts, although small in comparison with those in the south, where considerable attention is given to the cultivation of the cane and the manufacture of brown Suyar, the quality of the product being said to be fully equal to the best brown Sugar produced in the south. The most extensive fields are to be found a few miles up the Tamsui river from Taihoku (Taipeh) the capital. On each side' of the bank the growing of cane extends for several miles over the rich alluvial plain which spreads out on either side. There are Sugar mills in the neighborhood to handle the product. The cane grows well, is not often affected by climatical extremes, but does not equal in height and size the

Sugar cane which grows in the south, though even the latter is far inferior to the Sugar cane of the Hawaiian Islands.

In the north, there is only one large crop a year, the harvesting occur-ring in the winter months. In the early spring, the land is carefully plowed, furrows from 2^ to 4*4 feet apart are made, and the stumps of the old plants inserted in an inclined position some 12 to 1 5 inches apart, to be re-placed once in three or tour years by cane cuttings. These are manured after the process of planting is completed, a second manuring being applied one or two months later. No further fertilizing is done, even the second manuring being sometimes dispensed with.

In some parts of Kagi, rice is planted in rotation with Sugar every two or three years. In the north, potatoes, peanuts, or beans are some-times grown in alternate years, and sometimes these plants are grown between the furrows, without apparent injur)- to them or the Sugar. In harvesting, the lower leaves are first stripped or burned off, and the cane is then cut near the ground with a kind of sickle. Women and children are often engaged to strip off the leaves, but the cutting of the cane is done exclusively liy men. It is estimated that the average yield in Formosa is from 160 to 320 piculs (20,000 to 42,000 lbs.) of cane per acre. In the north, the har-vested product is carried to the crushing mills by coolies, but in the south much of the transportation is done by ox-carts.

The crushing-shed, the machinery of which is described in a special paper which follows, is a cone-shaped structure having a diameter of some fifty feet at the base, and is thirty feet in height. The supports are of bamboo, and the roof is thatched with straw. The boiling house, which adjoins the above shed, is provided with a tiled roof, and is usually more strongly built. Sometimes a third building for storing the Sugar is added. The establishment is not a very imposing one, and the crushing sheds seldom get through the typhoon season without being almost, it not entirely, destroyed.

In the south, especially at Tainan, the buildings are generally of a more substantial nature; a white Sugar factory will have two or three large struc-tures, will employ more men, and the whole plant is more in accordance with the idea a foreigner has of a factory as the term is used. In the north, a Sugar factory is often owned by one man, who, though he usually has a large quantity of his own cane to care for, still depends principally for his support on the other growers in the neighborhood. Sometimes such a manufacturer will undertake to do all the work, from cut-ting the cane to preparing and selling the finished product, the general remuneration for this service being half of the total receipts from the sale of the Sugar. Other contracts are made, by the terms of which the manufacturer advances to the farmer a certain sum to co^er cost oi cultivation, and then takes from the receipts of the sale of the Sugar a certain percentage as re-muneration. A factor}- complete represents a first cost varying from 500 yen to perhaps 2,000 yen From ten to fourteen employes suffice lor the factory, though each establishment usually keeps from eight to sixteen coolies

44§ THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

to attend to the transportation of the cane and Sugar. In round numbers there are some 1,400 of these factories in the island.

The southern half of Formosa is, as above stated, the principal seat of the Sugar industry, and it is to this portion of the island, that the balance of this chapter refers.

The land in the south is almost wholly in the hands of large Chinese capitalists, who lease it out to farmers, and take as rent a share in the produce amounting in value to 15 or 20 per cent, ol the market price ot the land. Taxes and cost of collection are paid by the landlord, so that the rental is not so excessively high as it would at first sight appear. 'I he farmer requires implements and stock to work the ground, and the where-with all to live until the crop is harvested. If he is about to put the land under Sugar, and it is only with this class of cultivation that we are now concerned, he applies to one of the large Chinese Sugar merchants for an advance of say 50 yen, at interest varying from 14 to say 24 percent, a year, according to the standing of the borrower, and as additional compensation, the farmer agrees to sell to the lender his whole Sugar crop at the regular market price. From time to time further advances are required. When the Sugar cane is nearly ripe and ready to cut, arrangements must he made for crushing. Sometimes a number of farmers combine together, and erect a sugar mill to handle their total crop. More often, however, the crushing is done by the money lenders or by a syndicate of brokers representing them. The farmers are expected to give their patronage to the mill controlled by the merchant to whom they are indebted. As payment forcrushing the cane and extracting the Sugar, 7 percent, of the produce is reserved, and there are other trilling charges to be paid. Frequently, the money lender will obtain the Sugar at a very favorable price by purchasing the standing cane for a lump sum. Men well up in the business visit a certain field and estimate the amount ot juice to be obtained from the cane in sight. An offer is then made, and if the deal is closed, the mill sends laborers, who cut the cane, and transport it to the mill. While large gains frequently result from such deals, large losses also sometimes occur.

Not only is the farmer under moral obligations to dispose of his product to the merchant who has supplied him with funds, but it is customary to allow the money lender a small commission, amounting to about 5 cents on each picul ( 1 5 3 ,l 5 lbs). If the price to be obtained, excluding this commission, is unfavorable, the farmer frequently seeks purchasers for his Sugar elsewhere. Outside merchants who do not care to run the risks attendant upon the making of advances indiscriminate!)' to farmers, pay a higher price for their Sugar, sometimes as much as 10 or 15 cents a picul.

It has doubtless frequently occurred that certain farmers, through crop failure or other unavoidable trouble, have been unable during a certain year to meet their obligations. The high interest charged added to the principal and compounded, plus the advances for the year following, would comprise a sum so large that it would be very difficult for the farmer to discharge his liabilities.

Once behind in his payments, with his debt rapidly increasing, buta few years need intervene before the farmer's obligations reach to an amount which it is impossible for him ever to pay. If he is a compliant, tractable individual he may slave till his dying day for the money lender without the slightest hope of improving his position, but more often he becomes careless, repu diates his obligation, and sells his Sugar wherever he can. As the majority ol the farmers possess no property which can be given as security, many ol the loans are absolutely irrecoverable. The famous Tan family are said to have written off, during 25 years, more than one million yen of had del its. To the great risk run in making" advances is largely due the high rate of interest demanded. Thus the industrious and successful farmer suffers by the shiftlessness and incapacity of his neighbor. The Japanese Govern-ment has given the subject considerable attention with the object of remedying the evil, and the Japanese banks have placed a considerable amount of capital at the disposal of Chinese merchants at a rate of interest somewhat below that previously existing. The position of the farmers, however, is such that but little can be done for them, and the Sugar consumption tax, lately imposed throughout Japan and Formosa, has for the time at least doubled their burdens.

The cultivation of the cane, the practice of local Sugar manufactures, and the classification of the finished products, have been so well described by W. Wykeham Myers, M. B., late of Takow, that I take great pleasure in placing before my readers an essay which he has kindly contributed, and which is an extract from his original paper appearing in a British Consular Keport.' It has by additions and alterations been brought up to date.

"The soil in the different districts, and indeed in various parts of the same divisions, differs

< siderably in its Sugar producing properties. Thus, although no more care in cultivation of the cam

treatment of the juice is shown in the ' Takow ' district than in the ' Taiwanfu ' (Tainaufu) I lepartment, the products of the former are richer in crystallizable Sugar, and consequently, grade for grade, A higher commercial value.

" The species of plant grown is that known as the 'Chinese Cane,' which locally the growers distinguish into three varieties, based on the thickness and color of the skin. It has been stated that the Sorghum, or Sugar grass, is cultivated ill Formosa, but bo far as I know, that is not the ease in the southern pal the island at least. Through negligence in cultivation, the cam' here dwindles to a very small size, the joints only averaging from one to one and a half inches in circumference, and little or no attention seems to lie devoted to the plant beyond putting it in the ground. Even for irrigation, which during the periods of small rain-fall or drought, would be of material advantage, no means whatever are provided. Plantings are made from cuttings about onee in three years. These are first soaked in water for about twenly days, until the buds begin to sprout. They are then placed obliquely in the ground, more or less in a line, with one end protruding, the furrow for their reception being -craped with the hands. A little manure is placed over them, but beyond this, with perhaps an exceptional and occasional weeding by some of the more careful glowers, nothing further is done. The crops for the intervening twu years are raised from ' Iiatoons,' and at the end of the third year the roots are dug out and burned. ( crushing is effected by stone mills, worked by two, and sometimes three, buffaloes. These mills 1 rally set up and owned in the ' Takow ' district by agents of the money-lenders.

" The producers who have received loans are expected to bring their cane to the monej lei d( r's mill, to which is also attached the boiling-house. Each participant must provide two buffaloes, if he wishes only to be charged 7 per cent, of the produce from bis cane as the cost of manufacture. In the more southern parts of the island, the buffaloes are supplied by the mills, when the growers ai i to a

higher charge. These mills are erected at the beginning of each season, usually early in Decem-ber, and are dismantled nt its conclusion, the stones being buried in the earth for their preservation. The animals work in spells of fri m an liour to an hour and a half, according to the time taken to i n tract, say, about, two piculs of juice. There are, as a rule, four boiler men and four attendants on the mill, working ia day and night shifts, besides 'cowmen,' all of whom are chief!) paid by what they can squeeze from the Sugar, and sale of cane-trash.

" The following is a description of the mills iu use in Formosa, which shows how verj fai short they come of fulfilling even ordinary requirements, a fact that bads to much loss of product. The granite

1. See 1890 British Consular Report for Tainan.

rollers, 25 inches in diameter by 30 inches in height, are placoil in apposition. At the top of each roller a row of depressions is out, into which are fitted hardwood cogs. By means of the latter, the motion is

imparted to the right-band stum.' from the left-hand one. Wooden spindles ale let into the centre of each sic.no at top and bottom respectively. By the lower of these the stones fit into a granite, or sometimes wooden, bed-plate, while the top ones project through a transverse wooden binding-beam, the left-hand upper spindle being prolonged so as to afford attachment for the lever, at the farther end of which the buffaloes are yoked. The apposition of the rollers to each other is secured and judged according to the ability of the millwright ; and as the wooden, bindiug-beam is constantly wearing, and thus the distauoa between the rollers always varying, the pressure on the cane, only roughly set at first, is most irregular ill its application all through. To modify the effects of this as far as possible, the natives pass the cane thrice through the mill, but as the following experiments show, the results obtained are by no means perf. ot. Then again, the frcqn nt stoppages lor readjustment and repairing the mills are also a constant trouble and drawback. The wooden oogs have also frequently to be replaced, as, indeed, is the case with all the other wooden parts of the machine; causing the millowner a njver ceasing outlay.

" The minimum first cost of one of these mills, not counting the house, is 8150, and besides that, at the commencement of eaoh season, renewing the wooden fittings, erecting the shed, and setting up the mill amounts to at least #100; and then there is the ever lecurring cost of repairs during the whole time the mill is running. By careful experiments made alongside several native mills with those of foreign manufacture, it was found that for every 100 lbs. of cane thrice pressed by the Chinese mill, GO lbs. weight of juice was extracted fr. m the cane, as against 68 lbs. got by passage once through the iron mills; showing a gain in favour of the foreign mill of IS per cent, per weight of cane. The native boiler-men all admitted that the juice got either directly from the cane by the foreign mill, or from the begass that they discharged from their own mill, was as good as, if not better than, that obtained by their own methods. Calculating out what this meaus on even the limited crop from the Takow districts to which the usurers have of hit' years reduced it, say 300,000 pieuls, it being further remembered that this only comprehends that which is shipped in foreign bottoms, we find that 37,000,000 lbs. of juice are burnt up every year in hega^s. This would give 108,000 pieuls of Sugar if manufactured, which at only -SJ2 50 per picul, shows a total loss of money, consequent on the imperfections of the mills, of 8J70.000, a sum which would leavo an ample margin of profit if every cane-grower purchased a foreign machine, got his canes crushed in the ordinary way by the Chinese mills, merely contenting himself with using his machine for crushing the begass as it came out from the native establishment. In other words, the cost of their find is Very nearly equal to one-third of the total amount realized on the whole crop of 300,000 pieuls. To try and improve this condition amongst the people, the present writer drew up a simple ' Primer' on the cultivation of '"'■io and manufacture of raw snsir, which was translated into Chinese by the then Acting Commissioner of Customs ; hut even those whose interests would seem most likely to prompt them Io study the question, and whose comparative eduoational advantages easily enabled them to read what had been written [ie. tin dominating money lenders and their agents the mill-owners), could not ho got to take much interest in the subject, and, indeed, seemed only to fear lest any innovations, either from instruction or mechani-cal aids, might interfere with the arrangements which they said were, ' as far as they were concerned, sufficiently remunerative to themselves.'

" The surroundings of these mills are dirty in the extreme, and the juice flows from the rollers by means of a leaky bamboo pipe, led under a filthy buffalo walk, until it arrives at the fust pan, or what on. lit to be the clarifying receptacle. In the 'Takow' districts, the cane tops are ignited, and thus burnt oil while the plants are still standing. More or less charred material thus adheres to the cane, discoloring the exposed juice until it is literally as black as ink. There is here also a complete absence of any attempt at cleanliness ; the filthiest hands are dipped and even washed in the juice; and while large pieces of trash, saturated with the fluid they have absorbed, are roughly taken out and thrown away, no efforts are made to get rid of the smaller fragments (' cush-cush.')

" Iu the clarification of juice, beyond staling that lime is added according to the discretion of the boiler-men, exercised in very rough and ready fashion, there is little to be further described. The unslaked lime used is kept in a corner of a very dirty room, constantly exposed to the atmosphere, and is full of dirt and other extraneous matter. There is no attempt at filtration, as the juice is ladled from the receiving pan into the fust ' tachc' The boiling 'battery' consists, as a rule, of from four to five ' taches,' and under each one is a furnace. As the hoilcrman, by some rule which it seems impossible to discover, thinks a sufficient amount of concentration has been arrived at in one ' tache,' he ladles the' contents int.. another, and so on. It is quite possible at any given timo that the fins beneath the lower pans are burning less briskly than those under the upper ones; and although the liquor thrown into the first pans shows a low percentage of 'invert,' by the time it has reached the ' striking tache,' this has probably been trebled, In the northern districts, where special efforts are made to ' grain large,' the result is accompanied by a very great loss from inversion. The object of this lattor s'o nipt is to get 'laotsai,' the raw material from which so-called 'white,' is produced by means of claying.

" With reference to the other brown varieties of Sugar made in Formosa, it has not been discovered thai other than mere chance, perhaps regulated to some slight extent by rough experience, determined either the grain of the product or the amount of crystallisation which happens to survive the crude treatment the liquor has beeu subjected to all through.

" Clayed or ' White ' Sugar, as before explained, is got from 'laotsai.' Each jar holds from 183$ lbs. to 200 lbs. The clay or mud placed at the top of the jars is that scraped from the bottom of sewers, canals, or ponds ; and the natives about Taiwan-fu assert that that got from the bottom of the canal, just outside the city walls, which is in fact nothing but a gigantic sewer, produces Sugar with the best taste. This may be due to the fact that the canal, beiug connected with the sea, always contains more or less salt water, which latter may impart the improved taste. These jars, conical in shape, have a hole

THE FORMOSAN SUGAR INDUSTRY. 45 I

in the bottom, and as the moisture from the wot clay slowly trickles through, it washes tho face of the crystals removing the adhering molasses, and leaves the eryste i bereft of color in direct

ratio to the amount of washing undergone. It thus c at that so called whites of varying grades

ntv formed in strata more or less deep as tl vuwards in the jar.

"The following arc the proportions of differenl grades of white Sugar from one picul of ' laotsai.' Tho top layer of all, equal in aim unit to 5 per cent, of the wholi vu as ' No. 1 ' white ; the second layer

(15 per cent.) is known as ' No. 2 ' white J the third layer (i5 per cent.) is known as 'N0.8' white; the four til layer (25 percent.) is known as 'No. 1 ' white; while 30 per ceut. of molasses drain la.-,t

is retailed, and about GO per cent, of Sugar procured from it. This is known as ' cha-soa,' and is in soino demand in North China.

"Prom the foregoing brief description of the manufacturing methods, il i a may

be conveyed as to the extremely backward condition of the industry, and it, must, disti that all here stated only refers, and only can refer, to Formosa as it has been. Now thai tin have come as rulers, no doubt they will, by inl roducing machinery, and improving methods both of culti-vation and manufacl ure, verj soon set up a different condition of affairs.

CHAPTER XXV (PART 2 OF 2)

" A spirit ('samshu ') is very roughly distilled from molasses that cannot be further utilized at the boiling houses ; bul the distillation is carried on indiscriminately over the country by any person who cares to buy the molasses. The skimmings at the mills and other saccharine refuse, are generally given to pies, and the idea 1 f using tin m for tin grouud seems to he un thought of.

" As to market relations with the Formosa!) Sugar trade, it is necessary to note that ' Taiwanfu ' is the name of the southern sugar district as known to trade, the comparatively new 1 iguation of

Tainan fu as applied to the outhern prefecture litis as yel scarcely neral use. As b

slated, there are two Sugar districts known to the trade in South Formosa, namely: 'Takow1 ' Taiwaufu.' l'akow used to produce in good me 530,000 piculs (70,580,000 Taiwanfu some

310,0' 0 piculs (41,230,000 lbs). In later rears, however, the crops of the former have fallen olT so that now the production of the Taiwaufu (Taiuaufu) district usually surpasses that of ' Both iu the

■ Takow ' and ' Taiwanfu ' divisions raw Sugar is manufactured, this being the only description exported from Formosa.

" Takow Sugar is an ordinary brown variety, that is to say, it is the raw, undrained 1 as it comes from the boiling pans. The only m known to the trade are those either

const cjueril on an excess of molasses {i.e. inversion, owing to deficiencies in the mode of manufacture), or on a superfluity of moisture, due to atm is, varying with the period 1 . ■ •■ at which

the Sugar is exported. Technically speaking, and iu spite of the numerous drawbacks which its crudo method of preparation preseuts, so rich is the quality of the cane, and so suitable the soil, that 'Takow Brown ' at any tune contains a proportion of crystallizable Sugar which compares mosl satisfactorily with varieties produced el ud under much more favorable conditions. Lo kiug at this Sugar merely

as a saccharine material, Western refineries would he glad to get it, bul by reason of its gross adulteration with coarse extraneous matter, it is said uot I 1 be w 11 adapted to tl) 1 machinery in ordiuan use, and this to some extent modifies the advantages its composition would seem at first sight to offer. Fori and the fact that the average cost price in Formosa has been much above that which might tempt foreign buyei , an outlet through Western and American markets has been practically closed for several j

" Four kinds or grades of Sugar are produced in the ' Taiwaufu ' district, one of which (' lao-tsai ') is not exported, hut is solely used for the production of so-called 'white' Sugar ; while from the molasses drained therefrom in thi proci , a fifth variety is got by re-boiling, and known as 'Cha-soa.' The other tl kinds of brown Sugar produced in these districts are known respi ctively as ' Sheung-tao,' ' Tiou( and

' Kanan ' or ' ship.' They differ from each other by the care taken iu manufacture, thus producing better graining with less amount of ' invert Sugar,' and are classed in order of merit and price as above given, from the clean fine-grained, dry 'Sheung-tao' down to the irregularly crystallized ' Ko-pan ' with its

rabundauce of molat ses. Practically the sole markets to which the Taiwaufu Sugars, both white and brown, go are those supplied by the c ast ports, beginning at or about Foochow, or Wenchow, in the south, and extending up to Tientsin and Newchwang in tho north. Shanghai, Chefoo and Tieutsin are tho places through which the greatest bulk of the crop appeal I although a ci 1 not

inconsiderable amount is also carried away by native craft to places all along the coast line indicated. The native-borne cargoes from Takow are comparatively small, no doubt becau e of the very much gr demand for this Sugar in Japan, to which place it is carried entirely iu mi reliant steamers.

" Owing 10 the determined action of the various Sugar-guilds iu China, and I acity which

they show in boycotting any foreign vendors who venture to engage in lie' t rade, the lat tor have f ,1 -,, \ eral years, and after losing considerably by the attempt to overcome the opposition, completely refrained from attempting to enter the China trade ; hence it comes about that the ouly chauce lh ; touching

Sugar in Formosa is for the Japanese market, and from the T ik iw districts.

"It will be obvious from the above that the openings available to foreign enterprise, iu the Takow Sugar districts, have been as limited as their tenure is uncertain, and the ason

for hope that, so long as matters remain as they arc, foreign merchants can look for a fairer and moro reliable share of the business."

Dr. Myers describes in his essay, given above, the processes of Sugar manufacture practised by the natives. A new factor in the industry lias been introduced by the construction of a modern Sugar factory by Japanese. (See below).

The Formosa government has pledged itself to a vigorous campaign in behalf of the Sugar industry. After a thorough investigation, for a period of five years, of the various products of the island, the decision has been reached that Sugar has the greatest future, and that government assistance in building up this industry will be most fruitful in results. Accordingly, a special Sugar bureau has been established, and the services of a well known economist and scholar, Dr. Nitobe, Ph. I)., requisitioned for its control. During the fiscal year 1902 it is intended to devote 289,769 yen to the development of the Sugar industry. This sum will lie expended in the purchase of seed cane and machinery, experiments in cultivation and manufacture, subsidy to the two Sugar plants at present in operation, and in other ways which ma)- help the industry. The Sugar machines will be loaned to the farmers. The govern-ment is also prepared to grant leases ol government land to Sugar cultivators, and to supply funds for the construction of irrigation works. Provision has been made lor the education of 30 students desiring to become Sugar experts. Instruction in botany, physics, chemistry, agriculture, Sugar cultivation and Sugar manufacture will be given. A monthly allowance of 8 yen will be made to each student during the term of study, and government employment given to all graduates. Applicants must pass an entrance examination, be of sound body and ol good reputation, and over 23 and under 40 years ol age.

Formosa is exceptionally fortunate in possessing in Japan a large market, to which it can gain entrance on more favorable terms than will probably ever be offered foreign Sugar producing lands. The consumption of Sugar in Japan is steadily on the increase, and importations from foreign lands have averaged during the past three years about 30,000,000 yen in value, which gives Sugar second place on the list of imports. Japan has proven unsuited to Sugar cultivation. Strenuous attempts have been made to build up the industry, and the government has from time to time given its assistance. Refineries exist in Japan, but the)- are dependent upon outside sources for their supplies, and have been unable to compete with foreign refineries. With the excess of imports over exports, Japanese economists looked hopefully towards Formosa to restore the balance, and it was hinted, directly alter the occupation, that refineries in the island would soon supply Japan with all its Sugar requirements. Several projects for refineries were made public, but none materialized, and five years passed without witnessing any attempt on the part of Japanese either to increase the local production or to improve the crude and extremely wasteful process ot manufacture.

The agricultural section of the Formosa government turned its attention to Sugar in 1899, and during that year Hawaiian cane cuttings were brought into the island and planted in the experimental garden. The results were most encouraging, the Hawaiian cane, as compared with the local plant, giving a much larger yield of cane per acre, and a larger Sugar yield per pound of cane. The following year more seed cane was obtained from Hawaii, ami the experimental station was able to supply the farmers with small quantities of seed cane. The next step was to encourage the adoption of more modern methods of manufacture. In 1900, two American crushing mills were purchased for the experimental garden, and proved to be far

"-•"'■

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Native Sugar Mill. Boiling-room in Native Sugar Mill.

Modern Sugar Mill at Kyosbito, South Formosa. Port of Anping. Port of Takow.

superior to the native stone mills. Overtures were then made to Japanese capitalists to erect a modern Sugar factory in south Formosa. The- first plan called for a modest establishment representing a capital of only a hundred thousand yen or so. The Government agreed to grant a yearly subsidy amounting to 6 per cent, of the capital invested, and the Mitsui Bussan Kwaisha undertook to organize a company to can)- out the govern-ment designs.

The Sugar factory project was received with much favor in Japan, and after preliminary investigations had been made, it was derided to increase the capital to one million yen, divided into 20,000 shares at 50 yen each. Many well known names, such as Count Inouye, Prince Mori, Mr. Masuda, the Mitsui family, etc., were found among the promoters, and no difficulty was experienced in disposing of the stock. The heaviest share holders are the Imperial Household with 1,000 shares, the Mitsui family 2,000, the Mori family 1,000, a wealthy Formosan native interest in the sugar industry, 1,000, Mr. Yoshikawa, 550 shares, and Messrs. Hayashi, Sumitomo, Hosokawa, Hara, Fujita, Tajima, Nagao, Uyeda, Masuda, Suzuki, and others, 500 shares each.

The site for the factory was selected at Kyoshito, a point 10 miles distant from Takow on the Tainan-Takow section of the Formosan railways. The plant was completed and commenced operations on December 11th, 1901. Tho factory building is double storied in part and covers over 25,000 square feet. The plant of the defunct Yayeyama factor)' was bought outright for 75,000 yen, and such of the machinery as was in good condition — much of it had never been used — was removed for use in the Formosa (actor)-. A new five roller mill, '30 vacuum pans, 4 centrifugal separators, an engine and other machinery were purchased from England, 6 eliminators, 6 filters, boilers and other equipment from Japan, and an engine and electrical machinery from America. The total expenditure on the completion of the factory amounted to $850,000, divided as follows :— Buildings, 230,000 yen, machinery, 360,000 yen, land 220,000 yen ; miscellaneous expenditures for organization, surveys, etc., 40,000. The expenditure for land represents, in addition to the factory site, 2,500 acres of cultivated land, which the company intends to devote eventually to the cultivation of Hawaiian cane. It is hoped in time to control sufficient land to supply their entire requirements. The land will be rented to cultivators, who will be supplied with seed cane, implements, ami capital to work their land, and the company will take the cane over at a fixed rate. The factory employs at present some 50 hands, and 500 families will lie given employment on the company's land, when operations are well under way.

The original intention was to manufacture a brown Sugar ranging between I Hitch 24 and Dutch 20, and to cater specially to the requirements of the Osaka and Tokyo refineries, but after the opening of the factor)-, it was decided to place on the market higher grades of Sugar as well, and shipments of the latter have been made to Ningpo and Shanghai, where, it is reported, the product has been received with favor. The company also hope to supply the local demand for such grades. The annual output of the factory at present is small, amounting to some 4,000 tons only, but it is expected gradually to

increase- it as circumstances permit. The Formosa railway lias given assist-ance to the new Sugar company, first by constructing a spur from the mainline to the factory buildings, and secondly by offering low freight rates for the transport of Sugar from various points along the railway.

In addition to the government assistance given the Formosa Sugar Manufacturing Company, above described, a grant of 40,000 yen has been made to Mr. M. Nakagawa, who undertakes to construct a factory for the manufacture of white Sugar, and furthermore to establish a model plantation of Hawaiian cane covering upwards of 50 acres, one tenth of the crop to become the property of the government tor a period of five years. The factory must continue in operation for at least five years, ami the suspension for more than one year, either of the cultivation or manufacture, will be considered by the government as an abandonment of the industry, and the government will in this case, confiscate the plant and land. Mr. Nakagawa has erected his factory at Tainanfu, and will commence the manufacture of Sugar the last of April, 1902. It is expected to find a market for the output in < )saka, Japan.

The government is in possession of seven modern American crushing mills; one of these machines has been set up at Mato and another at Dai-mokuko, and three have been sent to Tainan to be disposed of later. There are many large fields in the south, where mills of twenty ton capacity could with advantage be used. It is hoped to induce the natives to abolish their old stone crushers and adopt these modern machines, and also to utilize narrow guage tramways for purposes of transportation. The saving by-modern methods of handlim/ the cane is so lar^e that the first cost of the entire plant can be met in two or three seasons.

The future of the Sugar industry in Formosa is reported very promising by experts who have investigated the subject. Dr. Nitobe has made a very interesting report on the subject, and is personally confident that the pro-duction can be increased five times within the next ten years. The methods by which he would accomplish this seemingly great undertaking are described fully in his interesting report. First, we are informed that the climatical conditions of central and southern Formosa are very favorable to the growing of the cane. The annual rainfall of the Formosa districts referred to is about 58 inches, which complies precisely with the conditions of humidity necessary for the best results. Furthermore, the rainy season comes during the heated term, which is a very great advantage. Hawaii, for instance, has no summer rains, and this necessitates irrigation at great expense. The Formosa soil contains the right admixture of lime and magnesia to give the best results. Altogether, local conditions are so favorable that cane which requires 18 months to ripen in Hawaii, reaches maturity in Formosa in 12 months. Again, Formosa possesses in its Chinese population a comparatively abundant supply of labor at a moderate price. This is a most valuable feature.

The unique advantages possessed by Formosa have not been fully availed of. The method of cultivation is crude, and the methods of manufacture are ridiculously primitive and wasteful. Dr. Nitobe reports that these difficulties

can be overcome. His recommendations are given under seven heads, briefly as follows : —

Variety of Cane. — A new Sugar cane must be introduced. At present the natives depend chiefly on the so-called Bamboo cane (Chikusho). The Lahaina cane introduced from Hawaii and grown under precisely similar conditions gave a yield of 96,000 lbs. per acre against 32,000 lbs. obtained with the native Bamboo. Not only is the yield per acre much larger, but Formosa grown Lahaina cane has given from 9 to 15 percent, of Sugar against only 6 per cent, obtained from the native Bamboo cane. Thus the Lahaina cane yields some 2,880 lbs. of Sugar per acre against 1.920 lbs. from the native cane. Lahaina cane can be easily introduced. A second variety, known as Rose Bamboo, which has also been obtained from 1 lawaii, has likewise given very good results.

Irrigation. — In Hawaii the adoption of a system of irrigation increased

the production four to five times. In Formosa no such results can be antici-pated, but an increase of at least 30 per cent, can be expected. Experimental plantations should be established throughout the Sugar district to demonstrate this to the farmers. The growers should also be urged to cooperate in erecting irrigation works.

Fertilizing. — By the use of proper manures the production can be increased 50 per cent. Hawaii consumes 30,000 tons of fertilizers yearly, and

the yield of cane per acre is about 30 tons. Java with the abundant use of fertilizers is rewarded with some 34 tons, but Formosa without aid to the soil obtains only about 12 tons an acre.

New Territory for Cultivation. — There are at present in mid-Formosa considerable districts not under cultivation. The government should arrange that this land be handed over to cane growers. There; are [25,000 acres thus available, which would increase the production of Sugar by about 40,000,000 lbs. In Queensland the government gives the land to the cul tivators and advances them money at 5 per cent, interest, which must be repaid in 15 years. This plan has worked well. There are considerable districts given over to rice culture, which owing to an insufficiency of water, are not profitable for that cereal. There are 25,000 acres of such land which should be put under Sugar, to which it is well suited, thus increasing the pro-duction by about 8,000,000 lbs.

Manufacturing. — The Chinese method of manufacture is undoubtedly the most crude and wasteful process in existence anywhere in the world. '1 heir primitive appliances yield only half the Sugar that can be obtained by the most modern methods known. However, this means large and perfect lactones, which we cannot expect to see introduced at once; still, with the small modern steel mills, which are not expensive, 20 per cent, more juice is obtained than from the crude Chinese mills.

Summary. — The result to be obtained by the adoption of the above improvements is formulated in the following table (The present yearly pro-duction is taken at 93,000,000 lbs.) : —

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Improvement Minimum Maximum Minimum

recommended. Increase increase of out- increase of out- total of out-possible, put iu pounds, put in pounds, put in pounds,

Introduction of superior

cane 30 to 90% 28,000,000 84,000,000 121,000,000

Improved cultivation,

fertilizing, etc 10 to loir, !l, .' I 10 102,800,1

Irrigation 10 to y,300,000 16,600,000 102,300,000

Improver] crushing ma-chinery 20 to in,, 18,600,000 35,300,000 111,000,000

Improved manufactur-ing methods .. .. 10 to 30% 0,300,000 28,000,000 1112,300,000

New land to enlarge area

under sugar .. .. 75,000 acres 30,000,000 72,000,000 129,000,000

Bice fields to be placed

under sugar .. .. 25,000 acres 12,000,000 24,000,000 44,000,000

Total 122,500,000 382,900,1.00 215,500,000

Maximum

total of output in pounds.

177,000,000

lsr.,000,000 139,600,000

100,000

121,000,000 105,000,000 ' 50,000,000

475,000,500

NOTE. FORMOSA SUGAR REGULATIONS.

The Sugar Consumption Tax Law shall be enforced in Formosa from the 1st of October, 1901.

Rules for the operation of the Sugar Consumption Tax Law.

Art. I. — Anyone wishiug to manufacture sugar, molasses, or syrup, shall report in writing to the local office (cho) namiug the article to be manufactured, and the name and the address of the manu-facturer. Iu case any change modifies the report above mentioned, such modifications shall be reported.

Art. II. — Manufacturers desiring to discoutiuue operations shall report the matter to the proper local offices.

Art. III. — Manufacturers intending to transport thoir products from their factories must apply for a certificate of permission from the tax collectors, naming the article, quantity and destination of the same.

Art. IV. — Any person desiring to take delivery of sugar products from faotories, custom houses, or bonded warehouses, shall designate the article intended for exportation, and report to the proper offices, naming the article and quantity.

Art. V.— Any person desiring to apply for postponement of payment of consumption tax as provided by Art. IV of the Sugar Consumption Tax Law, shall make application to the proper offices, presenting the report described in the Article next above.

Art. VI. — Upon receiving the reports provided for in Art. IV, the district offices shall classify the sugar products according to kind and quantity, and collect the tax from those who are not entitled to postponement, and uotify those whose application for postponement has been received as to the amount of security they must give.

Art. VII. — The security required from persons availing themselves of the terms provided for by Articles IV. and V., of the Sugar Consumption Tax Law, is limited to treasure or bonds or stocks of com-panies either subsidized by the government or under their supervision.

Art. VIII. — The security above mentioned must be deposited in the Treasury, and a receipt for the same be presented to the proper district offices. If no office of the Treasury exists in the vicinity, the security may be deposited in a local office The proper authorities of the local office shall give a receipt for the security, and deposit the security in the Treasury.

Art. IX. — In case the value of the securities given falls iu value, the proper authorities may demand that further securities be added.

Art. X.— On receipt of payment of the tax, or the security as guarantee for the same, the proper authorities shall issue the delivery permit.

Art. XI. — The delivery permit shall be hauded over by the parties holding same to the factory, custom house, or bonded warehouse at the time delivery is taken. Manufacturers, custom houses or bonded warehouses arc not permitted to make delivery unless they are iu possession of the delivery permit.

Art. XII. — Prior to shipment persons desiring to export sugar products for which the tax has been duly paid, or for which security has been deposited, shall apply to the proper offices for the issue of tax payment or security certificate, and these certificates shall be attached to the goods to be exported.

Art. XIII. — The certificates referred to in the preceding article shall be presented to the customs at the time of exportation or of shipment to Japau proper.

Art. XIV. — Persons desiring to obtain the release of security given in accordance with the provisions of Art. V., of the Sugar Consumption Tax Law, shall produce an application to the local office concerned within G months after receiving the delivery permit, presenting the export permit, and ihe import permit issued by the customs at the foreign port of arrival, or other documentary evidence of the landing at a foreign port.

Art. XV.— Iu the event of it becoming necessary to realizj on the security held as provided by Articles IV. aud V. it shall be disposed of by public auction, said auction to be advertised for 3 days.

THE FORMOSAN SUGAR INDUSTRY.

Art. XVI. — In advertising the auction as provided by the preceding article the name and address of the party who deposited the security shall he given, together with the amount and kind of security, the place and time of auction and other points considered necessary.

Art. XVII— In case the persons concerned shall prior to the auction sale of their security make payment of the consumption tax and auction expenses in full, the auction shall be annulled.

Ait. XVIII.— Should there remain after the auction sale a balance in favour of the person on the behalf of whom the security has been sold, this balance shall be deposited in the Treasury.

Ait. XIX.— Parties who are entitled to a return of the amount of tax paid as provided by Art. XI. of the Consumption Tax Law shall prior to the transport of the material to their factories, report to the proper office naming the kind and quantity of the material to be used, and obtain a certificate authorizing the transport. After manufacture the quality of the product obtained shall likewise be reported to the proper office.

Art. XX— Persons desiring to avail themselves of the provisions of the preceding article shall apply to the local office at which payment of the tax was made for the issue of a certificate of payment, and this certificate shall be attached to the report described in the preceding Article.

Art. XXI. — Persons intending to apply for a return of the tax paid as provided for in Art XI. of the Sugar Consumption Tax Law shall produce an application for the same to the proper local office.

Art. XXII — Manufacturers of sugar products shall keep complete records of the following transac-tions: Kind and quantity of material received aud the names of persons from whom it has been obtained, and the date of receipt ; the quantity of material used ; the date of manufacture ; and the kind and quantity of the resulting product. Also the kind, quantity and value of sugar product disposed of toother persons, date of delivery and name and address of person taking delivery.

Art XXIII.— Sellers of susar products shall keep complete records of the following transactions: — Kind, quantity and value of sugar product received for sale, and names and addresses of persons delivering same ; kind, quantity and value of sugar product sold, date of sales and names and addresses of buyers. To retail sales the above does not apply.

SUGAR EXPORT STATISTICS.

fear.

Export of Brown | Export of White

Sugar from Takow Sugar from Takow

aud Anping iu anil Anping iu

pounds. pounds.

185G • 1805 • 18CG • 1807 • 1868 • 18G9 ■

1870 •

1871 •

1872 •

1873 •

1874 ■ 1075 • 187G ■

1877 •

1878 •

1879 ■

1880 ■

1881 ■ 1883 1SS4 188G 1888 1890 1892 1894 1896 1898

73,522,267

71,122,230 81,204,004 05,213,092 89,466.041 04,098,552

113,247,904 75,488,40G 52,116,582 93,323,972

132,684,125 95,571,805 70,228,285 97,70s,849

119,315,497 06,010 508 48,225,060 G9.G84.419 81,905,390 72,381,925 90,010,809 72,531,151 74,297,258 63,910,357 89,372,542 85,070,790 85,479,866 70,781,100 65,950,695 58,640,500

5,938,851 3,530,352 2,869,395 1,666,756

1, SOI, 219 081,359 3,784,515 4,279,142 2,903,390 8,400,002 8,817,293 4,805,689 5,301,097 5,359.634 9.2'.I9,094 7,048,032 3,655,372 4,058,701 5,098,422 3.435,656 6,100,577 3,268,741 5.049,175 3,908,870 8,458,800 9,143,484

10,293, 102

9,182,652

22,048,830 9,721,700

Total export from

Takow anil Anping

in pouiuls.

Export of Brown

Sugar from TauiMii

iu pounds.

21,280,000 19,403,636 27,953,074 32,891,166 36.638,973 21,837 79,461,118 77,652,582 83,633,459 66,879,848 91 ,267,260 04,779.911 117,032,419 79,707,548 55,019,972 101,784,634 141,531,418 100,377,401 81,589,382 103,008,433 128,014,591 74,204,540 51,880,432 73,743,180 87,003,812 75,817,581 96,111,386 75,799,892 79,946,43 I 67,819,227 97,831,342 94,214,274 95,772,708 85.964,018 88,605,5 II 68,362 200

1,977,970 855,722

013,396

6,650

243,257

80,199

1,104,432

8,113

2G.8GG

103,740

17,123

79,800

10,241

3,724

201,302

10,374

71,087

8,778

44,555

71,087

177,600

Total Export from all Formosa in

pounds.

2 1 ,280,000 19,403,636

. ; 1,650

33,740,888

36,638,973

35,921,837

70,101,118

77,052.582

83,033.459

67.493,244

91,273,910

65,023,168

117,112,618

80,871,980

55,019,972

101,792,747

11 1.53 1.4 IS

100,4 01.31 '.1 1

-

103,172,223

128,032,014

74,344.340

51,890,643

73,740,904

87,205,174

75,827.955

96,183,073

75,808,070

79,9li;. I I :

07.919,227

97,831,342

94,214.274

I] 1,354

86,008,673

88,077,218

68,539,800

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

DETAILED STATISTICS FOR YEARS 189G-1898. EXPORT OF FORMOSA BROWN SUGAR.

year

18! if.

Export From Anpinu in China and Hong-kong in ponnde nuil \ nine in yen.

36,862,679

Y. 1,017,082

38,285,511

Y. 964,199

a3.fi04.445

Y.l, 165,413

Export from Anping t<> Japan in pounds and value in j en.

5,980,212

Y. 174,995 353,115

Y. 21,713

Export from Takow to China anil Hong-kong in pounds and value in yen.

168,910

Y. 4,565 130,207

2,946

208,278

1~TT

0,077

Export from Takow in Jnpan in pounds and \ alue In yen.

33,872,839

Y. 876,740

I

37,464,770

Y. !l()o,330

31,777,557 Y. 989,400

EXPORT OF FORMOSA WHITE SUGAR.

Year.

Export from Anping to < lima nml Hong-kong iu pounds nml value in yen.

8,802,854

i Y. 434,827 ( 7,002,583

Y. 344,708

10,600,484

Y. 505,695

Export from Anping

in Japan in pounds

and value in yen.

( 1,430.548

Y. 69,042 2,180,269

Y. 104,509 12,042,352

Y. 418,070

Kxpoit. from Takow to Japan in pounda

nml value iii yen.

( 37,500

1 Y. 1,770

CHAPTER XXVI (PART 1 OF 2)

COLD I.\ FORMOSA.

Island's chief mining industry — Mineral possibilities little known — Gold discoveries m> Fast Cons/ — General distribution of Gold fields — Lower Kelung river alluvial deposits — Upper Kelung river deposits — Kyufun, Daiurin, Shosoko, and Daisoko river deposits — Kyufun, Kinkwaseki, etc., quartz fields — Gilan auriferous dis-trict— Bnroko alluvial and reef <!<>hl — Shivjio, Sanson, and Tokiri placer fields — Shukoran Gold district — Rich field practically unaccessible — Gold in Hongkonq hills — East coast attractive fit Id far prospectors — Historical description — JJoid>t-ful historical references — Benyowsky's lairs of Formosan mineral wealth — Savages the probable first miners — Chinese adventurers, year 1430, seek Cold ">i east coast — Chinese colonists searchfor reported Gold deposits >>" fist coast — Cruel slaughter of friendly savages— Savage warfare initiated — Savages' methods of minim/ described — Japanese reputed ancient discoveries — (mid samls re-discovered by Dutch mill again by Koxinga's retainers — Chinese rediscover after tiro centimes — Rush to Goldfields — Futile attempt by officials to prevent mining — Illiberal policy abandoned — Gold offices established — System of control and revenue obtained — Gold washing attracts many mainland natives — Aurij reefs discovered — Government Gold offices ami their attendants — Chinese method of Quarti minim/ — Primitive process of extraction — Gold washers nt Shinjio — Annihilated by savages — Reported richness of Hongkong deposits — Tapanesc occupation of Formosa — Minimi regulations issued— Valuable claims gram Mining operations Zuiho district — Advice to prospective visitors — Gold washing <m Kelung river — Principal sources <>j (loll supply — Description of journey /■> Zuiho — Zuiho minimi village and district — Method of excavation — Richness of deposits — Washing appliances used by Chinese — Description ofcradleand native method of operating same — Wasteful processes — Retorting — Estimated annual production placer district — Tourney to Quartz mines — Kyufun an unique settle-ment— The Fujita Mining Co.'s income — Value of daily production — Fuji/a Co.'s quart: mill — Foot potver stamp latteries — Proposed development — Descrip-tion of Fujita mines, otitput, <ie. — Coal mines in convenient proximity — Road to Kinkwaseki — Kinkicaseki's rich deposits — Geological forma/ion — Tanaka's modem mill ami its machinery — Treatment of Formosan ore — Amalgamating process — Retorting — Convenient coal supplies — Tanaka's employes and system of lalmr — Formosan (told deposits the richest in Japanese Empire — Opportunity for pro/italic operations on east coast Gold ami its promising future — Translation of Mining regulations.

Till. ISLAND "1 F( iRMi ISA.

Or the island's mineral products, < iold is the most important. Although but a small portion of the mountainous district of Formosa has l>een pro-spected, yet this valuable mineral has been discovered in several parts of the island, and the mining of it in the north is now an industry exceeding in importance the workings of coal and sulphur together. Gold thus takes a lead in the island's minerals, and promises a future development which may possibly make it the leading product of Formosa. Coal, while present throughout the island in considerable quantities, exists in numerous thin seams which do not justify the introduction of extensive mining plants; hut (iold, both in alluvial gravels and quartz veins, is of sufficient richness to encourage investment. The fapanese have recognized this by introducing modern mining machinery at an expenditure exceeding that ot private firms in any other ot the island's industries.

With the exception of the north, researches by mining experts have n limited to few districts, where in most cases the presence ol Gold had been previously reported, and. as the vast mountain range running through that portion ot the island occupied by savages remains unexplored, it is somewhat premature to make any comparisons as to the relative richness of the island's various districts. It may he said, however, that of the limited area investigated, the north, particularly the region known as the Zuiho (Sui-hong) district, possesses the most valuable (iold deposits.

At several places along the inhospitable east coast, where mining en-gineers have landed, Gold has been discovered, which has led to the belief

that auriferous rock is to be found along the whole east coast. That portion of the western half of the island under [apanese control is not generally of a geological formation favorable to reef Gold, although some alluvial deposits may be found.

Commencing with the north ol the island, Gold is first found in the Kelung river. This stream rises in hills to the south-east of the port of Kelung, in the heart of the Zuiho ( iold district, and llows in a general wester-ly direction, until it intersects the Tamsui river near I >aitotei (Twatutia), thus affording an outlet to the sea.. From the capital Taihoku (Taipeh), a trip of 12 to 15 miles up the Kelung river to a point near the village of Suihen-kiaku (Sui-teng-ka) will bring one within the reach ot (iold; tor here the gravel in the river-bed will yield, after an hour's work with pan or cradle, a lew grains of the glittering metal, which, if not very plentiful, will at least give evidence that the precious substance is about. The higher up the river we proceed the more plentiful the mineral becomes, and in some seasons of the year Gold-washing will be in progress from Suihenkiaku to the head waters at the toot ot Sanshorei (Samtiao) hills, a distance of some 20 miles. From the Kyufun hills, some two miles south east of Zuiho run the; Kyufun (Kau-hun), Daiurin (Twa-koa-la), Sho-soko (Sio-shad^iiL;), and Daisoko (Twa-sha-kng) rivers. The first two empty into the sea. and the last two unite with the Kelung river. Near their sources they are in contact with the auriferous rock of the Kyufun field, and the four yield more or less Gold by placer mining, though owing to their

GOLD IX FORMOSA. 46 1

comparatively limited extent they do not equal the Kelung river in quantity produced.

Kyufun, Daisoko, Shosoko and Daiurin are also the names given to quartz fields in close proximity on either side of the Kyufun hills. Kin-kwaseki (Kim-koe-tsio) is a high peak, capped with an overhanging rock, i ' + miles further to the south-east, and is rich in auriferous rock. Kyufun and Kinkwaseki are at present being worked with modern mining appliam -

Across the mountains some 25 miles to the south on the border of the Kapsulan plain of the Gilan district, auriferous rock is reported: and it is said that, in ancient days, Gold deposits to the south-west of Gilan were profitably worked; but, owing to the attacks of die savages, operations were discontinued.

The Buroko (Bu-ro-kau) stream, which runs into the sea just to die north of Suao (So-o), a village on the coast some 1 2 miles south of Gilan city, has its source in auriferous rock lying in the savage district: and placer mining was once carried on along its bed; but, owing to savage raids. operations have been abandoned for many years.

On the east coast, 35 miles south of Suao (So-o), in the vicinity ofShinjio (Sin-sia), the Sansan (Sam-tsan), Tokiri (Tek-ki-leh), and other rivers have been worked and found rich in gold bearing sands. Here alluvial Gold is

found over a wide ana. the field being" a strip along the sea shore 10 miles in length, ami of varying width, running from Shinjio to Karenko (Ho-ling-kang). It is believed by mining experts that this district contains the largest quantity of placer Gold of any known field in the island.

Further to the south, along the east coast, some thirty miles from Karenko. is the Shukoran (Siu-kor-luan) Gold held. This is a district extending along the Taikoko (Twa-kang-kau) river for a distance of four miles from its mouth. Here not only alluvial deposits exist, but quartz veins are found in the neighboring cliffs. Though no very careful examination has been made, yet from a hasty survey it would appear that the auriferous rock held hen: is the most extensive so far known in the island. The river grave! is doubtless rich, but, owing to the depth and swiftness of the stream, it would be very difficult to work the bed. This attractive district remains unexploited owing to the practical inaccessibility of the place. Landing through the surt is difficult and unsafe : and the savages command the hills to the north, south, and west. The government has been urged to improve the mouth ot the Taikoko river so as to permit small steamers to enter, and to establish a [tost in the district.

As regards the western half of the island, no valuable deposits have yet keen found, though in the extreme south corner some Gold is reported to exist in one of the Fuko (1 longkong) hills near the savage border. The hill district has, however, been but roughly inspected, and it is quite within the bounds of possibility that more careful examination will result in some satisfactory discoveries.

I he east coast, from its geological formation, presents the most attractive field lor investigation, and the known deposits, as recorded above, in the

462 THE ISLAND 1 II I -i iRMI ISA.

Zuiho, Gilan, Shlnjio, and Shukoran districts, warrant the belief that the efforts of mining engineers in other parts of the eastern lialf of the island will be successful ; and when government control is established and roads constructed in that at present wild and unsettled territory, the lack ol agricultural land will doubtless be fully compensated for by the wealth obtained from its mineral treasures.

I [aving briefly dealt with the present known auriferous fields, it will be of interest to look at the historical side of the subject; for although the location of the Gold deposits has been known to the present inhabitants only during the last nine years, yet of the Formosan mineral products, ('-old appears to have been the first that was worked, and furthermore the first that was carried away from the island, although it can not be said that its original owners parted with it willingly. It appears to be an incurable habit of early voyagers to attribute to unknown districts in every land visited by diem rich deposits of this precious metal. Formosa was no exception; for of the main- old books in which reference to the island is made, there is scarcelv one that does not contain some fanciful tale ol vast golden riches ; to which some of the more audacious have added precious stones. It is not that these descriptions may not some day be appropriate, but it is certain that they were- not so at the time the volumes referred to were written. For instance, Count Benyowsky, the I [ungarian adventurer who spent some time on the east coast in 1771, writes in his memoirs, that the savage chief to whom he had given assistance presented his party with " some fine pearls, eight hundred pounds of silver, and twelve pounds of Gold." besides this, the count received for his private use " a box containing 100 pieces of Gold which together weighed thirteen pounds and a quarter." It is quite possible that the count might have received some tew Gold nuggets or a quantity of dust; but the Dutch, who were in the island a century before, had close relations with the savages and heard of no such quantities of Gold ; while as to silver, no definite traces have been ever found; and the savages of the present day seem not aware of the presence of any precious metals within their territory. It is quite probable, therefore, that Benyowsky's tale of the gifts was largely imaginative.

It would not lie sate, however, to assume that the savages did not in ancient clays to some extent work < Jold ; in tact mail)' of the old authorities are so unanimous on this point that any one who accepts their statements on other subjects would be scarcely justified in disregarding them on this point. It would not be extraordinary it savages, who had at one time worked the Gold deposits, should later have abandoned them, owing perhaps to some superstitious belief, or should have lost sight ol them owing to the invasion of some unfriendly tribe, or that the presence oi Gold, then of no special significance to them, as its value was probably not known, should be forgotten in a generation or so.

The earliest reference to the production of < iold in the island which is at all definite informs us that, in 1 \;<>. a party of Chinese adventurers landed on the east coast to investigate the reports that rich Gold mines existed

there. They failed to discover the precious metal sought for, and it is said that so great was their anger that they attacked and slaughtered every living being they could lay hands on, before leaving the island in disgust.

The outrage was repeated on a more elaborate scale during the first few years following the Chinese occupation. Father de Mailla, one of the [esuit priests who visited Formosa in 1715, and who gave the world much

reliable information on the condition ol the island in his days, tells us that the Chinese lost no time, after the subjection of the plain savages, in searching for the treasures which had been so frequently reported as existent in the savage districts on the east coast. They equipped a small vessel that they might make the voyage by sea, rather than attempt the dangerous journey over the mountains. Hospitality was then considered a virtue by the savages; and on the arrival of the strangers they were given a generous and friendly welcome. Houses were placed at their disposal, food provided, and every assistance rendered them during the week they remained. Diligent search and persistent questioning did not reveal to the Chinese the location of the Gold deposits. They did, however, unfortunately find in one ol the huts of the savages a few ingots of Gold, which the aborigines regarded as of little value. 'I his discovery aroused the baser instincts of the visitors, who, discontented with the result of their voyage, and determined to acquire possession of the Gold without payment, concocted a dastardly plan which, for refined treachery and cruelty, could hardly be exceeded. The Chinese feigned to be desirous ol showing their gratitude to the savages, whom they praised as their loving friends and accordingly, after having prepared their vessel for the return voyage, they invited the hospitable and unsuspecting savages to a grand feast, given, the Chinese represented, in token ol their affection. The unfortunate gu< sts on arriving were plied plentifully with intoxicating liquor, and, when in a state of semiconsciousness, were massa-cred to a man, and the Chinese, quickly possessing themselves ol the Gold, set sail and returned to the west coast. The mandarin took no notice ol the outrage, and the chief of the expedition was in no way interfered with. Still, as the good father noted, the Chinese of the island paid the penalty. The news of the crime spread throughout the savage districts, and a large band invaded the Chinese territory, slaughtering in cold blood men, women, and children, and burning to the ground main- villages; and from that day warfare between the two peoples was unceasing.

In ancient papers two methods are described by which the savages obtained the Cold. One authority, writing in the early years ol the eighteenth century in regard to " a great and rich Golden mine in Formosa " states. " In August the great rains sweep down an incredible store of this rich metal, which falls into pits made on purpose at the foot of the hill, which the inhabitants draining gather the ore from the bottom,"' while a second writer asserts that the savages "scooped " Cold out of certain creeks in the ( iilan district (presumably sand washing), and that they melted the metal into bars. Hie ( lold appeared to them to be an article ofbeauty rather than value,

1. Ogilby's Atlas Chineusis. London MDCLXXI.

and the dazzling metal was concealed in earthen jars and brought forth only for the gratification of some favored visitor. Among the strangers arriving in the island, the Japanese, who were for a short time settled in Kelung during the 1 6th century, are said to have been aware of the presence of Gold-bearing sands in North Formosa. But on their departure they carried the secret with them. A hundred years intervened; the Dutch occupied Formosa; and the Gold deposits were rediscovered by them onlv to be again lost on the departure of the foreigners. Koxinga's retainers likewise made what the)' doubtless considered a virgin find, and were apparently able to keep the lact secret from the Imperial Chinese who followed; for the latter settled throughout the Gold district, and yet two centuries elapsed before they became aware of the wealth about them. Their discovery was quite accidental. During the year 1890, at the time of the construction oi the new Taipeh Kelung railway, some workmen, erecting a railway bridge across a branch of the upper Kelung river, near Hatto (Poetau), observed some glittering Hakes of metal in the gravel which they were handling. Some of the more intelligent of the men commenced panning, with encourag-ing results. Finally the news reached the China mainland. Chinese who had returned from California or Australia, and who were familiar with Gold washing, Hocked across the channel in thousands. They introduced Gold washing cradles and "long toms," and carried on the work with great energy. Washers were soon busy all along the higher waters, and there was scarcely a shingle bed exposed without its quota of excited workmen. For living accommodation, little rude grass huts were hastily erected alon the river banks, and some of the Gold seekers were provided with boats to shelter them at night. The mainland Chinese suffered much from sickness, however; not a few died, and during a great typhoon in 1892, the river rose suddenly in the night, sweeping away, and destroying numerous huts and boats, and causing considerable loss of life.

In September, 1 89 1, a local proclamation was issued prohibiting Gold washing ; but without effect, and the mandarins, taking a characteristically practical view of the subject, decided that, as the evil could not be cured, it should be endured — to their profit. Accordingly, in 1892, special offices were established at convenient stations, and persons desiring to engage in the washing were forced to provide themselves with licenses. Workers were divided into classes, of apparently the weak and strong 15 Mexican cents being the daily license fee for full grown men, and 10 cents for women or children ; while even prospectors were charged ten cents a day. The licensed workmen were provided with a wooden tag bearing the government seal. Collection of this impost was made every five days. There were some 3,000 washers then at work, and the returns to the officials from this tax averaged about 12,000 yen a month ; but owing to the expense of keeping, up the various offices, together with squeezes, which were reported as considerable, the actual net revenue to the Formosan treasury was slight. There was also evidence of secret workings; so to place the industry on a more satisfactory footing as concerned government revenues, the right to work the deposits was sold out to four wealthy Chinese for eighteen months

Or

from January 1893, for the sum of 75,000 yen. In that year a rich placer district was discovered in the Kyufun (Kauhun) hills, and the fortunate

monopolist who controlled that district is said to have obtained for a con-siderable period several thousand yen worth of Gold a day.

The number of Chinese employed in the industry depended somewhat on the general demand for labor, and during the months in the year when agricultural work was not pressing, many farm laborers took a hand at washing. It is said that the number engaged reached at one time to several thousands, and that a million yen worth of gold was produced in a single year.

Up to 1894.no auriferous reefs had been discovered ; but during this year a Chinese expert who had engaged in Cold mining in California found Gold bearing quart/ in the Kyu-fun (Kau-hun) hills. The industry was now more promising than ever, and to profit by it to the fullest extent possible, the government, at the expiration of the eighteen months private grant, again took charge, and re-established the gold offices, to which they added new ones.1 Chinese official control continued until the next year ( 1 895), when the island was ceded to Japan.

The quartz mining by the Chinese was carried on in a very primitive manner. The district above Zuiho was controlled by 13 Chinese. They divided the land among them, and each party sunk a narrow shaft to a depth of some 1 30 feet. Side tunnels were then put in, following the vein, to the approximate border of their respective districts. Experienced Japanese experts have stated that the Chinese were very skillful in working in small tunnels. The writer, while on a trip through the Gold district, inspected an old Chinese mine, and was struck with the size of the shaft and tunnels, — so small that it seemed impossible for a human being to work in them. In the shaft, as a substitute for a ladder, ran a spliced pole of sufficient length to reach from top to bottom, notches having been cut in it at intervals of 10 or r 2 inches, offering- slight but apparently sufficient footing for the Chinese miners. The drifts on the lode were so small that the workmen negotiated them on all fours, and were obliged to excavate while in a reclining position. The ore obtained was brought to the shaft in a bag or basket, and this was hoisted to the mouth at the end of a rope, moved by a roughly constructed windlass above. The Chinese controlling the mine took no part in the extraction of the Cold from the ore, which they sold as such, delivered at the mouth of the mine. From 30 cents upwards per 30 catties, according to the richness of the vein, was obtained for the< iold bearing rock, and the purchaser carried the ore away for treatment. It the ore was ol

1. Tho Chinese Government offices with the number of attendants at each were as follows :

Zuiho (Sui-hong) Head Office . . G officials S5 guards and inspectors.

Shikiaku-tei (Si-kah-tieu) Branch Offii I landau (Wan-wan) Goto (Go-taw) Kyu-fun ilvauhuu) Shosoku (Sio-sha-kng)

Total G offices 13 ,. 164

1 „

1 1

1 1

466 THE fSLAND of FORMOSA.

a soft,' clayey, or decomposed character, as much of it was, it was broken up by hand and fhen taken directlyto the cradle, where it was washed, and panned, and the free Gold taken out. The hard quartz was broken with a hammer or stone and pulverized in a native stone mortar, and then washed. The iron pyrites were also ground to powder in a mortar, the Gold being- extracted by washing. Both processes were, of course, very wasteful ; still so rich was the ore handled that the Chinese found the work profitable.

The Chinese were almost solely interested in the northern Gold mines* the other deposits in the island, with two exceptions, not appearing to them to be of much importance. In 1894, some 30 native washers, learning of the Shinjio (Sin-sia) field, arrived there from the north, and commenced washing the gravel to the right of the Shinjio river. Water being difficult to obtain there, they moved the scene of their operations to the sea shore, but the high waves interfered with their work there also, and they again removed, locating on the right bank of the Tokiri (Tek-ki-le) river. Here they were meeting with some success when, during the winter of 1895, a band of savages on a head-hunting expedition swept down, and, it is reported, utterly exterminated them. In the extreme south of the island, in 1S90, an extensive landslide, doubtless caused by heavy rains, carried away a large section of one of the Fuko (Hongkong) hills, exposing, it is said, in the hillside a considerable quantity ol (n-c ( iold. It is reported by natives that the place was worked quietly by the Chinese living in the vicinity, in hopes that news of its existence would not reach the ears of the mandarins. The field (presumably in limited sections) was so rich, the Chinese claim, that it was customary to exchange a measure of rice for a measure of the Gold bearing earth. These hills are between Pangliau (Itorio) and Fuko villages.

On the arrival of the Japanese, the Gold districts, which had been held by the Chinese as government property, passed into the possession of the Japanese Government. For the first year no attempt was made to control the mining industry, and some two to three thousand Chinese engaged daily in gravel washing. In September 1896, mining regulations having been issued,1 the government received applications for claims, a large number of washing permits were granted, and valuable alluvial and quartz districts passed into the hands of Japanese. Considerable care was exercised in granting valuable claims to provide that only responsible parties should obtain them ; the right to do this being reserved by the government. The Kyufun and Kinkwaseki applicants were obliged to deposit 15,000 yen as a guarantee of good faith, and as an example of the success of this system, it may be noted that the parties obtaining the above mines, being men of capital and experience, extensive development of their properties was commenced at once. The government granted five claims for quartz and eighty-nine for placer mining. A report on the present condition of the Gokl mining industry, both quartz and placer mining, is confined to a description of the works in the north Formosa district, frequently referred to as the Zuiho l Sui hong) fields : there being no other deposits worked at present.

1. For translation of mining insulations spp noto closing this chapter.

n IN FORMOSA, 467

To persons who take pleasure in travel off "unbeaten tracks" and are interested in industrial investigation, a visit to the ( iold district will be found enjoyable, though the traveller, owing to the fact that no comfortable inns exist, must be prepared to put up with more or less hardship.1

Though that section of the Kelung river which Hows for a distance parallel with the Kelung-Taipeh railway is not rich in gold, there are usually a few washers at work, and a glimpse of the operation can be easily obtained from the train windows when running between Suikenkiaku (Sui-teng-ka) station and the tunnel under the Kelung hills. While Chinese at times wash for gold all along the upper Kelung river, the centre of this industry is in the Zuiho (Sui hong) district, where have sprung up some three compact little villages inhabited entirely by gold miners.

As previously mentioned, Zuiho district is to the south-east ol Kelung. The village of Zuiho, the first place of interest, is 9 miles from Kelung, and the trip can be easily made by Chinese chair, and in some seasons of the year even by bicycle. It is best to start early in the morning. The road runs from Kelung in an east ami south-easterly direction, and then mounting the low ridge of hills which surrounds the harbor enters a coal mining district. The road passes within a few feet of the mouths of several Chinese worked coal tunnels, and a few moments may be spent with interest in observing the crude method of mining here practised. The rich soil of the hills, together with the abundant rain-fall, is conducive of a wealth of semi-tropical vegetation, in which ferns, from the little clinging species attached to banks of rock or earth to the large tree ferns, which in Formosa sometimes reach a height oi 60 feet, are most abundant.

About \)A miles from Kelung the road crosses the summit of the hills, 350 feet above sea level, and then descends along a picturesque pathwa) which at Ryutanto (Liong-tam-taht approaches the Kelung river, and following on the left bank leads over a level road to Zuiho village, the journey from Kelung by Chinese chair with three carriers taking some two hours. At Zuiho are stationed district officers and a few police. The population of the village, including the inhabitants in the immediate vicinity, who are all either engaged in ( iold washing or in occupations largely depen dent on the industry, numbers nearly four thousand.

The Gold bearing gravel in the Kelung river actively worked in the vicinity of Zuiho is distributed over a large area, and has resulted from the erosion and disintegration of the auriferous rock in the hills through which the higher reaches of the stream pass. The Kelung river is generally shallow, save in the rainy season, lasting usually from late October to early March, and in most places in the upper river it is possible by the construction of a small embankment to work the bed gravel. As is usually the case with

1. While the writer finds pleasure rather than discomfort in an up-country trip for a fev and can for a short time put up comfortably with the rather limited food Bupplies which are to be obtained in every village, such .-is chicken, eggs, rice, sweet potatoes, and possibly fish, st t 1 visitors who would feel inconvenience in being deprived "t the service afforded by foreign hotels had better, if they are desirous of making the trip to the gold district, take a cook with them, together with a store of food and drinkables. There is a small Japanese inn at Zuiho village, but none in the quart.- district.

CHAPTER XXVI (PART 2 OF 2)

468 II1K [SI AND i U FORMOSA.

shallow hill streams, which arc often flooded, the river bed is wide, and in the summer a large portion of it is dry. It therefore provides a strip of con-siderable though varying width on either side, which for some seven months can be worked with the greatest ease.

Chinese washers have also added much to the area by gradually digging away the river banks ; and as in some places these banks are natural levees, protecting by their height or formation adjoining low lands, no little conster-nation has been caused owing to the increasing damage done by floods. In some sections an auriferous gravel stratum, covered with an upper soil of loam, extends from the river on either side for varying distances, but this has not been carefully examined as yet, and the native washers confine their operations almost wholly to the gravel along the river bank. Although pits and holes with adjoining mounds of washed-out gravel, which are visible all along the upper Kelung river, give evidence of widely spread work, experts assert that the field has only been scratched over ; and one government mining engineer estimates that there is over i ,275,000 tsubo of auriferous gravel in sight, which will yield on an average over four pennyweight of ('•old per cubic tsubo (6 cubic feet |.

In working the alluvial deposits the Chinese use only the more primitive washing appliances, such as the "cradle" and "Long Tom." No large sluice-works or hydraulic mining appliances, which make an extensive mining of placer deposits possible, have yet been introduced.

The cradle used in the island varies but slightly from the implement of like name seen in the western states, from which in reality it was copied; the model having been introduced into the island by a Chinese who had worked in the placer diggings of California. The present Formosan cradle consists of a wooden trough some 4 feet long and 1 foot wide. One end is closed in, and the sides of the trough at this end are some six inches high, but slope down to an inch or so as they approach the opposite end, across which runs a slat. The two sides and the end of the upper section form a support, on which is placed a square coverless box or hopper with a tin bottom perforated thickly with holes some half inch in diameter. From the forward lower edge of the hopper, when in position, inclines downward towards the closed in end of the trough a board, the edge of which is but an inch or so from the floor and a like distance from the end of the trough. On the bottom side of the trough to the front and rear are two wooden knobs, and from one side near the centre, but projecting vertically above the box, extends a wooden handle, by which the trough can be given a rocking motion.

Two Chinese ordinarily work together, one excavating the gravel and the other attending to the cradle. The cradle is placed near some stream or other supply of water, and is fixed in a slightly sloping position. The " pay dirt" is thrown in the hopper; and the operator, with the left hand, pours basin after basin of water on to the mass, while, with the right, he rocks the cradle. The finer gravel is carried by the water through the perforated bottom down the inclined board, and, falling near the closed in end of the trough, proceeds slowly along the lloor towards the open end, most of the

lighter earth and sand passing out with it over the slat, while the heavy particles of Gold and iron pyrites, together with more or less gravel, remain in the bottom. The hopper containing such stones as were too large to pass through the perforated bottom is taken off, and then the cradle is rocked until most of the gravel is washed out, leaving little flakes of free ( iold which are easily visible, and a more or less quantity of iron pyrites. The latter is crushed to powder in a Chinese mortar and washed again : but, as the reader may surmise, only a portion of the Gold contained is obtained by this crude process.

The yield of Cold naturally varies greatly; but it is estimated that the

product of one cradle, divided between the washer and his assistant, will amount to some 70 cents (local currency! a man, though 15 or 20 cents of this had, in most districts, to be paid as rent money to the owner of the claim. Without doubt there is a considerable percentage of Gokl that is not extracted, and complete and modern apparatus would quite likely show more profitable results.

The Gold obtained is either disposed of directly as dust, or made up into little ingots some 2 Vj' inches long. In preparing the latter, the dust is placed in a small clay crucible, together with about one tenth of its own weight of borax to promote fusion, which being subjected to strong heat, such as is obtained in a forge, melts in 15 or 20 minutes and is poured into an iron mould. Although the crucible is crushed to a powder and washed to obtain such Gold as may cling to it, still there remains a loss of upwards oi$>%. The Gold ingots obtained contain from 8 to 25^ of silver. The dust or bars are sold either to the Chinese Gold merchants, who are usually at hand, or to the two [apanese mining companies. ( >wing to the fact that the Gold washing is in the hands of small workers, many of whom give their attention to Gold when there is no pressing agricultural work at hand, and also that they probably conceal the larger part of their earnings, it is impossible to ascertain correctly the yearly output : but it doubtless exceeds a hundred thousand yen.

To reach the quartz mines it is necessary to ascend by a rough mountain path-way up the Kyu-fun mountain to a village of the same name 2 ' _. miles from Zulho. The last stage of the journey is up a steep slope which the chair coolies find it very difficult to negotiate, and though the distance is comparatively short, nearly two hours are required for the trip. Kyu-fun is as odd looking a settlement as one could find. From the houses one would judge that worldly treasures were very evenly distributed among the inhabitants, for each little straw hut is a counterpart of ever) other structure in the place ; and never before has the writer seen so many houses in such a small space. Some appear to be partially telescoped in adjoining buildings, others standing above as though unable to force their way to the ground, and each structure seems to be making a silent appeal to its neighbor to move over. Water is supplied from the Fujita mill, and runs in many small streams, directed so as to provide each building with a little rivulet, passing sometimes by the doorway or even over the lloor of the building. Such is

the settlement of Kyu-fun, and at each hut the work of Gold-washing with cradles and pans will be found progressing vigorously, so that the output of ( -old must be considerable. The claim worked is the property of the Fujita Company, who mine the auriferous rock at this place, and the washers, of whom there are generally some 450 at work, pay 20 cents a day each for their placer mining privilege. The value of the daily output here averages some 70 cents per man, which, after payment of the company's fees, leaves a profit of say 50 cents, or rs yen a month, not a bad income for a Chinese laborer. There are other washers in the vicinity, making a total in some seasons of as many as 700 persons paying tribute to the Fujita Company, giving an income from this source, in some months, of nearly 4,000 yen ; this being clear profit to the Company.

The Fujita was the first of the Japanese companies to engage in quartz mining in Formosa. Their expert arrived in December 1S96, and erected soon after a small experimental plant equipped with man-power stamps some four or five in number. These stamps, though crude, were sufficiently effective for testing purposes. They resembled, and were on the same principle as, the pounding apparatus used by Chinese in hulling rice. A stamp consisted of a large stone hammer-head, perhaps :}{ to 3 feet in length, to which was attached a strong piece of lumber, some 7 to 10 feet in length. This beam rested near the centre on an elevated structure forming a fulcrum. Power is given to the appliance by a laborer, who, resting against a bamboo rail which runs from side to side, alternately steps on and off the end of the beam, raising and letting fall the hammer-head. The hammer moved by this see-saw motion falls on a cup-like stone base, across which passes the ore to be crushed. In 1899, a 20 horse-power steam plant with a crusher and ten stamps was put in by this Company; and though now working the deposits on a commercial basis, the present works are only of a temporary nature, to be replaced shortly by a large and complete mill on the sea shore, at a place called Koshiryo (Kiah-liao), where convenient water communication will be afforded. The ore from the mines, which are several hundred feet above sea-level, will be delivered to the mill by a tram-way; a pier will be built, and electric plant and other industrial conveniences introduced. It is reported that the total investment in the new establishment will reach half a million yen. D. Fujita, the owner of the claim, is a wealthy mine-owner residing in Osaka, possessing an abundance of capital to erect a plant on a scale of an)- magnitude necessary, and the Formosa mine will have the largest gold extracting mill in the Empire erected by private enterprise.

The Fujita Company's claim covers about 2]/2 square miles. The strata have a general north and south direction, dipping towards the east, with an inclination reaching 40 . The veins are in rock of sandstone formation, and the pay streak is a soft clay quartz. Much of it is yellow in color, though the richest portion is a white streak against the foot wall, and some of it is so soft that it can be crumpled in the hand. Considerable quantities of the ore yield about 5 parts Cold in 10,000, but the average qUartz runs 5 in 100,000, which is the equivalent of 1? ozs. to the ton. The

D l.\ FORMOSA. 471

shafts and tunnels arc roomy, well ventilated, and drained, and arc being rapidly extended. The principal tunnel running in from the hill side is provided with a tramway ; and rock is carried (jut in iron automatic dump cars. The mine being at present run on an experimental basis the output is not extensive. Upwards of three tons of rock are treated daily, yielding about 4 o/s. of gold. The miners and mill workmen employed number 230, of whom 150 are Japanese. They are divided into three gangs each working for eight hours. A rather interesting' point in connection with the above held, is that there are two seams of coal below the Gold veins. The Gold stratum has a greater inclination than the coal layers, and the latter can be worked at a distance of only some sixty feet from the nearest ( rold deposits. The coal seams are about three feet in thickness, and their presence is most convenient, affording as the)- do practically free fuel for the boilers of the milling plant. The Fujita Company pay a tax on their property amounting to 4,700 yen, which is at the government rate of 2 yen per thousand tsubo.

While the Fujita mine is, owing to its extent, perhaps the most valuable property, it is the opinion of some experts that the Kinkwaseki (Kim-koe-tsio) mine contains the richest ore yet found in the island. At all events, the 'kanaka Company, who are the owners, appeared sufticiently pleased with it to commence operations on a comparatively large scale at once ; and there exists on this property a complete mill equipped with modern machinery.

Kinkwaseki is an independent mountain peak 1 >+ miles from Kyufun, and the mines are worked over a thousand feet above sea level. It can be reached by a rough mountain pathway leading from Kyufun, and an hour should be allowed for the up trip if the traveller is being carried in a Chinese chair. On approaching the summit, the attention of the visitor will be doubtless attracted to a large over-hanging rock which crowns the cliff. That this rock is quite as dangerous as it looks, may be understood when it is noted that while a party of Chinese were excavating beside it in [898, a portion of the mass broke away, killing some thirty of the miners.

The Kinkwaseki mines differ from the Kyufun deposits in geological formation. While the latter consist of a more or less friable sandstone, Kinkwaseki is of hard igneous rock. The Cold is found in a reddish clayey rock of a harder nature than the Kyufun ore. There is an abundance ot ore, giving one part Gold to 10,000, and several small pockets have been found in the pay shoots running as high as 1 in 100, but the average is about 2 in 10,000, which is the equivalent of 5-;+ ozs. to the ton.

Although there are several shafts, the ore is carried out by a roomy tunnel which runs in from the side of the hill, and communicates with the five levels in which mining is now carried on and their connecting shalt;,. A tram-way is provided to transport the ore through the tunnel, and when at the entrance, an aerial tram carries it down to the mill located in the valley below, about one third of a mile distant.

The path-way leading down from the mine is steep and rocky, but as there is little to be transported save the ore handled by the aerial tram, a

4p THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

good road is not necessary. The mill is a series of large buildings, joined together, and the big smoke stack, the dust and steam, the noise and other signs of industrial activity, seem quite out of place in the quiet valley with its profusion of vegetation.

The mill is built on a slope, and the ore is received from a sorting platform at the highest point. The largest size quartz goes to the crusher. This machine, which is of the type known as Blake's ore crusher, is driven independently by a double cylinder engine of some 8 horse-power. The smaller pieces, together with the broken ore from the crusher, go to a batter}- of medium weight stamps, and the finer pieces into a circular mill, the crushing agency being two heavy, solid revolving wheels. The Stamp and mill, together with some smaller machinery not necessary to mention here, are driven by an engine of 1 7 horse-power, and a Pelton water wheel of 30 horse-power. Water carries die pulverized ore from the stamps on to a series of connected troughs known as "tables," which contain sheets of copper amalgamated on the upper surface with mercury, alternating with sections, of which ordinary coarse woolen blanketing is the covering, the idea of utilizing the latter being that the heavier particles of the metal which do not adhere to the amalgamated plates will be caught in the fuzzy tlocculent surface of the blanket. From the end of the last table the crushed stuff remaining runs off with the water into a pit, where the tailings are reserved for future attention. The amalgamating plates are cleaned down every three hours or so, and when a sufficient quantity has been gathered, the Gold is obtained by squeezing some of the mercury out through calico or chamois leather, and the amalgam remaining is retorted in an iron retort, the nozzle of which is kept under water, that the mercury vapor may be converted again into metallic form. The residue remaining is a spongy cake of Gold, containing some small percentage of silver, but no other metals. As with the Fujita mine, the Tanaka Company possess a coal mine a short distance from the mill, which provides an abundance of coal at no further cost than the expense of excavation. At present from 6 to Sj4 tons of Gold ore are treated daily, yielding 18 or more ozs. of Gold, which brings to the company proceeds of over 12,000 yen a month.

There are 400 men, Japanese and Chinese, employed in the mine and mill. Work is continued da)- and night, and the men are divided into three uan^s, each working eioht hours. In the mine, where the least skill in excavat-ing is required, the Japanese workmen are found superior to the Chinese. The Japanese in certain specified levels receives 3.00 yen per foot advance, and at this rate the average Japanese miner earns some 30 yen a month. The Chinese are paid from 40 to 60 yen cents per day. Some income is derived from Gold washing privileges disposed of to the Chinese, but in comparison with the neighboring mine this is very small. The Chinese excavate earth-like ore from crevices in the rocks, and carrying it down to a nearby stream wash it in cradles.

It is stated that the limited section of the property now being worked has yielded some ore the richest jet found in the whole Empire. The

Kinkwaseki Gold Quartz Mill. Kyufun Village and Gold Quartz Mill.

Chinese Family Gold Washing in Kelung River. Chinese Fern lie Gold Washer.

Fntrance 1o a Fcrmosa Coal Mine. Chinese Children employed in Coal Mine.

I 1) IN FORMOSA. 473

Tanaka claim covers 2 square miles in area and will be steadily developed. The company are perfecting plans to increase the capacity of their plant, and are confident that their property is a very valuable one.

In closing the subject, it might be well to repeat that of the known Gold deposits only the northern fields are being worked, and that there is opportunity for profitable operations in the several districts on the east coast, which have been described. It is not at all impossible that investigations in the vast mountain district, occupied now by wild head-hunters, may reveal fields of Gold far more extensive and valuable than those yet known.

There is very little, if an)-, land in the island suitable for agriculture that is not already under cultivation ; so that not much increase in the island's wealth can be looked for from that quarter, but in Formosa's < iold fields there is likelihood of great development, and if new deposits are found in the savage district, we may anticipate a considerable advancement in the island's prosperity.

Note. — A.-, only a trifliug portion of the Gold produced in Formosa is passed through the Customs on heiug exported from the island, the statistics issued by the Customs are not at all representative, and have accordingly not been inserted here.

FORMOSA MINING REGULATIONS, ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 7th, 189G.

Article I.— The term Mining as used in these Regulations refers to the obtaining of minerals by excavating or otherwise. Earth and stone used for building purposes is exempt.

Article II. — The occupation of mining shall be permitted to Japanese subjects only; and none but Japanese subjects can become members or shareholders of any mining corporation or association.

Article III. — A person desirous of engaging in mining may apply for a miuing license to the Governor-General through the Prefectural offices, describing the location of the mine. The applicant may request the authorities to despatch a mining expert to make a survey of the desired claim ; but in this case the authorities will collect the travelling expenses and other costs of the survey from the applicant.

A person on presentation of an application for a mining license must pay to the government a fixed fee to be determined by the Governor-General.

Article IV. — When circumstances warrant, the Governor-General can limit the area of any mineral field for which mining applications may be received.

Article V. — When two or more applications have been received for one held, the Governor-General

may accept the application of the person best qualified for the undertaking.

Article VI. — In case a mining claim has beeu applied for and the area specified is considered too extensive, or its boundaries are too complicated, or are such as to be detrimental to the iuterests of adjoiuing claims, the Governor-! leneral may order the applicant to make any necessary alterations in the application within a stated period.

Article VII. — Such mining fields as are considered necessary for government use will not be granted to applicants.

Article VIII. — On the Govcrnor-Gcneral approviug any application, the applicant will be instructed to deposit, within a stated period, a guarantee sum ranging from 100 yen to 30,000 yen, prior to the issuing of the license.

Bonds will be accepted as a substitute for money. The character and value of such bonds will be determined by the Governor-General.

Article IX. — The guarantee sum is to provide against non-payment of taxes, compensation for damages, and for expenses incurred in the execution of official measures. If the government find that the amount of the guarautee already paid is insufficient, the mine-holder may be ordered to increase the sum before the expiration of a stated period.

Article X. — Any miuing license obtained by false representation or fraud is null and void.

Article XI. — The right to a mining claim can be inherited.

No mining right can be sold, transferred or hypothecated without first obtaiuiug permission from the Governor-General.

Article XII. — Mineral fields within a distance of 300 ken of a fort, naval station, strategical port, powder mill, powder magazine, or ammunition stores can not be mined; but, as regards a naval station or strategical port, this rule may be dispensed with provided applicants obtain permission from the com-mandant of the place.

Article XIII. — The approval of the local authorities or consent of the land owner or persons concerned shall be necessary to commence mining operations in any place within a distance of 30 ken either abovo or below the surface from railway, public road, river or lake, water-works, caual, embaukmeut, reservoir, religious structure, cemetery and its buildings.

When the land-owner or the persons concerned refuse the consent specified as necessary in the foregoing clause, and the mine is not a source of danger, the applicant may refer the case to the chief of local authorities for decision.

In case the party concerned is dissatistied with the decision of the cbief of local authorities he may refer the subject for fiual settlement to the Governor-General within 30 days from the date of the first decision.

Article XIV. — Persons desiring to combine, or divide, or make other alteration in their claims must apply to the ( lovemor-Geueral for permission.

When mining claims granted are found injurious to general mining interests, or when there is discovered an error in the grant, the Governor-General may issue instructions to make, within a stated period, such alterations as may be necessary.

Article XV. — Holders who desire to discontinue mining operations for more than GO days must apply to the Governor-General for permission.

Iu case holders do not engage in proper mining operations, or do injury to the public interest, or cause their mine to become a source of danger, the Governor-General may order that immediate improvement be made where necessary, or may suspend operations entirely.

Article XVI. — The Governor-Geueral may annul mining grants iu the following cases :

a. Discontinuance of operatious for more than one year, or failure to start work within one year from the date of grant.

b. When grant has been made through error.

c. Neglect to deposit the prescribed guarantee money within the period named in the second clause of Article IX.

d. Violation of second clause of Article XIV and second clause of Article XV.

Article XVII. — No claim for compensation can be entered for losses resulting from decisions rendered by the Governor-Geueral.

Article XVIII. — A person desirous of surveying or making other investigation within the district of another, iu order that information may bo obtained for forming an application for a mining claim or of mining, may apply to the chief of local authorities for permission.

The owner of the land or persons concerned must recoguize the official permission granted, aud permit such action to be taken as is therein specified; but iu case the property is in any way damaged while the surveys or investigations are being conducted, compensation must be paid by the applicant.

Article XIX. — Claim-holders have the right to demand of laud owners or other persons concerucd, a lease of auy laud which it is necessary they should possess for the successful workiug of their holdings.

Iu such case, the owuer of the laud or other persons concerned may lawfully demand a suitable reut for the laud required, aud may demaud that payment shall be made in advance.

Article XX. — In case of a dispute arising between laud-owners or persons concerned aud persons who have applied for a survey or other investigation, or between the former aud claim-holders regarding iho lease of laud or amount of rent or iudemuity for damages or the price of land, either party may apply to the chief of local authorities for an adjustment of the dispute.

Either party not content with the adjustment made by the chief of local authorities may within 30 days appeal to the Governor-General for revision, where the dispute relates to the lease cf laud, aud may bring action in the local court when the dispute relates to the recovery of damages or the amount of rent or price of laud.

Article XXI. — No appeal can be entered agaiust the action of the Governor-Geueral in matters mcutioued in the 3rd clause of Article XIII aud the ^ud clause of Article XX.

Article XXII. — All costs incurred iu bringing a case before the chief of local authorities or before the Governor-General shall be paid as provided for civil cases in court.

Article XXIII.— Tarties are permitted to make use of laud for mining purposes if the chief of local authorities has declared iu their favor, even though the laud-owners or persous concerned still withhold consent when the case refers to reut of laud or damages to be recovered or price of laud, provided that the miners have paid to the latter the remuneration required as fixed by the authorities, or iu case of refusal to accept the said payment if the sum of money has been deposited with the authorities.

Article XXIV.- -When the grant of a mining claim has expired, or it has been annulled by the government, or the claim holder abandons his work, no structure or material utilized which is considered by the authorities necessary in preventing injury to the rniue, can be removed.

Article XXV. — Persous engaged in coal, kerosene oil, sulphur, tin aud iron mining shall pay, as the miuiug claim tax, one yen per 1,000 tsubo (4,000 sq. yds.) per annum ; and those engaged iu gold quartz aud placer mining aud othor precious minerals shall pay 2 yen per 1,000 tsubo (1,000 sq. yds.) per aunum. The annual tax for each year shall be paid prior to the loth of December of the preceding year ; but for

that year during which tho claim has been first obtained the tax shall bo paid within fiO days of the date when the claim was granted, and for that portion of the year remaining.

Taxes once collected will not be returned.

Article XXVI.— Claim holders shall make to the Governor-General, through a local office, a statement showing the amount of ore worked, the amount of mineral obtained, and the amount sold, and tho price obtained, also a table showing working days and number of laborers engaged.

The reports mentioned in the foregoing clause must be made within thirty days after the mining grant has expired, or has been annulled, or the holders have abandoned the mine, or the claim has been sold or otherwise transferred.

Article XXVII. — Persons engaged in mining without possessing an official license or who have obtained tho latter by fraud will be fined a sum of money ranging from 50 yen to 500 yen.

Article XX VIII.— Those who violate the provisions of Article XII and the 1st Clause of Article XIII will be fined a sum of money ranging from 20 yen to 200 yen.

Supplementary Clauses.

Article XXX.— Native miners who have obtained mining claims before the enforcement of these regulations shall be allowed to continue unrestricted their work until the 8th of May of the 30th year of Meiji (1897). On that date mining claims held by natives who have become Japanese subjects shall be considered as having been obtained in accordance with these regulations.

Article XXXI. — Rules and instructions for the placing in force of these regulations will be issued by the Governor-General.

Article XXXII. — These regulations will be enforced from the 10th of September of the 29th year of Meiji (189C).

Amendments issued on the 5th op October, 1898.

Article VIII and Article IX are cancelled.

Article XVI.— The Governor-General of Formosa may annul grants to mining claims in the following cases : —

a. Discontinuance of operations for more than one year or failure to commence work within one year from the date of grant.

6. When grant has been made through error.

c. Violation of tho provisions of the 2nd clause of Article XIV and the 2nd clause of Article XV.

d. Non-payment of mining tax within the period prescribed.

CHAPTER XXVII (PART 1 OF 2)

COAL IN FORMOSA.

Formosa Coalfields widely distributed — General location of principal d-eposits — Valuable discoveries anticipated — History of Formosa Coal mining — The geomantic in-fluence endangered — Coal mining declared a crime — Kelung Coal-fields a source of anxiety — Provincial government erects prohibitory tablets — Coal survey by ZF.S. "Dolphin" officers — Uritisli plenipotentiary interested — Crews of foreign vessels as Coal miners — The Tamsui ting disturbed — Consul Parkes appeals to the a/utliorities — Engineer Dupont surveys Coal districts — Gentry 'petition against opening mines — Superstitious terror — Official opposition abandoned — Official commission risits Coal-fields — Coal trade prospers — Foreigners prohibited from engaging in Coal industry — Chinese experts report — Mining machinery ad-vocated— Engineer Tyzack engaged — A wise proclamation — Foreign machinery introduced — Foreign engineers report — Water communication arranged — Scarcity oflaborersan obstacle — Sickness tcith heavy mortality — Defective transportation — Restrictions imposed on native miners — Decrease of production — Coal monopoly attempted — The French war — Government orders destruction of their mines — Work resumed— Government mines abandoned — Occupation of Formosa by Japanesi — Yamada opens mines <it Borio — Leading mines in operation — Present prodtiction — Introduction of machinery unprofitable — Character of Formosa Coal measures — Chinese methods of Coal mining — A one-man industry — Absence of ventilation — Drainage, excavation, and transport — A trip to the Yamada mines — Japanese and Chinese miners employed — Earnings of miners — Leading Coal consumers — Future of Coal industry — Detailed review of Formosa's Coal discoveries to date with location, geological formation, possible means of transportation and state of development — Export statistics for 50 //ears.

The island possesses a supply of fuel almost unlimited. From Kim-pauli (Kinpori) in the extreme north to the mountain range to the rear' of Pangliao (Borio) in the far south, Coal abounds, and even in the flat barren isles of the Pescadores this useful mineral exists. A half hour's walk from Taipeh, the capital of Formosa, will bring one to Coal measures. Coal exists in the hills enclosing Kelung, and it is actually possible for a few

fortunate farmers engaged in agricultural work along the foot hills to step out of the back door of their shanties, picks and baskets in hand, and to obtain sufficient fuel for the day's requirements, with but little more difficulty than a fanner at home would have in obtaining it from his own coal-bin. Coal also exists in the savage districts, and in one locality it is found so bituminous and inflammable that the savages use it for torches. This wide distribution of Coal in Formosa moans very little, however, when the profitable working of the same is considered ; for nature, in a seeming attempt to make a limited supply cover the whole island, has spread out innumerable thin seams abounding with faults and fissures, and ranging, so far as is at present known, from a foot to three feet in thick™ producing bituminous Coal of varying quality, and rendering work on a large scale, with modern machinery, a venture ol doubtful practicability.

Still, the mining of Coal has been carried on with more or less energy for many years. The exports at one time provided Kelung with a nourish-ing trade, and supplied the Chinese southern squadron with a good portion of its requirements: Chinese so far overcame their dislike to foreign innovations as to establish a large mining plant with modern machinery in the Kelung Coal district ; and even at present the matter is of much interest to the Japanese, and the possibility of discovering seams of suitable size, permitting the establishment of large works is a source of unceasing speculation and prophecy.

It is perhaps unsafe to make any definite statement in regard to the Coal deposits of the island; for so far only a small district has been prospected, and this superficially. Future investigation and the sinking ol shafts may disclose a supply in the middle measures sufficient to encourage the use of modern machinery and make the Coal mining industry one ol great importance ; for the almost universal signs of this mineral throughout the island would make it appear not unreasonable to anticipate such valuable discoveries. Still even without extensive machinery, it may be hoped that, with improved means of transportation, the adoption of more perfect tools, and the institution of a more effective system of labor, the output, which at present barely reaches 36,000 tons a year, ma}- be doubled and even trebled. At the present high prices obtainable, this would add considerably to the prosperity of the island, especially of the north, where the most extensive deposits exist.'

The earl)- history of the industry is of interest. The practical Koxinga appreciated the value of the " black fire-nourishing rocks," and the Chinese mandarins who followed, half superstitious and half conservative, at first opposed the mining of Coal with much vigor ; but later on permitted the industry, and, during the last years of Chinese occupation, encouraged it.

lite first mining of Coal appears to have occurred in the vicinity of Kelung. Chinese history speaks of Kelung hill, which contained a number of caverns, as the abode of genii, and as the source of the "arterial current" for the whole of Formosa. To the " fengshui v.

1. For details of kuowu Coal Fields seo Note on page 489.

4/8 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

shipping literati, no more important place could exist. Yet the hill, owing to its many fissures, tempted numerous " unthinking " laborers to go to it for building material, which could be easily excavated. But the literati, during the reign of the Emperor Keelung (1735 — 1796), under the belief that the geomantic influence of the whole island was involved, became alarmed at the desecration ; and as a result of their representations, a tablet was erected directing that the hill be not disturbed, and threatening dire punishment to "all unheeding children." The so called caverns were in reality openings in the Coal measures ; the presence of this useful mineral was not unknown to the villagers ; and while apparently giving the instruc-tions of the mandarins due attention, Kelung residents did not want for fuel. Furthermore, needy persons were inclined to visit the out-croppings in the neighboring hills and gather a few baskets of Coal for market. < Hher persons of low birth were likewise willing to risk the total destruction of the island by the angry genii, and joined in the lucrative occupation.

This was too much, and in 1835, the gentry and literati united in a petition to the Tamsui District officer, who reported on the subject to the provincial government. This resulted in a second tablet, the former having disappeared, (doubtless not without assistance). To insure its permanency, this tablet was of stone, and on its surface was engraved, in peremptory wording, the declaration that the mining of Coal was absolutely and for all eternity prohibited. But the foolish, unemployed country people still persisted in disturbing the geomantic . influence, " inviting dire disaster on all the peoples," and in 1 S47, the gentry and others again petitioned, accompanying their document with a scapegoat in the shape of a wretched miner who had been selected for punishment that his fate might be a warning to others. A third prohibitory tablet was now set up.

The next year, 1849, tne U. S. brig Dolphin visited Kelung. American officers in the East were taking a more than ordinary interest in the island, and the occupation of some portion of Formosa by the Americans was being strongly advocated in certain quarters. The officers made careful investigation of the Coal pits then in existence, and, in a report on the subject, stated that "the practicability of working the Coal appears not at all a difficult matter. Plenty of trees are growing on the spot and may be felled, the largest being about the size suitable for sleepers for a tram-road; the length of iron (rail) required is about a mile, and the ascent is one foot in fifteen. A canal or creek connects the road with the harbor, which is navigable for flat-bottomed boats of four or five tons, and the Coal would not have to be carried more than three miles and a half. The mine is 230 feet elevation by barometer. The Coal and land round about appears to be unclaimed, any one taking away as much as he likes. The inhabitants themselves offered to bring us forty or fifty tons at a day's notice, at less than a dollar a ton ; probably a much larger quantity might be obtained with a little exertion."

In 1S50, the British plenipotentiary addressed the Chinese government, requesting that the Kelung Coal deposits might be worked, and offering to

cooperate with the authorities in opening the mines. The mandarins reported in answer, that they had given the minister's kind offer careful consideration; but that "upon examining the records," they were obliged to state, "that as the surrounding hills of the port contained the dragon's pulse for all Formosa, and the gentry and people of all Formosa had repeatedly and publicly prohibited interference therewith, it was obviously right to comply with the wishes of tlv people, and inexpedient to forcibly insist upon the opening of the mines, which might lead to trouble and furnish occasion for disaster."

In 1 854, two foreign vessels anchored at Kelung, and men were sent on shore to the Coal fields, and there personally excavated a sufficient amount of Coal to supply their vessels. On learning of this, the Tamsui ting observed that the strangers had given no heed to the prohibition, and that the village headmen and constables should reprimand the offenders. This brought up the subject again, and Mr. Parkes, British consul at Amoy, represented that, "as British steamships came from afar, the conveyance of Coal from the home-land was very cumbersome, and that Formosa, possessing abundant supplies, the Chinese at Kelung should be permitted to supply foreign vessels calling in at that port with Coal for their require-ments."

Furthermore, in 1864, a French engin :er, M. Dupont, in tin.; employ of the Fuchow arsenal, made a survey of the Kelung Coal districts ; and the Fuchow and Tamsui Commissioners of Customs requested that foreigners should be allowed to mine there. To all such applications the mandarins turned a deaf ear. Meanwhile secret mining was carried on with increasing-activity, and the gentry again petitioned in a body, that, as rumors were current to the effect that the mines would be opened on a large scale, and that the genial influence of " fengshui" would thus surely be destroyed, the intendant of the circuit should take steps to preventit. This officer reported the matter to the governor of Fokien, who in turn referred it to the Tsung-li yamen. More proclamations resulted, but they, like; the others, went un-heeded. On the establishment of the Foochow arsenal, opposition practically ceased, and the Chinese in Kelung were aide to supply this institution with no small part of its requirements; and the Kelung village officers imposed an export duty on the Coal shipped.

The high authorities, noting that it was no longer to their advantage to attempt further the enforcement of the prohibition, took a characteristical personal view of the affair, and decided thai, if the mining ot Coal in For-mosa could not be prevented, it should at least be conducted for their benefit, and the governor-general of Fokien accordingly instructed the Formosan intendant to appoint a commission to visit Kelung and investigate the fields, and after conferring with the local gentry, fo "tain as to the

feasibility of opening the mines. This w. . and in an official memo-

randum the commission stated that they had found that the villagers w working 44 Coal pits, and that 12 localities, which were specified, were " situated in hills apart from that which contains the spring of geomantic

480 THE ISLAM > (il FORMOSA.

influence " and could therefore be worked without " in any wise interfering with the genial properties thereof nor, owing" to their location, "can they exercise any baneful influence on either house, grave, garden, or enclosure." Following the opening of the island to Foreign trade in 1860, numerous foreign vessels had called in at Kelung, and the annual yield of Coal for si inie years had ranged from 6,000 to 18,000 tons, varying with the demand. Likin equal to about one half the export tariff rate had been imposed on all the out-put, save the supplies forwarded to Foochow for the use of the government arsenal there. The commission recommended the abandon-ment of the government prohibition, but suggested the: adoption of certain measures to prevent foreigners obtaining an interest in the industry.1

Now awakened to the possibility of an additional source of income, the Fokien higher authorities despatched, in 1873, a Chinese expert who, starting from Tainan, travelled north to Kelung, making a rough survey along the way. The result of his visit was a report advocating that, as Kelung residents were without sufficient means to establish modern mining plants, the Chinese government should erect machinery and other western appliances and commence the mining on a large scale ; and after the utility of this system had been demonstrated, the miners might be advised to establish similar plants for themselves. The expert added the consoling information that as the principal Coal deposits existed only in the "side arteries," the mines could be worked without injury to the "main geomantic properties of the district."

With the construction of a modern navy, together with the requirements of the Foochow arsenal, the Chinese government found that the working of some of their Coal deposits was now necessary, and the Formosan fields were the most tempting. Accordingly, Shen Pao chan, who, during the Japanese expedition to Formosa in 1874, had held the post of Imperial Commissioner to the island, sought and obtained permission from the Peking-authorities to erect a modern mining plant in the Kelung district. Mr. David Tyzack, a foreign mining expert, was engaged in 1874; and after having made a careful survey of the Kelung fields, this gentleman was despatched in 1875 to England, where he purchased the necessary machinery and engaged a party of mining experts. To prepare the way and disarm

1. The commission suggested the following measures for adoption iu connection with the mines, viz. :

"1st. — That ;it Shen-ao-kang and the other spots where mines are mentioned as existing, houudaries be fixed beyond which no mines be opened, whilst within the radius proposed no mine be rented to foreigners or mortgaged to others by original own

" 2nd.- That m the district surveyed, and which may be put down as extending 20 li from north to south, and 5 or G li from east to west, the number of working mines be limited to 70 iu all, and that no new ones be opened."

" 3rd. — That master miners be all natives of the neighborhood having their ancestral tombs and their houses within easy distance. They must find security and take out licences, no individual being eligible for a licence who is in any way connected with a foreign hong."

"4th. — That the men employed as colliers be all uatives of the region within 50 li of the coal mines, that not more than 20 be employed iu one mine, and that all be secured by the master miners. There must, iu fact, be a system of mutual bond and security "

"5th. — That all coal purchases must he transacted through the (appointed) hongs, which will be officially supervised. Direct dealiugs with the miuers should be held to constitute an infraction of Treaty stipulation."

Translation as given in the I. M, Chinese Customs Report for Tainsui, 1871-2.

.1, IN FORMOSA. 4S1

suspicion, the Formosa intendant issued a proclamation announcing to the headmen, traders, miners, and others of Kelung neighborhood that the proposal to work the mines on western principles emanated from the government alone, and that the foreign experts were engaged in order that native miners might learn from them the method of modern mining, and that Formosa might produce adequate supplies. It was intended that the Coal produced by the government mine should be purchasable by either foreign or native merchants. In closing, the intendant observed, that as an act of indulgence, the local imposts on Coal would be remitted in toto : and further, that operations in Coal-pits then under native direction, might continue, as heretofore, so long as the same did not interfere with the site intended for the erection of mining machinery.

Machinery sufficient to handle several hundred tons of Coal a day arrived in 1876, and was erected in the centre of the most promising district, at a point known as Pa-tou (Hatto), some three miles east of Kelung, and near an indentation in the coast, later known as "Coal Harbor."

Work was at once commenced on this site, a circular shaft i2j,< feet in diameter being sunk 295 feet. The main seam, with a thickness of 3 feet 5^ inches, was encountered at a depth of 270 feet. It was necessary, owing to dislocated strata and much shattered rock, to line the shaft with stone, and the plant was not completed until the close of the year, when the output of Coal was from 30 to 40 tons a day. An abundance of the mineral was in sight, and according to a report made by the foreign engineer in charge, the quality was evidently very satisfactory.1

During the next year the mine was in complete working order. A Guibal fan had been put in to furnish ventilation to the pits, and a shaft 8 feet 6 inches in diameter and 88 feet in depth had been sunk for the same purpose. The underground workings had been greatly enlarged and were now capable ot producing 200 tons a day, while the engineer estimated that 200,000 tons could be obtained without exhausting the pit.

The sea was a mile distant from the mine, and here, in the small bay-known as " Coal Harbor," was erected a jetty and Coal chutes. From the mine to the jetty was laid a tramway, by means of which the Coal was transported in cars which ran down quickly and without power, owing to the

1. " The Coal in the winning heading and to the deep side was found to be of very excellent quality, working into large masses by the use of guu-powder, aud giving off great heat when burned in a boiler fire ; it is, therefore, Very suitable for steaming purposes, indeed it was found too hot for ordinary pur-in our own tubular boiler in good round and screened pieces, and we are now obliged to use the slack, or dead small Coal, for firing, as too much steam is generated by the larger Coal for ordinary use. 1 have raised steam with this Coal in a nomiual 10-horse-power boiler from cold water to 70 lbs. pressuro in 70 minutes.

"The Coal to the deep continues of even better quality as we proceed, but that to the immediate rise is softer and more friable, but this is to be expected, as we are passing through a series of small faults, the greatest of which is 5 feet rise, but sufficient to disturb locally the normal condition of the Coal for the worse. We are now driving in a westerly direction from the shaft bottom, with several winnings to the rise and dip, with afore-mentioned results as regards quality, but we meet with

another fault which the native miners say is the last in this series (they having proved it in their Coal drifts to the rise in the hill sides), when I confidently look forward to a largo tract of stroug, good Coal before us, which is known by me, by the examination of all surrouudiug outcrops, to be of superior quality."— I. M. Cuiuese Customs Roport for Tamsui, 1877.

favorable gradient ; making it possible to transport the Coal from the mine and to place it in the barges within 8 minutes after leaving the shaft.

Although the plant was now in every way complete, the machinery serviceable, and the mining experts competent, a great hindrance to the successful working of the mine was the difficulty of obtaining efficient labor. The district in the vicinity of the Coal mines is perhaps the most unhealthy in Formosa. Dense jungle abounds, and the rains, which are extremely heavy in these parts, are ordinarily followed by intense heat, causing evaporation, which fills the air with vaporous fumes. As a result, a large proportion of the workmen, the first gang of whom were chiefly from the mainland, were stricken down with fever, not a few succumbing to it. It was thus extremely difficult, especially in summer, to secure workmen, only about one half of the requisite number being forthcoming. Even those- who were obtained were very unsatisfactory. The foreign chief reported that they were very slow to learn and not to be trusted with any task of importance ; that their capacity for work was small ; and especially as coal-hewers, they accomplished surprisingly little, as compared with what coal-hewers in other countries can do. The foreigners engaged in the work also suffered greatly from fever, two deaths occurring among them. In three years there were 52 deaths among the Chinese staff, including an interpreter and several clerks ; and even the high Chinese official in charge was very ill and forced to give up his position. At last the doctor was stricken and died, and from that time on no high Chinese official could be induced to reside in the place; the result being that the control over the Chinese engaged at the mine became very lax; great inconvenience was experienced owing to the delay in going to Kelung to confer with the chief authority on matters of every day occurrence ; and the successful working of the mine was thus threatened.

To make matters worst', the success obtained in the mechanical work-ing of the mine was nullified by the inability of the mandarins to arrange for the transportation of Coal from Coal Harbor to Kelung. This apparently easy task they managed so poorly that the total annual Kelung export for some years scarcely exceeded the annual amount obtained during favorable years prior to the establishment of the foreign mine. Coal harbor is so unfavor-ably located that during some six months in the year, owing to the prevailing northeast wind, it was frequently impossible to ship coal. Furthermore, only sailing barges were utilized, which being dependent upon favorable winds, constituted a very unsatisfactory form of transport. The result was that, as the output ot the mine increased, huge piles of coal accumulated near the shaft, and there remained tor considerable periods, dusky monuments to the incapacity of the officials, and a source of danger from fire to the plant. It was stated by foreign experts that the only remedy required was a suffi-cient number of barges when the sea was not too rough and a steam launch to tow them around to Kelung, where the Coal could be stored until wanted. Steam launches had not been permitted to engage in the coasting trade, and the mandarins were resolute that none should be engaged in the present work. The fact that the business of Coal mining in

COAL IN" FORMOSA. 483

which the mandarins were engaged had been by these same officers declared a crime only a few years before did not strike them as inconsistent with the position they now took in refusing to utilize steam launches.

Had the mandarins not interfered with the native miners, the total pro-duction of Coal during this period would have been considerable, and the local demand for Coal would have been satisfied. For several years pre-ceding the opening of the foreign mine, supplies had keen quite abundant, and, though the high authorities had repeatedly declared that the govern-ment had no intention of monopolizing Coal, and that the official establish-ment would not interfere with private mining in any way, no sooner was the new mine in operation, than the officials commenced to put the screw on independent miners. Restrictions of all kinds were imposed, and attempts made in other ways to close up the outside mines. The result was that in 1 S 7 7 , although but little Coal could be obtained from the new mine, the local native mines were permitted to supply only a portion ol the demand. The Kelung junk trade was consequently much depressed, and foreign vessels which wen- wont to visit the port for Coal, went elsewhere for their requirements. In 1878, the decrease in production was still more marked, and great inconvenience was felt owing to the scarcity and the high cost of the supplies at hand. For the next few years the government mine continued in operation in spite of increasing difficulties : but so intent were the officials on obtaining complete control ol the whole product, and so persistent were the)' in persecuting outside producers, that had not complaint been made by foreigners, the trade in Coal would have resolved itself into a recognized government monopoly. Even as it was, virtual control of the output was obtained by the officials, who engaged all the cargo and Coal boats, and if a customer in Kelung desired to purchase Coal, the price was raised to such an extent as to be practically prohibitory, while the officials themselves retailed the product in Shanghai and other Chinese ports at current prices.

During the early eighties, some change for the better was made in the government mine, and a marked improvement introduced in the method of handling the product. In [881, there were a thousand hands employed, and the export from Kelung that year reached 46,000 tons, being, with the exception of one year, the largest known. A tunnel 460 feet long was driven through the solid rock with the idea ol obtaining an increased production; but, contrary to expectations, the output during the next two years dropped off.

Early in August 1884, the difficulties between China and France having reached a crisis, the French fleet arrived at Kelung ami bombarded the forts. Liu Ming-chuan, the then governor-general of Formosa, (eared the worst ; and having no intention of presenting the French with a well equipped mine and a large stock of Coal, gave orders that the works should lc destroyed, the pits flooded, and the stock of Coal — some 15,000 tons — set fire to. His orders were carried out without loss of time, and thus was rendered useless a large plant on which much money had been spent and many lives sacrificed.

After the close of the war, some new machinery was obtained, and operations in the same district were resumed. But the work was not carried on with the energy and enthusiasm previously exhibited, the output, with the exception of one year, amounting to only about half of that turned out in former years ; and in [891, it having been reported that the deposits were exhausted, all work was thenceforward abandoned. The mandarins obtained their Coal thereafter from private miners, and at one time financial assistance was given to an association of five companies, on the understanding that they should supply the government with all that was required.

CHAPTER XXVII (PART 2 OF 2)

In 180.5, the writer, accompanied by a friend, made a trip to the Coal district. Shortly after leaving Kelung, we came to an abandoned Coal brick factory. This plant had been erected by private enterprise, was fully equipped with machinery, and at the time of our visit was in apparently good condition. From this place we followed up a picturesque valley, and after a walk of some two hours, encountered the old tramway which winds its way upwards toward the mines. Here and there we saw an overturned car and again one partially dismantled. At last, we reached the works, and a desolate scene it was. Not a person was in sight and the stillness was oppressive. We entered the building which had been partially destroyed, doubtless by storm, and there before us stood boilers, engines, and other expensive machinery ; so far as appearances were concerned only awaiting the opening of the throttle to start the whole; plant in motion. The works had apparently suffered little at the hands of marauders, perhaps the would-be robbers were impressed as we were by the extreme silence of the place and the gloomy, if not weird aspect of the big machines, renounced by those who had once cared for them, and now as quiet and lifeless as the occupants of the graves on a neighboring plot, who had likewise met their end in the service of the Formosan government mines.

Having disposed of the historical part of the subject, we are brought down to the present occupation of the island by the Japanese. During 1S94, the year prior to the arrival of the Japanese, the Coal export exceeded 24,000 tons ; but during the years 1 S95 and 1896, the confusion attending the change of administration, as well as the military operations in the north, reduced the Coal production greatly, and it was not until 1897 that the industry was again flourishing. During 1896, mining regulations were issued by the government and applications for the granting of mining claims received.1

K. Yamada, an energetic Japanese merchant who has been foremost in man)' commercial industries in North Formosa, was the first Japanese to engage in Coal mining in the island. In March 1896, he commenced work-ing in a small way, a valuable Coal claim which he had obtained at Pangliao (Borio), a short distance up river from Twatutia. The first year the monthly output amounted to some 200 tons, the second year to 550 tons, and at present 625 tons are produced, or a total of 7,500 tons yearly. Although this is a trilling production, the coal from this mine is of the best

1. For translation of mining regulations see closing note of preceding chapter.

quality obtained in Formosa, and a scientific analysis made by the Govern-ment shows that it compares very favorably with the best bituminous Coal

obtained in other lands.

Other Japanese mines in operation are the Mukoyama mine near Kelung, the Koshima mine near Shutingkiaku (Sui-teng-ka), the Aoyagi mine near Shakko (Sikkau), and the Tsumura mine at Gofimsho. The total output from both Japanese and Chinese mines has reached 5,000 tons a month; but, as the demand has not supported such a production, the output has been somewhat reduced, until at the present writing, the total remains steadily at about 4,000 tons monthly. This quantity slightly exceeds the production for the last k\v years of the Chinese regime, the average monthly production from 1890 to 1894 amounting to about 2,000 tons. Whereas in Chinese days the principal production was from the Kelung district, at present the Taipeh district provides almost half the total. This output for the whole island is not, at first sight, satisfactory. It was thought that on the arrival of the Japanese in the island, now freed from Chinese official restrictions, the large coal deposits would be worked extensively; that foreign methods and the employment of elaborate machinery would be utilized to the utmost. This has not been done ; and, unless an exceptional demand is created establishing a higher basis of prices, or some very favorable deposits are discovered, it is doubtful if works on a large scale, or even a plant similar to the former Chinese government mines, will be seen in Formosa. This is not through lack of funds ; for Japanese capitalists have established complete mills in the Gold district, but is simply due to the fact that government experts who have made careful investigations are of opinion" that the Formosa deposits, such as are at present known, are distributed in beds too thin and yielding Coal of too low a value, to make large works at present profitable.

To appreciate the difficulties of mining in Formosa the character of the Coal beds must be taken into account. Coal in Formosa is generally found between strata of sand-stone. The seams range only from ij4 to 3 feet in thickness, with the rare exception of one or two beds where seams from lour to five feet exist. The inclination of the strata is in some places so great, reaching even to 90 degrees and more, that mining is impracticable. The distance between the upper and middle measures is sometimes very great, ordinarily exceeding several hundred feet. This fact, combined with the simple system of mining in vogue in the island, renders the working ot the lower measures, after upper beds have been exhausted, a difficult task.

Most of the seams have been discovered from the out croppings along the foot hills, and work is usually can ied on at each seam proceeding into the hill for as great a distance as the inclination and surrounding formations will permit. A great distance is rarely attained, the seam is not of sufficient value to encourage expensive shaft construction, and where it is found inconvenient to proceed further, the old source is abandoned, a new out cropping attacked, and the process of merely scratching the surface continued as before. If a large supply is desired, work is carried on at many seams rather than at one.

Although some fourteen mines have Japanese engaged as overseers or laborers, the bulk of the labor, in not only Chinese, but in the Japanese controlled mines also, is carried on by Chinese. With the exception of the Japanese works, wherein many improvements have been introduced, the pre-sent Chinese system of mining is virtually the same as has existed in Formosa from the earliest days of the Kelung mines.

That Chinese are generally wasteful of labor has often been noted, and this characteristic is well exemplified in their methods of working Coal. < 'bservers familiar with both systems have stated that Chinese miners in Formosa are even inferior in their methods to their fellow workmen in China. At all events, the work could scarcely be more crudely conducted.

Provided with a roughly made tool, half pick, half sledge hammer, possessing a handle some 2 ^ feet in length, a bowl of oil, with a rag inserted as a wick to afford light, and a basket to carry out the Coal, the Chinese miner is prepared to open and work a mine; and with no more ex-tensive outfit or supplies than these, much of the Coal in Formosa is obtained.

The Chinese — occasionally he is proprietor, miner, carrier, and salesman all in one, — selects a site where the mineral is observed out cropping. Here the Coal, softened by exposure, is so friable, that only a small opening is made, for scarcely ever do the Chinese use any artificial supports. An entrance having been gained and the appearance of the seam being satisfactory the floor of the tunnel is made sufficiently wide and level to admit the basket, the preliminary operations are considered complete, and the mine is ready for business. The entrance is so small that the miner enters on his hands and knees ; the height of the tunnel very little exceeds the thickness of the seam, being thus so small, that, in excavating, the miner must work on his knees, or in a half reclining position, resting partly in mud and water ; and the writer has seen tunnels so low that the miner was obliged to lie at full length, and in this position handle his pick. In the absence of ventilation, the atmosphere in a few hours becomes so foul that the lamp flame is reduced to a sickly llicker, and the miner, with strength exhausted, is obliged to stop work and seek fresh air. No attempt is made to improve the ventilation, though, before a mine is abandoned on this account, the gods are appealed to, by burning a large quantity of joss paper in the offending pit, and the believing pagan is not infrequently rewarded by an improvement in the atmosphere ; for the heat creates a current which brings a change of air, and the miner is able to renew his labors, convinced of the infallibility of the generous joss. Should success not result, however, failure is attributed to the wrath of the spirits, and the mine is accordingly abandoned.

It also frequently occurs that the inclination is such that water ac-cumulates to an extent interfering with work ; and, if there is too great a quantity to be carried out in buckets, the seam is given up. Furthermore, owing to the absence of artificial supports, a land slide sometimes occurs, not only obstructing work, but occasionally resulting in loss of life. Thus with

\r. ix form. 487

these obstacles, all of which could be easily overcome, the Chinese often abandons a seam just when it is giving the besl results. Fortunately, fire-damp is unknown in Formosa, otherwise the mines would become frequently untenable, and alarming accidents would occur.

The excavating in Chinese mines is done in a very unskillful way, being ;t mere wearing away of the seam by constant picking, no attempt being made to obtain the mineral in large pieces. Vet in the narrow funnels, with the heat and foul air, it speaks well for their powers of endurance that the Chinese can work at all. The Coal as excavated is passed to the rear, and loaded into a basket some thr< in length, the bottom of which is pro-

tected by wooden shoes. The workman drags this along the tunnel by a hauling rope. In time a groove is worn in the lloor the exact size of the basket, and its surface becoming hard and firm, the task of hauling is not such a difficult one as might appear. If the tunnel 1 h, however,

planks are laid, on which the baskets slide. Little stone wheels are also sometimes placed on the basket. From the entrance of the mine, coolies earn- the Coal in baskets swung from the end of a shoulder pole, and by this wasteful and expensive system of transportation, the article reaches market ; or, if the destination is far distant, the nearest navigable river, so that the Coal may make, if possible, a part of its journey by boa*.

While, as stated above, no machinery is utilized in the Formosa Coal mines worked by Japanese, the method of operation varies considerably from the Chinese. The entrance is large, the tunnels are roomy and supported by wool-work wherever it is required. Drainage and ventilation are provided for by extra shafts or tunnels if necessary, improved tools are used, and in some cases easy transport from the mines established.

The best example of the present style of mining can be seen at Pangliao (Borio). There, mines are being worked by Chinese and Japanese almost side by side. The mines are only some three miles distant from Taipeh, and the trip can be very easily made by boat from Twatutia (Paitotei). Provided a clean river-boat is obtained, and if wind and tide are not' unfavorable, an interesting' and not unpleasant ride of an hour will bring one to the large brick and tile works of the Arima Company, and the site of the Japanese Ice Company's original plant. A little beyond the last mentioned establishment, a small creek runs in from the river shore, 1 'ii which are the Coal storing yards. 1 lere is the terminus of the small tramway owned by the Yamada Coal Company, which runs through the fields from the river to the base of the foot hills to the rear, where the mines are, just one mile up from the river. Here, if the stranger's curiosity overcomes his aversion to Coal dust, he can enter the tunnel of the Japanese works and see the miners excavating. Also, if possessed of exceptional powers of endurance and an extra suit of clothes, he might crawl into one of the Chinese tunnels, not far distant, and see the manner of earning on work there.

In the Yamada mines, 30 Japanese and 60 Chinese are employed, though, owing to sickness, the actual number at work does not generally

exceed j$. With the exception of the overseers, who receive a monthly salary, the miners are paid according to the amount excavated. Japanese receive nine sun and Chinese eight sen per picul (133 lbs). This rate is about two or three sen higher than is paid in other districts, such as the Kelung mines for instance, but the coal from Pangliao is harder, and therefore more difficult to excavate. The Japanese workmen receive higher pay than the Chinese, as the former are more careful and exhibit greater skill in their work than the latter, whose product contains too much small coal and dust. Before the Coal leaves the mine, it is screened until the dust is removed, and is again screened before loading into the boats. Thus the actual cost for excavation of lump Coal is higher than the figures given above. If it is desired that the Coal be taken out only in large pieces, as much as eighteen sen a picul must be paid. The miners work in couples, one man to excavate, while the other transports the coal to the entrance. The Japanese miner appears to have a greater capacity for work than the Chinese, for the former excavates on an average about 3,000 kin (3,990 lbs.) a day, thus earning for himself and assistant about yen 2.70 for a full day's work; while the Chinese average 1,500 kin (1.995 lbs.) a day, with earnings of some yen 1.20 for the two men engaged. Work can not be carried on steadily, however, day by day; and the total payments for the month show that the average daily earnings for the Japanese and his assistant amount to about yen 2.00 a day, and for the Chinese to about 80 sen. The Company possesses twenty tram cars, and the Coal is transported in these to the river, where it is loaded in the Chinese river-boats and carried by them to Twatutia or Tamsui (Hobe), in which places much of the Coal is sold.

The principal local consumers of Formosa Coal are the Osaka Shosen Kwaisha — both Tamsui and Kelung lines, the railway, the river and coast-wise launches, and steamers ; while establishments such as the opium factory, the arsenal, and the numerous brick and tile factories take a considerable quantity. From August to October, Chinese junks carry Coal dust to Amoy and Foochow ; and some small shipments of lump Coal are occasionally made. Formosa Chinese also consume some Coal in the manufacture of a crude coke. The process is very simple; live coals are placed in the centre of a circular pile of Coal in the open air, and the smouldering glow is allowed to penetrate through the mass, while, by sprinkling with water, the right intensity of heat is obtained, and the (lame is kept under.

With almost no assistance from machinery or other labor-saving devices, only a very small capital is required, and the price of Formosan Coal is therefore largely dependent upon the cost of labor. Formosan miners now find that some 5 to 6 yen a ton must be obtained in order to make the industry profitable, whereas in the old days they could afford to sell for half that sum. This becomes perfectly comprehensible when we note that the price of labor has doubled during the period. It also explains why the export trade in Formosan Coal has declined since the Chinese days. The increased price of labor has raised the price so high that, when the cost of freight is added, the Formosan product cannot generally compete with other Coals in foreign markets. Fortunately, however, the domestic demand

has so increased that the total production is about the same as for the last years of the Chinese regime.

In closing, it may be well to point out that, while the present outlook for Coal as a leading industry of Formosa is not very promising, the Coal fields in the district under Japanese control are small as compared with the vast unexplored territory within the domain of the savages. Coal is known to exist there ; but as to the extent and character of the deposits, nothing is known. Still such geological information as has been obtained, makes it appear that not only Coal but more valuable minerals may be found there.

Note I.

KNOWN COAL FIELDS IN FORMOSA.

(Compiled from Japanese Official and other Beporls.)

The Kinpori (Kimpau-li) measures, commencing 2* miles west of the village of Kiupori, take a N. 30" E. direction extending through the Daiton (Twa-tun) mts., thence pass Hokuto (Pak-tau) and Koto (Kan-tau), and entering the district southeast of Toshieu (Toa-hong) appear at Kiron (Kuruu), Seki-kwaiko (Chio-he-kng), and Hinan (Pi-lam), taking a direction in the latter district of nearly N. and S. The seams range in thickuess from 7 inches to 2 feet.

Coal obtained from the Kinpori district can be transported by water to Kelung, that from Hokuto or Tamsui by water to Hobe or Taipeh, that from the Kiron district must be carried some three to five miles overland and then be transported by railway from ToshieD.

At Maren (Ma-lien), 2$ miles east of Kiupori, Coal measures, consisting of two seams, are found ; the upper I foot and the lower 1$ feet in thickness. Inclination is 30° S.E. and direction N. 30D East, and the mineral should appear somewhere near Pat-chi-na.

The Kan-kiak (Kham-ka) measures lie about a mile east of the Maren measures, and have a similar direction. They show four seams, one above the other, with a thickness of J foot, 5 feet, 8 inches and 1 foot respectively, the distance from the top to the bottom seam being about 120 feet. These measures should be also found somewhere in the vicinity of Shakko iSik-kau). No other known mines have a seam as great as 5 feet in thickness, and as the quality of the Coal is good, this is considered one of the most valuable coal-beds in Formosa. It is the property of the Navy, and is not in operation. Coal from these mines could be carried 2j miles to the sea coast and thence be transported by water.

The Naigwai-Bokuzan (Lai-goa-bok-soa) measures lie about 2 miles south of the above, and extend in the same direction. They consist of two seams, the upper being 2 feet and the lower 1J feet in thickness. Nai bokuzan aud Gwai-bokuzan are two mines 2j miles N.W. of Kelung working the above deposits. These beds also appear at Maryoko (Ma-lui-kng), Yuzeisho (Yu la-tseng), Pachirenko (Pat-lien-kang). The inclination of the strata is 12°, thickness of seam 2 f-et, and the Coal is of good quality.

The Denryoko measures lie above the Nai-bokuzan and Gwai-bokuzan beds ; and, as they appear near Kelung, are mined extensively, and were formerly worked by the Chinese Government. Commencing at Hatto (Pa-tou) they cross the Keluug Zuiho (Sui-hong) road, pass through Deuryoko aud Sekikoko (Chio-gi-kang) to about 5 mile south of Kelung city, thence crossing the Kelung-Taipeh railway pass through Shikvugin (Sai kyu-niah), Suirenbi (Sui-lien-bel, Maryosho (Ma-lui-kng), Pachirenko (Pat lien-kang), Hokukokei (Pah-kang-koe) and extend as far south as Naikosho (Nai»a-tsung) a dis-tance of some 25 miles in all. The strata dip to the south-east, 25° in the vicinity "f Kelung, and 12° or 13° near Suikenkkiku (Sui-teng-ka) ; the deposits appear in one seam with a thickness of 3 feet. The Coal from the Hatto (Pa-tao) district can be transported to Kelung by water, and Coal from Deuryoko aud Sekikoko districts must be trausported by land for a mile or two to the villages of the same name ; thence to Kelung by water.

The Shikiaktei (Si-ka-tien) deposits lie over the Deuryoko beds, in fact are above all other known beds. The coal is found in three seams in the vicinity of Shikiaktei. Daisuikutsu the lowest seam, is 400 to 500 feet above the Denryoko beds, and some 200 feet higher still are the second and third seams. The three seams are 1J feet, 4 feet, and 6 inches in thickuess respectively. The inclination is generally 30° but ranges from 5° to 80D. Oue portiou of the fields runs nearly parallel with the Denryoko deposits aud terminates near Hatto on the N. E., in the vicinity of Daudangai (Ka-tou-ohia) a village 2$ miles south of Kelung on the S. W. The Coal strata dipping towards the N. W. extend in a north-east direction to Zuiho, where the K ishiryo (Kin-a-liao) Ryutau to (Liong-tamtao) mines are found : the seams worked here vary in thickness from 2 to 3 feet. The same measures extend southwards through Shikiaktei, 1$ miles south of Dandaugai, and south of both Suiheukiaku and Shakko (uear Shakko is the Namkoshiko mine) theuce to the south of Taipeh, and appear on the banks of the Tuikokau (Tokoham> river. Farther than this point, the measures have not been traced. As these deposits lie aloug the bank of the Kelung river and are near both Taipeh and Kelung, they are mined extensively, and the product can be easily transported to Taipeh by river-boats. The Coal mined in the vicinity of Zuiho (Sui-hong) is consumed in the gold quartz mills, but if the Kelung river rises sufficiently high to permit, the Coal is sent by boat to Taipeh. The Shikiaktei deposits, in number and thickuess of seams, in ease of excavation and in the couveuience for trausportatiou rank first in the island, aud are, like the Kaukiak (Ham-ka) mines, reserved for the use of the navy.

4QO

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

The Sanshorei (Sam-tiao) measures wliich lie to the south of tho Sliikiaktei field, dip towards the S.E., and extend iu a direction N 60' E. Inclination is from 12° to 20°, and from Sanshorei the measures extend through the Happun (Poe-hun) Alts., and traversing a section of the Savage district, pass through Shinten (Siu-tiam), Saukakuyu (San-kak -ong), and Taikokan (To-ko-ham) aud proceed as far as Shaku-mou. The principal seam is under 2 feet in thickness and the coal is of good quality near Sanshorei. At Shinten the strata dip 85° and the quality of the local is very bad. At Taikokan, the inclination is 30° and the quality is good. At Shakumon, outcroppings have beeu observed, but nothing is known definitely about the seams. The Coal from this field is mined chiefly by the tea farmers both at Taikokan and Shinten.

Iu addition to the above. Coal is reported as existing at Kutsushaku (Ku-chu) and iu the district near the upper reaches of the Taikokan river, both in Taipeh district.

These coal measures lie mostly iu Taipeh Prefecture.

TECKCHAM DISTRICT.

At Nankosho, 5 miles S.E. of Hokupo, Goal measures are encountered showing two seams 1 foot and 3 feet in thickness respectively. Tho directiou taken isN. and S. Outcroppings of this field are visible along the road-side between Nansho and Hokupo.

Coal deposits appear at Sanwau 10 or 12 miles east of Chuko (Tiong-kang) near the upper stream of the Tiong-kang river. Direction is N. 303 E., tho strata dip 501 to the north west, and the thickness of the principal seam is 5 feet.

Near Sankosho at the foot of the Daitotsu Jits 9 miles east of Bioritsu (Maoli) Coal deposits appear. Direction taken is N. 40° W., strata dip 50° to S. W., thickness of principal seam 6 feet. This field exteuds S. E. to the Senpitsu Jits and Kokwausho, but at these two places the largest scam fouud is ouly 1 foot thick.

At Taiko (Twa-o) Coal exists, a seam of 2 feet in thickness having been found.

The above deposits in the Teckcham district have not been mined, owing to tho difficulty of access and the expense of transportation. With the completion of railway improvements in the island, however, there may be an opportunity for profitable operations.

Iu Toseikaku (Taug-si-kak) regiou, although no seams havo been discovered, pockets of Coal have been fouud among the sandstone.

CENTRAL FORMOSA.

In the district adjacent to the upper reaches of the Hokkokei (Pak-kang), Coal is known to exist. Twelve miles west of Horisha (Polisia) a Coal seam of 1 foot in thickness appears. Directiou takeu is N. aud S. and strata dip about 70°.

SOUTH FORMOSA.

2J miles N. of Pinan Pilam) on the Pinau river, near a savago village called Rikirikisha, Coal is found. It is very good for fuel, but tho quantity seems small. Coal is fouud in several river-beds in Taito, (Taitong) district, but the true source of these specimens has not yet beeu determined. Coal deposits also exist in tho Ariko (Ahlikaug) district, east of Takow, and near Toko (Tangkang).

Iu the neighboring islands, dependencies of Formosa, coal is found only in the Pescadores. Near the sea shore of Seirago, 10 miles from the district city Makung, Coal is found. During the Chinese regime, the deposits were worked in a small way for a considerable poriod, until a bad accident occurred iu the mines, killing several of the workmen. Then the superstitious Datives, attributing the calamity to the wrath of spirits avenging the disturbance of the geomantic properties of the island, ceased work, and no Coal has been excavated there since. Kxpert examination has beeu made of tho above and other deposits in the group, aud they have been reported practically worthless.

Note II. TABLE SHOWING EXPORT OF FORMOSA COAL.

Year.

1856 .

1865 .

1866 .

1867 .

1868 .

1869 .

1870 .

1871 .

1872 .

1873 .

1874 .

1875 .

1876 .

1877 .

1878 .

1879 .

1880 .

1881 .

1882 .

1883 .

Quantities iu tons.

Year.

Quantities iu tons

1 ,500

.

. .

30,933

7,162

5,767

. 17,887

. ,

,

16,659

. 12,860

12,301

. 26,662

26,639

. 15,467

.

43,419

7,935

25,518

. 19,604

,

27,950

. 42,243

, ,

,

14,503

. 47,447

.

21,748

. 15,982

.

.

24,243

. 27,665

,

10,004

. 31,593

i Export

6,842*

28,918

i Intimated production

14,000

. 25,788

I Export

7,966

. 28,823

[Estimated

production

20,000

. 24,000 . 46,002

i Export " \ Estimated

production

15,707 60,000

. 42,202

I Export

.

18,112

. 31,818

' {Estimated

production

50,100

COAL IN FORMOSA. 49 1

The above figures are chiefly from Customs Reports. Figures for the years from 189G to 1899, ar3 given to show both export and production This is done that the reader may learn the total output; the figures prior to the year 1875 in reality show very nearly the output, as hut little Coal whs DBed li call)'; » lit-ieas at present the production is large]) consumed in the island by steamers running front the ports of Kelung and Tanisui, of which no mentiou is made in the Japanese Customs returns.

For J899, the two northern ports Bhared the export trade between them as follows:

Export from Tamsui . . Export from Kelung ..

The above went chiefly to China ports

Export from Tain ui .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7,695 tons.

Export from Kelung .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10,417 tons.

CHAPTER XXVIII (PART 1 OF 3)

FORMOSAN PETROLEUM, NATURAL GAS, SULPHUR,

AND SALT.

Petroleum. — Natural Gas — Districts in which these are found — -Historical references — Burning springs — Gas at Koukan self-igniting — Oil and gas springs worshipped by savages — Hakka method of collecting Oil — First commercial deal in Oil — Foreign interest in Oilfields officially discouraged— Mandarins engage American

experts — Oil fields surveyed — Foreign machinery introduced — Drilling described — Production of Oil — Disagreement with experts — Work under difficulties —

Experts depart from Formosa — 0)7 wells abandoned — Oil fields remain uu-developed — Oil springs in so rage district.

Sulphur. — Location of Formosa deposits — Chief solfataras — Hokuto district — Activity of springs — Hot streams — Effect on plant life — Numerous geysers — Sulphur rents — Hanreisho pit — Journey from Hokuto — Description of deposits — A Sul-phur mine — Alum — Beautiful mineralogical formation — Sulphur in an extinct volcano — Sulphur geysers — Streams of fluid Sulphur — Kimpauli Sulphur pits described — Natural cauldron of semi-fluid Sulphur — Prohibitory procla/mations — Imperial edict regarding suppression of Sulphur — Unique fight against nature — Obstinate Sulphur pits — Illicit manufacture — Proclamation against foreigners — Official prohibitory measures futile — A generous Sulphur manufacturer — Govern-ment policy of suppression abandoned — Sulphur a government monopoly — Sulphur bureau established — Japanese occupation — Bala's Sidphur experiments — Sulphur furnaces at Hokuto and Hanreisho — Methods of manufactun — Crude Chinese process — Japanese system of extraction — Hanreisho Sulphur plant — A picturesque location — The distilling furnaces — Detailed method of operation — Cost of stills — Production — Increased capacity proposed — Small Hokuto stores — American Sulphur market and conditions necessary in supplying same— Export figures for eleven years.

Salt. — Its future as a Formosa industry — District favorable for manufactun — Location of present Salt farms — Present production — History of the industry — Salt indus-try introduced by Koxinga family — First government monopoly — Growth of the trade — Savages' method of manufacture — Special concession — Sidt smuggling —

Procedure of government sale —Profits to the government Japanese occupation — Free Salt — Process of manufacture described— The Takotc Salt district — The evaporation plant— Cost of production and revenue from sale —Japanese Govern-ment monopoly — Japanese and Chinese systems compared — Local consumption — Financial results — Procedure of purchase and sah -Government encouragement t'> manufacturers — Formosa Salt monopoly regulations — Salt manufactory regulations.

PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS.

At the present day, when the developed Petroleum fields of the world are bringing such large returns, it is interesting to note that this useful product exists in Formosa.

Indications of the presence of Petroleum and Natural (las have been met with in several places, notably at Kwashozan some 10 miles south of Taipeh, near Anko north west of Shinten (Sintian), in the vicinity of Bioritsu (Maoli ', at Suiriko 5 miles east of Chip Chip, near Dakusuikei (Chiok-tsui river), near Onsuikei and Hokushokei to the south east of Kagi, and in Tainan Prefecture at Konaisho 6 miles east of Shohanen, and at Rokkiri (Lakuli) 9 miles noith of Banshoryo (Hanchuliao). There are also places reported within the savage district, where oil is seen as a heavy scum on the water of certain springs.

There is no mention of mineral oil in the early commercial history of Formosa. If the then authorities were aware of its presence, they evidently thought it not of sufficient value to demand recording. Chinese historians speak of "burning mountains" as phenomena witnessed in South Formosa; but it is now believed that the flames which they doubtless saw were not volcanic, but were natural gases issuing from springs or crevices along the hill sides, spontaneously ignited, and which had perhaps set fire to the adjacent forest

Swinhoe writes in his Notes on Formosa: "Twenty miles south of Kagi city, there exists a fire hill whence water and fire burst out together. The fire emits no smoke except when wood or other combustibles are thrown upon it. In November, 1861, those on board ships lying ofl the port had a clear view of the central mountain chain, one peak of which was emitting smoke in large volumes. This is doubtless the volcano to which Chinese writers refer, and which is also marked upon the Chinese Govern-ment map." Near the village ofKoukan, east of Koro (Aulang), in a district where several oil springs exist, crevices in the shale emit gas, sometimes accompanied with oil or water. The discharge at times ceases, but occurs again after a i'aw months. This gas at Koukan frequently ignites of itself in the summer, and has been known to burn several years. The vicinity of such jets is often marked by the absence of vegetation for a distance of some 12 or 15 feet around the spring.

At Rokkiri (Lakuli) exists an oil spring which, when ignited, burns with a roar. The savages attribute to it supernatural qualities, and worship it as a god.

To John Dodd belongs the credit of having first called attention to the Formosan Petroleum deposits. In 1866, Dodd leased land on the savage border some 20 miles south-east of Koro (Aulang). In this land he had discovered oil, and purposed sinking wells and extracting Petroleum. The 1 lakkas were then utilizing the oil, collecting it in large wooden tubs six feet in diameter, as it flowed from crevices at the foot of a hill. The oil was used in its crude state for illuminating purposes and for medicine, it being considered a valuable remedy for wounds of various kinds. A Cantonese shroff in the employ of a foreigner had also collected a quantity of the oil and forwarded it to Koro for shipment.

In dealing with the matter, the mandarins took a course of action almost identical with their conduct in connection with coal mining : first con-demning, and later engaging in, the trade themselves. On learning the intentions of the foreigner, the officials became suddenly most interested in the merchant's safety, and sought to warn him in an official communication that the oil hills an- visited from time to time by fierce and savage aborigines who have repeatedly come forth from their own wild country and done mischief to the Chinese people. " On this account, the place is seldom visited by traders. Moreover, the neighboring Chinese people are fierce and violent, and when they see profit, they forget what is right; therefore 1 enjoin tin- foreign merchant to come away, for fear the neighboring people will attack him." This was hut another way of expressing the intention of the mandarins to prevent the merchant from interesting himself to any degree in the oil fields, and the foreigner was therefore obliged to abandon his plans; while the unfortunate Chinese headman who had leased the ground to him was seized by the authorities and beheaded. For ten years following no steps were taken to obtain the oil.

In 1S77, the high provincial authorities in Fokien, having thrown superstition and conservatism aside in establishing the Kelung coal mines, were able to muster sufficient courage to engage foreign experts to work the Formosan oil deposits. Accordingly, in 1878, two American engineers arrived, with complete oil-well machinery. On the arrival of the machinery in the Past, the mandarins undertook to convey it to Formosa on board one of the their men of war. The craft was too large to get close to Koro (Aulang) harbor, and there were no cargo boats sufficiently large to handle the cargo. Eventually, however, after delay and with much difficult)-, the machinery was placed on shore.

Although the experts were of opinion that the oil-bed extended from Koro to the savaye border, they selected, as the most favorable site for ex-perimental operations, a spot on the slope of one of the foot hills inland. Alter having erected the derrick, and removed the earth down to the rock,

drilling was commenced with a y1/^ inch drill. A (low of salt water caused slight trouble, and at a depth of 100 feet, more water was encountered: but these difficulties were surmountable. Water with Oil was struck at a depth of 380 feet ; but on proceeding deeper, the falling in of the earth interfered greatly with the work, and at last, after a month of hard labor at a depth of 394 feet, drilling was discontinued, the well was tubed, and pumping apparatus erected. Some 15 piculs (1995 lbs.) of Oil could now be obtained per day, but this not being considered satisfactory, the tubing was withdrawn and drilling commenced in a new place. Meanwhile, the two Americans had become very much dissatisfied with their treatment. No accommoda-tion had been provided for them by the authorities, and they were obliged to live in the same quarters as the soldiers. Furthermore, the experts were not well supported in their work by the local authorities. Great difficulty had been encountered in obtaining the necessary lumber to carry on the work, no road existed, and absolutely no provision had been made for disposing of the Oil obtained. The two foreigners had only been engaged for a short term, and on the expiration of their contract, they refused all overtures to renew the same, and in November 1878, left the island. The total production so far had been 400 piculs. Of this, 100 piculs had been disposed of. With the departure of the foreign experts all work ceased, and a few days later the Chinese official in charge withdrew with the various native employes ; the machinery was left uncared for, and no attempt has since been made to work the Formosa Oil fields.

The coal-oil claims are now held by the Japanese, and it is to be regretted that five years have been permitted to pass without witnessing any attempt by actual boring to ascertain the richness and value of the deposits. It is now announced, however, that the Asano Company, which holds the most promising fields, is making preparations to commence boring at once, and definite information will thus soon be forthcoming. It the depo-sits are found valuable, numerous wells will be sunk, and the production of Formosa Oil engaged in on a large scale. As with coal, the savage dis-tricts when opened may reveal richer Oil fields than the lowlands. There is an Oil spring at Shuhoisha, in the savage district south east of Taiko (Twao), and in other places across the boundary Oil is known to exist.

SULPHUR.

Although there are other districts in Formosa in which some Sulphur is found, Taipeh prefecture contains the principal deposits. Owing to the great abundance of this article in North Formosa, it has for years been pointed out by writers on the island as a resource which in time would prove of considerable value.

The chief sol fataras lie within a radius of some 15 miles in the large promontory forming the extreme north of the island. 'I his district is covered by the I )aiton range of mountains, the highest peak of which reaches an altitude of over 4,000 feet. There is abundant evidence of volcanic action throughout, extinct craters are found in several of the hills, and in

eight different pits on the range, various geysers, Sulphur springs, and other signs of volcanic life are in more or less violent action.1

Some seven miles to the east and south of Hobe and nine miles to the north ol Taipeh, at an elevation of about 450 feet, are the Sulphur springs of Hokuto (Pok tan). Owing to the hot springs, the salubrious atmi isphere, and the novelty of the scenery, the place has sprung into prominence as a health resort. The Japanese have erected there numerous hospitals, and the picturesque slopes in the vicinity are dotted with cottages and bath-houses, while a very good Japanese hotel has been erected.

These Sulphur pits being but three miles from the right bank of the Kelung branch of the Tarrisui river, whence a small creek leads much closer, the transportation of Sulphur by water is an easy task, and accordingly this district has been more in favor than some other superior producing ones more difficult of access.

The Sulphur pits are here found in a gulch which cuts through the foot hills. The Sulphur is obtained from the earth and rock which have been impregnated by the Sulphur fumes arising from the volcanic fires below.

On approaching the district along the well built road constructed by the Japanese, the site of the springs can be easily distinguished as a greyish bleached out patch in the foot hills, its ash)- color accentuated by the rich green of the surrounding slopes and the lighter green of the mountain range in the back ground. The springs vary at different times in activity ; but, if exceedingly lively, the vapor arising from the pits may be seen for. a dis-tance of several miles, and with a favoring wind the sulphurous odor is sometimes noticeable in travelling along the Tamsui river, some six miles distant.

On reaching the foot hills, the pathway mounts a gradual slope, beside a gulch, at the bottom of which tumbles along a mountain stream, in appearance quite innocent of unusual qualities ; yet on actual examination the water is lound to be hot and highly acidulated. As the Sulphur pits are neared, the steam arising from the stream gives evidence of a high tempera-ture, and if the actual springs which feed it are reached, the water is lound in a great state of agitation, as though the ordinary movement of boiling water was insufficient to release the heat generated by the vast furnace below. The Sulphur pit is a large circular cavity in the hills, one side being cut away as if by the action of water and at present furnishing a means of exit to the numerous boiling springs. There is a complete absence of plant life, which is apparently unable to survive the poisonous vapor. Geysers are found every few yards, some showing pools of boiling water, or semi-tluid Sulphur and boiling mud, while others are obscured from sight by large jets of steam escaping as though under great pressure and with a deafening hiss and roar, which, echoing through the gulch, may from certain directions sometimes be heard a mile away. The odor from the

1. The eight Sulphur producing districts in North Formosa are as follows : On tiie south side of tha Daiton nits : Hokuto, Kwokeiuai, Suiehiseitou, and on the north side of the same range Daiyukwozan, Daikwoshizan, aud Chikuko.

;:"'..-

1 JC^B Kr jl

Sulphur Hill near Hokuto. Sulphur Springs Hotel.

Hot Stream, and Government Bath House at Hokuto. Foots of a single Banyan Tree. A Chinese Country Hut.

sulphurous fumes is very strong, although not specially objectionable, and the heat arising from below is quite noticeable. The ground all about is perforated, and puffs of vapor escape from innumerable small vents, in and around which minute Sulphur crystals are visible. So numerous are the openings that the earth has become permeated with Sulphur ; and by submitting a quantity of this soil to a certain degree of heat, the Sulphur, which melts and separates from the other matter, can be easily obtained. A second pit, much more extensive, though perhaps not so active, is to be found at Hanreisho (Poa na-tung) situated about one mile beyond the Hokuto (Pak-tan) Sulphur pit, and, from the hotel an interesting hour's tramp over the ridge and along the hillsides. Here the Sulphur deposits are very extensive, two slopes, rising from either bank of a rushing tumbling mountain stream, extending for perhaps half a mile in length, present that greyish burned out color, which gives evidence of volcanic origin, and the steaming jets, which are inactive at one end of the pit, show that the process of permeating the adjacent soil with Sulphur still continues. These deposits are the most valuable in the island, not only in extent but also in richness. A portion of the pit undoubtedly formed at one time a crater of a volcano, and here, amidst partially decomposed lava permeated with Sulphur, is tound a perfect net-work of small seams of pure Sulphur varying in thickness from half an inch to 12 or more inches. This formation was beautifully exhibited in a cave-like crevice. The wall rock itself was nearly white, and this was crossed and traversed by numerous bright yellow streaks of pure crystallized Sulphur; while, in other parts, a heavy glistening coat of snow-white frost, formed of tiny crystals of pure alum, lies beside rich brown streaks of a semi fluid paste of alum and Sulphur softened by acid. It was an example of mineralogical formation as brilliant and beautiful as one could wish to see. Here Sulphur extracting works, the most extensive in the island, are erected, as will be described later.

Large and important as are the above solfataras, they are less active than a pit in an extinct crater of one of the high hills some three hours' climb from the hotel up the mountains to the north east. In 1895, I visited this place with a friend. On approaching the hill we observed the summit partially obscured by clouds of vapor. Occasionally, a slight breeze would, tor the moment, clear away the steam, revealing a large cavity, with floor and sides of an unbroken grey. This is undoubtedly an extinct crater with walls extending nearly round the entire circle, and broken only on the side ap-proached. In the pit was found a mass of ragged, disjointed, burned rock, with frequent fire holes, through which rushed out currents of vapor under apparently intense pressure, and with a terrific roar. These at times appeared to be almost colorless, and again white with dense steam. . The Sulphur vapor does not seem to be so overpowering as might be supposed, and it is possible to stand quite close to the vents. Moreover, the rock, although ash like and in places lying at irregular angles as though recently disturbed, seems fairly firm. In several crevices, were seen little trickling streams ot molten Sulphur, showing varying shades of blue, red, and brown ; while the sides ot the openings were covered with bright yellow crystals. At one opening

49§

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

which we had enlarged with our sticks we could see through the darkness of the hole, at a distance which we could not judge, a bluish red stream which seemed to he a mass of tiny flames. lint the supposed rivulet of fire may have been nothing more than a stream of molten Sulphur, which became ap-parent in the interior when our bodies overshadowed the opening, and a phosphorescent light combined with the moving mass of Sulphur may have presented the appearance of combustion. Though there are large quantities of Sulphur to be obtained here, no attempt has been made of late to work the deposits, and doubtless the expense of carriage would be too great to permit of the industry being carried on at a profit.

The most interesting, most extensive, and, were it not for the difficulties of transportation, perhaps the most valuable, Sulphur deposits in Formosa are in the vicinity of Kinpori (Kimpauli) near the sea coast, across country to the north-east of Taipeh. The writer has not visited them, but they are realistically described by Mr. William Hancock of the Chinese Customs Service as follows : —

" The place (Sulphur pit) is a mountain glen at some 1,400 feet above tlie sea, the bottom covered with heaps of atones, dibris, and decomposed rocks of a greyish tint, with patches resembling silicified sinter, and in many places white from the bleaching notion of the sulphurous acid. At various points and vents, from which jots of steam pelled with considerable force, the edges of the

cracks exhibiting a yellow surface of sulphur, whilst lower down, the place has the appearance as though it had been full of water -in fact, a lake. The floor is a 1 vel I raot of boiling mud, small jets being thrown up at distances apart, ami the whole pi I ie being in a perpetual slate of agitation. In one corner, higher up, the steam escapes n- from a high pressure 1> liler. The rooks surrounding the glen are blanched, and vegetation is destroyed. A river of hot water, overhung by clouds of steam, Bows down through a gorge extending to the foot of the mountain ; this gorge was formed during the --arthquake of 1867, when the mountain in Hie west side. 1 endeavored to reach the edge of this mud lake, to ascertain

the temperature, but found the surface of the ground so precarious aud the heat so oppressive that I was compelled to desist.

" Continuing my journey on up into the mountains, I suddenly came upon a set of geysers at 1,800 feet above the sea, which entirely eclipsed I hoc I had just examined. The place bore some resemblance to a lime quarry wit li precipitou im which vast volumes of steam were being expelled into the

air with a roar so great that I heard it reverberating in the mountains at several miles olf, and such was the v lume of steam that at the same distance I took it for a cloud arising on the side of tho moun-tain. Into this place, then, I descended, and found a wonderfully interesting spectacle. The main vent from which tin ands in a narrow ohasm by itself, a branch of the ravine, and owing

to the aperture being surrounded by other minor vents, I was unable to approach it. At another part of the ravine, however, there is a cavernous hole in the rock, in form resembling the entrance to a tunnel, and large enough to walk in at. From the month of this place, clouds of whito smoke, like steam, continued to pour forth in slow rolling volumes, occasi in illy almost hiding the entrance. Having observed this for some time at a distance, I- watched a favorable opportunity when a slight shift of the wind blew towards the mouth, and so carried the clouds of sulphurous steam over the lop, and then I went up to the entrance and looked in. The bottom was a cauldron of semi-fluid sulphur, somewhat of the color and consistency of treacle, whilst the arched roi f presented a scene of great brainy, being a mass of glistening yellow crystals of sublimated sulphur. From the interior proceeded deep subterranean rumbling sounds; but I was unable t i remain more than a few seconds, the heat and smell were so overpowering. From the color and consistency of the o intent . 1 was abb; to judge approximately of the temperature. Sulphur melts at W2 degrees Fahrenheit, and is then of an amber tint and as fluid as water, but if still further heated, it changes in form, assuming, between 130 degrees and 48J degrees, tho color and consistency of that which I had just seen. All those geysers vary in activity and intensity, and I was told that during earthquakes they exhibited great violence, the boiling water being thrown as high as 50 feet."

The history of the Sulphur industry, so far as the Chinese mandarins were concerned, is but a repetition of the history of coal and oil, with the addition that, in the case of Sulphur, the authorities actually endeavored to. destroy the deposits, wishing to rid the island of the stuff entirely.

CHAPTER XXVIII (PART 2 OF 3)

Apparently, little attention was given to the island's Sulphur deposits, during the days of the Dutch and Koxinga ; for the books of that period make no mention of the article. Soon after the establishment of the Chinese

t.PHUR. 499

government, however, Sulphur becamea source of anxiety, lest the colonists, who were wont to break out in rebellion on the least provocation, might obtain material from the Sulphur pits for the manufacture of gunpowder. At least, that was the story put forth by the officials ; and, accordingly, the manufacture of Sulphur was strictly forbidden. Proclamations were issued by dozens, the peasants living in the vicinity of the Sulphur pits looked on these impressive documents with all due reverence, kowtowed to the official inspector on his periodical visits, but kept on making Sulphur. Klaproth, on his visit to the island in the early years of the present century, discover-ed that at that time considerable quantities were being shipped to China.

During the great rebellion of 1830 to 1833, when the capital of the island was captured and the Chinese officials driven out, considerable quantities of Sulphur from the northern pits were gathered by the in-surgents presumably for other purposes than medical use. This fact seems to have keen discovered by the authorities towards the end of 1833. After the disturbed people had keen subjugated and Imperial control again established, the governor-general of hokien memorialized the Emperor on the subject of the Formosa Sulphur deposits. This elicited an Imperial edict, directing the said governor-general to devise measures for effectually suppressing the production of Sulphur. This resulted in orders as unique as they were impracticable. The chief dignitary had doubtless learned that Sulphur was inflammable. Therefore he thought it ought not to be difficult to destroy all the deposits by fire. Officials were consequently instructed to visit the pits four times a year in the middle of each season to set fire to the Sulphur which oozed from the mouths of the geysers, and if there were any violent refractory vents noisily spitting forth clouds of steam and ill-smelling (lames, simply to fill them up with earth.

( )n inspection, it was reported that there were 88 unruly vents of all kinds to be dealt with. The Chinese officials were persevering and not without hope, and for several years they continued making their quarterly calls, burning and filling in the vents, while in the intervals the peasants were as active as ever in the manufacture of Sulphur; for, as the local authorities were at last obliged with grief to declare, although the 88 vents were regularly destroyed, there were 88 new ones inviting attention at the time of their next visit ; that "they never could tell, when they had burned out one vent, whether another would not break out in its place."

At last, the task was given up as impossible, and the officials directed their energies towards preventing the clandestine manufacture and the shipping of the production to China. In this they had varying success, dependent upon the number of soldiers and others they could detail to guard the pits.

In 1850, the Formosan authorities were either apprehensive of foreig-ners assisting the natix e manufacturers in smuggling the Sulphur, or they wished to appear so. lor ol \ asons ; for, during this year, an official

proclamation reading as follows, was issued: " In the Tamsui sub-prefec-ture Sulphur exists. The question arises whether or not it is stealthily

collected by disloyal Chinese and taken to foreign countries for sale. As regards the request made last year by the foreigners proposing to go to Kelung to get coal, it is not impossible that this would be made a deceptive pretext, and it ought to he sedulously forbidden and guarded against. Let the Commandant and Taotai be directed to investigate the matter and report for action. Also let a deputed officer be secretly sent to investigate as to whether or not the prohibition has been enforced, so that crime may be nipped in the bud. This is very important ! Respect this."

To control the deposits at Hokyto ( Pak-tau) was not a huge undertaking, but at the pits further inland, ami in the vicinity of Kinpori (Kimpauli) the task was more difficult, and it is safe to say that at no time did the production entirely cease. If it was found expedient to abandon the work for a time in one pit, it was continued in another, and so on. Thus, in i <S 6 7 , at one of the Kinpori pits, some thirty or forty furnaces were in operation, about one hundred workmen being employed. The product was all carried to the sea coast and thence smuggled in junks to be eventually disposed of in Hong-kong and China.

This same year, a wealthy Chinese endeavored to induce the govern-ment to farm out the manufacture of Sulphur, or to grant him permission to work the pits on behalf of the government, the latter paying for the product at a fixed rate. In this way the government would not only have a new source of income, but the)- would be able to exert a more effective control over the industry. The mandarins, however, refused the permission ; and in absence of it, the merchant, with a spirit quite characteristic of the Formosan Chinese, worked the deposits without it. The enterprising celestial doubt-less thought that, having given the officials a chance to share in the profits, which they had not availed themselves of, he was quite justified in ignoring them altogether.

The Chinese officials at length began to appreciate the futility of their weak prohibitory measures, and in 1 S 7 7 , it was decided that they should legalize the industry and declare Sulphur a government monopoly. This decision was put into effect, and under the new arrangement three pits were opened; the work at Hokuto (Pak-tau) and Shamaoshan being placed in the hands ot headmen who were to manufacture the Sulphur and pay all expenses connected with the same; and the product was to be turned over to the government, which agreed to take the total output at the rate of $1.00 a picul (133 lbs.). The pit at Yukeng was worked directly by the govern-ment. During 1877, 8,000 to 9,000 piculs were produced in the two first mentioned pits ; but the quality was very low. The local officials desired to control the export and sale in foreign ports as well, but found that the demand for low grade Sulphur for legitimate uses was very slight; and, after accumulating a stock of about 10,000 piculs in the government godowns, the taotai gave orders to discontinue the manufacture in the two pits. Soldiers were then stationed at these two points to prevent illicit manufacture The output at the government pit at Yukeng was limited to the amount desired for local use, some 500 to 600 piculs a year.

SULPHUR. 50I

No further attempt was made by the government to engage in the indus-try on any considerable scale until 1 887, when the demand for Sulphur having increased, the officials established a Sulphur bureau, when- the output of the Formosa pits was offered for sale to legitimate buyers. No independent local trade in the article was permitted, and with every purchase an official certificate was furnished establishing the buyer's right to the Sulphur. The price paid by the government was increased to Si. 40 a picul, and the quality of the production was improved. The export under this new s\ item com-menced with 3,360 piculs in 1887, and had doubled in 1891. A powder mill had been constructed at Taipeh consuming- a certain quantity of Sulphur; and this, combined with the salt; for export, gave an estimated gross income to the officials amounting to some $30,000 a year.

In 1804, the year prior to the occupation of the island by the Japanese, the export of Sulphur amounted to 5,950 piculs (791,850 lbs.). The follow-ing year ( 1895), military operations put an end to the industry for the time. The deposits were left undisturbed till 1896, when they were worked in a small way ; the production amounting to less than a thousand piculs for export.

In 1897, more interest was shown in the industry, and during this year a Japanese merchant, Baba by name, invested considerable money and started the manufacture of Sulphur on a comparatively large scale. The Sulphur produced was shipped to Hongkong, but the high freight rates then existing induced Baba to charter a steamer and place it on ngkong

run in op] osition to the 1 louglas Steamship Co., trusting to obtain si outside support to make tie venture profitable, and at the same time to afford him cheap transportation for his Sulphur. The shipping public, how-ever, did not favor him with their cargo; and after having sunk all his earnings from Sulphur in the steamship line, Baba eventually gave up his Formosa interests and retired from the island.

During the following year, the Hokuto pit remained idle ; but during 1899, new furnaces were erected at both the Hokuto and the adjoining Hanreisho pits.

There ant three methods of manufacture, although an improved Japa-nese apparatus has practically driven the primitive Chinese stoves out of existence, and the natives, if they engage in the industry, use either the complete Japanese stove or a crude imitation of it.

The Chinese process was extremely simple, Put very wasteful. The Sulphur stove consisted of a number of shallow- iron pans, about two to three feet in diameter and sometimes lined with clay. It was placed over a narrow fireplace built of mud bricks. These rough furnaces were partially enclosed by rudely built sheds roofed with dry grass gathered from the neighboring slopes. '1 he apparatus was not calculated to impress one as a wonder of mechanical ingenuity; in fact, the stranger at first sight of the eration might easily be deceived into believing thai th r some

adjacent settlement was in progress of preparation. To obtain the Sulphur, the rock or earth impregnated with the mineral was thrown into the pans, a

strong fire built, and the stuff slowly melted down ; the lighter impurities coming to the surface forming a frothy slag, while the heavy foreign pro-perties sank to the bottom. During the operation the slag was frequently skimmed off, and eventually when the mass appeared thoroughly fused, the fluid Sulphur was poured out into wooden buckets with movable staves, which wen- released when the Sulphur had cooled and solidified, producing a hard block in the form of a truncated cone weighing some 60 pounds. The residue was now thrown out, the pan filled with fresh ore, and work continued as before. The preparation was then considered complete, and the blocks were carried away to market.

The crude method above described has now been replaced by the more economical Japanese system of extraction. The extreme wastefulness of the Chinese stove may lie understood when it is noted that at the present time la roe Japanese stills at Hanreisho are using largely the residue which had been thrown away in previous years by Chinese workers ; and from this slag, which the Chinese looked upon as exhausted refuse, some 50 % of Sulphur is being obtained. The Chinese used only the richest mineral, from which the)- obtained some 60 or 70 % of low grade Sulphur.

At Hokuto there are usually in operation some five or six small stills of three or four retorts each ; but the industry is carried on most extensively, and the most complete apparatus is in use, at Hanreisho, a mile beyond. In travelling to the works along the pathway crossing the ridge which divides the Hokuto and Hanreisho pits, four large iron smoke-stacks pouring forth a large volume of heavy smoke are noticeable for a considerable distance. The plant is located at a most picturesque spot in a valley. On one side is a noisy cascade dashing down in a series of foam-crested falls, while to the back is a graceful waterfall, fed by a stream which runs along the top of the hill, some fifty to sixty feet above the works.

Whereas the Chinese obtained the Sulphur by merely melting the ore in an open pan, the Japanese use a distilling apparatus. At Hanreisho there are eight furnaces, each containing three stills. Each furnace consists of a brick fire-place, provided with lines, and so arranged as to heat evenly a space some 15 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 2j4 feet high. The top of the fire-place is provided with shields to prevent the flames from coming in direct contact with the cast-iron retorts in which the Sulphur is placed. Each retort consists of two longitudinal sections, forming, when connected, an iron cylinder five feet long and two feet in diameter. One end is flush with the side of the furnace, and is provided with a circular iron-door. The Sulphur is thrown in at this opening. The other end of the cylinder, in its upper half, contains a circular hole, which has attached to it a cone-shaped pipe some three feet long, and with a diameter of 8 inches, decreasing to 4 inches at its opposite end. This end projects through a few inches into the side, near the top, of a circular cast-iron receiver 2j4 feet in height and 2 feet in diameter, thus connecting the latter with the retort. There are three of these stills to each furnace, the retorts lying crosswise of

the fire-place, and the receiver with its llat top and bottom resting upright on a stone foundation. From one side of the receiver near the bottom is a spigot, through which (lows the Sulphur in liquid form. The receiver is exposed, but all other parts of the still, with the exception of one end of the retort, are covered over with brickwork. The total structure is about 15 feet long, 5 feet high, and 11 feet wide The cost of one set of stills com-plete, including a rough straw shed, which partially encloses them, is 900 yen.

The apparatus is built in the centre of the pit, so the supplies of rock and earth impregnated with Sulphur are literally at han 1. A strong 1 fire having been started, each retort is two thirds filled with ore. the circular door is closed and sealed with clay or allies. The Sulphur in the mass of rock and earth commences to melt almost instantly; and in an hour or so, converted into gas, it is passing through the connecting tube into the comparatively cool receiver, where the gas con-denses, and the Sulphur, now in liquid form, drips through the spigot into a cast iron receptacle, which, when the Sulphur has cooled ami hardened, can be separated into two parts, thus releasing a block of Sulphur about half a picul in weight, which is now ready for the market. In seven hours' time the Sulphur has all been separated ; and, when the retort is opened, there only remain a few bucketsful of fine dustlike ashes, in place of the two piculs of hard rock and earth at first inserted. The retorts are filled three times during the 24 hours, and with the material at present used, which contains about 50 % of Sulphur, each separate still yields about 3 piculs of practically pure Sulphur a day, and each furnace consumes about 5 piculs of coal a day. For export, the Sulphur blocks are enclosed in straw bags : ami the present (1901) price is upwards of 2.00 yen a picul (133 lbs.) on board steamer at Tamsui. The freight to Hongkong is about 10 sen a picul.

In addition to the stills above described, the plant has been added to by the construction of several furnaces, which, though on the same principle as the former ones, are provided with a circular retort with a head piece and tube, somewhat similar in form to the ordinary still used at home for chemical purposes. Better results are being obtained from this apparatus, it requiring less fuel, and distilling more rapidly. The life of the new stove, however, is not as long by two months as that of the old style, which with ordinary care lasts about six months.

The Japanese company at present have eight furnaces with twenty-four stills in operation, giving a total daily production, when working at full capacity, of over four tons. The labor demanded is slight ; the stills, exclusive o( carrying coolies and excavators, requiring the services of onlv thirty men, divided into night and day gangs. These men receive 55 sen a da)-, and the excavators, who are paid according to the work accomplished, earn from 60 to 70 sen a clay. With the exception of the overseers, all workmen are Chinese.

504 the ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

The total production 19 as yet insignificant, but if there is sufficient demand for the Sulphur, it is intend litional stills to permit of an output

of eight tons a day, there being sufficient raw material in sight to run such a plant for years. Should the new stills be unable to supply the demand, extensive works would be erected at Kimpauli, where there exist vast deposits of comparatively rich ore.

The small stoves at Hokuto it is unnecessary to describe ; they are smaller than the Hanreisho stoves, which, however, they resemble in form, except that the retort is a circular pan with an opening in the top, through

which ore is dumped.

In closing this paper, it is perhaps well to note that, though the pro-duction is trifling as compared with some of the Sulphur pits in Sicily, there is still an abundance of Sulphur ore in Formosa, and it is to be hoped that the future will see the industry engaged in on a large scale. There is a fairly good market for Sulphur in the western United States, but under present conditions so trifling is the Formosa production that it would scarcely be worth while for merchants to attempt a shipment. With the present low prices, to ensure a profit it is essential to eliminate every cent of expenditure not absolutely necessary. Consequently, shipments are generally made in large quantities, and not infrequently by sailing vessels. It would require, however, at the present rate of production, the output for several months to obtain sufficient Sulphur to load one sailing vessel. It is also necessary, in supplying the American demand, to keep in view the fact that refined Sulphur, that is Sulphur of 100 , fineness, is subject to a duty of $8.00 (gold) per ton. All Sulphur under 100;,, of fineness is permitted entry free ; but consumers do not wish for Sulphur under 94%, as it is considered of too poor a quality. Hence, the Sulphur, to attractive to American purchasers, must run between 95,, and 98', fineness. The maximum is placed at 98 , in order to give purchasers a safe margin, that they may avoid the likelihood of dispute, as to quality, with the government examiners.

Note.

EXPORT OF SULPHUR FROM FORMOSA.

(Shipped from Tarusui.)

Year. Expirt in Value in Japauese

pounds. yen.

1887 44C,8eO —

1888 573,230 —

1891 928,872 —

1892 375,060 —

1893 042,257 18,910

1894 791,350 11,121

1895 — —

1896 110,656 1,798

1897 - -.'.02 1,791

1898 1,889,182 41,117

1899 1,400,000 (estimated) —

SALT. 505

S A L T .

That most necessary of commodities, Salt, is m mufactured in the island in considerable quantities. It is, also, one of the industries believed by Japanese experts to have a promising future, and is worthy of investigation.

Along the whole western coast from Hsinchiku (Teckcham) in the north to within a few miles of Takow in the south, a distance of 140 miles, runs a strip of low lands of varying width, as shown in the industrial map, admirably suited for the production of Salt by the system ol sea-water evaporation; and in the future, should the introduction ofimprov lods

of manufacture make the industry profitable, there is every probability ol island becoming not only independent of foreign supplies, hut being able to supply an outside demand as well.

Commencing with the north, the first Salt manufacturing district is a strip of land on the coast, a lew miles to the west of Hsinchiku (Teck-cham). In this district there are seven large Salt farms, employing 325 workmen, and with a maximum production of 10,374,000 lbs. a year. Further south along the coast at Guho (Gu-pa) a few miles to the north of Rokko (Lo-kiang), and near Seiko (Sei kang) some iS miles south ofRokko, are Salt farms, worked, however, in a desultory manner, employing at certain seasons of the year 100 workmen and producing about 305,900 lbs. The next Salt district to the south is within Tainan prefecture, as are the other and chief producing fields in the island, which lie further south.

These farms, with their maximum output, are as follows: — Hoteishi (Pa-te-chui) on the west coast, employs some 300 persons and produ< about 18,000,000 lbs. Hokumonsho (Pak-bin-su) 5 mile. ij Hoteishi,

employs some 600 persons and produces about. 32,000,000 lbs. Seishjkiaku (Chih-a-ka) adjoins Hokumonsho on the south, employs some 500 persons, and produces about 33,000,000 lbs. Genteisho (Am tai ching), a few miles to the south of Anping, employs some 200 persons and produces about 25,200,000 lbs. A second village near Takow, also called ( renteisho, employs some 300 persons and produces about 10,800,000 lbs.

The production of the various farms given above is based on the annual capacity of each ; but, as work is often suspended when agriculture demands much attention, such as at harvesttime, etc., the actual output would he more correctly represented by a third less than the figures given. Further-more, the production is so much dependent upon demand, that it is quite impossible to obtain figures more exact than the above. The Government Salt-office estimates that some 90,000,000 lbs. will be produced and placed at their disposal during the present year (1900), ami that in 1901 there will be an output of 160,000,000 lbs.

No known attempt to supply the island's Salt requirements by local manufacture was made during the Dutch regime, the colonists satisfying their wants by importing the commodity from China and Batavia. The Koxinga family, most active in making the island self-supporting this

important subject attention, and the young ruler, Cheng ching, (1002-

506 THE ISLAM) OP FORMOSA.

16S2). made a special study of the method of producing Salt by the evapora-tion of sea-water, and induced his subjects to engage in this industry. No attempt was made to exact government revenue from the sale of the Formosa Salt until the Chinese occupied the island.

During the first years of the Imperial regime, although Salt was taxed, its sale was left in the hands of private merchants. In 1 727, however, during the 5th year of the reign of Yung Ching, all private transactions were forbidden, and a government monopoly was established under the superin-tendence of the prefect of Taiwan. As the island increased in population, jhe demand for Salt became likewise greater, and in 1750 the government sales exceeded 100,000 piculs ( 13,300,000 lbs.); while in 1S24, they reached 147,000 piculs (19,550,000 lbs.), yielding the government a revenue the equivalent of 72,760 yen, besides 22,000 yen exacted from the trade as a likin tax. A lew years later, the Salt trade was for a second time placed in the hands of private merchants; but in 1855, it was again taken over by the government, under the charge of the prefect as belore, though for a lew years the trade was temporarily under the superintendence of the intendant of the circuit. The importance of the monopoly kept pace with the rapid in-crease in population, and in the middle of the present (nineteenth) century was controlled with great rigor. The prefect had supreme command over the industry, and through his agents stationed at Salt offices established in every town of importance, he reaped a very substantial revenue. A large corps oi couriers was kept constantly engaged in keeping up communication between the capital and the various Salt offices. Still, in spite of the exacting measures, much contraband stuff from China was smuggled into the island, especially at Kelung, where in the early days cargoes of Salt were openly offered in exchange for coal, camphor, or rice. The importation of the foreign manu-factured product was forbidden as well, and on several occasions foreign ships were forced to throw their cargoes of Salt overboard before being granted entry to the ports.

CHAPTER XXVIII (PART 3 OF 3)

Comprehensive as the government control was planned to be, there were some exceptions to the regulations. Some of the savages in the western part of the island are reported to have utilized a certain Salt spring as a source of supplies, the article being obtained by boiling the water in bamboo tubes which had been plastered with mud, while the plain savages in other districts, notably Gilan, manufactured small quantities from sea water, which they used to carry up from the shore to their huts with great labor, and evaporate it there over their fires. On these savages acknow-ledging allegiance to China, they were permitted, as the result of a memo-rial to the throne, to continue their manufacture for the time. Furthermore, there was much Salt made in the island, the manufacture of which the mandarins were unable to prevent. For instance, a few miles to the South of Hsinchiku (Teckcham), unruly natives manufactured Salt to the extent of 20,000 piculs ( 2,660,000 lbs.) yearly.

While the interior and western districts were supplied with locally manufactured Salt, the large ports, such as Tamsui and Anping, received

SALT. 507

much of their supplies from Quemoy, China. The procedure of sale, up to the occupation of the island by the Japanese, was as follows : — The manda-rins purchased in Formosa the Salt arriving from Quemoy, at a price slightly in advance of its cost, say from 28 to 33 Mexican cents a picul ( 133 lbs , distributed it to the various Salt stations, from which official depots all consumers were obliged to purchase, even to the coolie wh< requirements did not exceed a few cash worth. The price demanded ranged from r. 15 to 2.50 yen a picul according to the quality, thus giving the government, after paying the cost of the administration of the mono poly, a very handsome profit. This same Salt cost in Quemoy only [8 to 20 cents a picul, and was often brought as ballast by junks trading with Amoy. The Formosan-made Salt was taken over by the Chinese govern-ment at about the same prices paid for the Chinese mainland product, and not infrequently Chinese gunboats were utilized by the mandarins to trans-port the Salt from the coast villages where it was made, to Tamsui or Anping.

On the arrival of the Japanese, the Chinese government monopoly, of course, ceased, and transactions in Salt were permitted free of taxation or restriction. This caused some consternation among the local manufacturers, who in lieu of a steady single cash customer, were now offered thousands of unstable ones, whom to reach required a system of distribution and finance with which the Salt-makers were not familiar. This, combined with the rapid rise in the price of labor and the disturbed condition of the country, resulted in the closing up of a large number of farms. Without proper care and repair many of the plants were destroyed, until at one time, the total production, as compared with former years, decreased 60 per cent. Later the Japanese government decided tore establish the old monopoly with some alterations, and on May 15th, 1899 the new Salt monopoly regulations came into force throughout the island.1 This move was followed by the opening

1. FORMOSA SALT MONOPOLY REGULATIONS.

Revised to Contain Amendments ism'hh to Dati

Article I. — Salt, as the term is used in these regulations, refers to crude salt used for purposes of. food.

Article II. — Salt is purchased (locally) and imported by the government, and is sold at a fixed rate.

No salt, except that sold by the government, can be sold, received, or consumed.

No salt can be imported from Japan or abroad except by the government (this clause was added by " Salt Monopoly Revision Regulations" of September 13tli, 1899).

Article III. — All salt manufactured in Formosa must be sold to the government.

Article IV. — Upon a salt manufacturer presenting his product to the government, the government will take delivery, paying a certain fixed price for it. The price will lie determined by the government and published in due time.

Article V.- (Cancelled by "Revision Regulations" September 13th, 1899.)

Article VI.— Salt manufacturers must, on a date to be determined by the government, report as to the probable production of their farms for the coming year.

In case of a manufacturer passing his salt farm on to another, the fact must be reported by his successor.

Article VII.— Salt farms, warehouses, or any place where salt is kepi or supposed to be kept, may be inspected by officials connected with the administration of the monopoly.

Article VIII.— (Cancelled by " Revision Regulations" September 13th, 1899 l

Article IX.— Any person who violates the provisions of Clause 2 or Clause 3 of Art. II., will be fined a sum ranging from 10 to 1000 yen, but the Bait, if existing, will be taken over by the government at the price provided for in Art. IV.

Article X. — To persons violating this regulation, the code laws providing for the punishment of second offences, etc., will not he applied.

Articlo XI, — When representatives, members of the family, lodgers, or employes < f a manufacturer,

of the majority of the local Salt farms, and under the increased prices paid by the Formosa government, the industry soon recovered its former

importance.

The method of Salt manufacture in Formosa is the simple form of evaporation of sea-water, which is led over a series oi basins, and there ex-posed to the heat of the sun. To illustrate the process, the methods in vogue in the Takow district may be given, the establishments there- being represen-tative of the usual Salt farm as found in other parts of the island. The

nanjo (Toa lam-tyou) farms are situated on the north-east side of Takow lagoon, about one mile east of Takow village. Notwithstanding the fact that a small fresh-water stream empties itself into the i goon, the water appears to contain as large a quantity of Salt as the sea water along the coast. The location offers great advantages over farms directly on the sea-coast, in that the works are not exposed to the strong waves of the open sea in stormy times. The ground here utilized in the manufacture is some ioo acres in extent. Each so-called Salt farm, or evaporation plant, covers about 2 J^ acres, and contains a shallow basin ind it of the others when need be,

but supplied with water gates which, when opened, connect each basin with the one above or below it. Along the sho rected an artificial barrier

against the waters of the lagoon; provided, however, with a movable section in order that the water may lie admitted when required. In operation, the salt-water of the lagoon is admitted to the first basin. In twenty-four hours it is led to the I low, while water from the lagoon is run into the first

basin again. Tin's continues each day until the seventh or eighth basin has

a reached, when the sea-water, now partially concentrated, is collected in a reservoir. From this it is raised to a series of the crystallization basins, and, after remaining there some eight or ten hours, the finished Salt appears, and is removed to the store-room. In favorable weather, the complete operation from lagoon to store-house requires but ten days, and Salt is pro-

ed daily. In constructing a Salt farm, an attempt is made to have each basin slightly below the one from which the water must be received. But if this can not be done, as is frequently the case, the water is raised over the intervening embankment by the Chinese foot-power pump. The cost of pro-duction in tin- Takow district by this process is estimated at from 9 to 14

its (local currenc) ) a picul (133 lbs.), and the salt was, during the former

1 me, purchased by the Chinese Government at varying prices, rang from 12 to 28 cents a picul i Hiring the first U-w years of Japanese occupa-tion, when the Salt trade was free of restriction, 18 to 30 cents a picul was obtained, though the expenses of placing the same on the various markets consumed most oi this additional profit. Salt manufacturing can be carried on in the Takow district during the who , with the exception

of the months of July and August when the weather is unfavorable; but the

in course of their avocations, have violated the foregoing provisions, the manufacturers can uot escape from r iay have no cognizance of the offei

Article XII. -The rules anil instructions necessary fur the putting in force of these regulations, and the date of their enforcement will he announced hy the Governor-General.

Article XIII.— To suit manufactured prior to the dato of enforcement these regulations will not apply.

U.T. 5O9

period from September to April yields the largest results. The cost of pro-duction in Formosa is said to be about one fourth of that in Japan.

The present Japanese Salt monopoly differs in system from the former Chinese monopoly. Whereas, during the Chinese regime, the official Salt station sold direct to the consumer, with the Japanese the government dis-poses of the Salt at a fixed rate to an association of native contractors known as the "Jentai Shokuyen Urisabaki Kumiai" (Formosa Salt Selling Association) who supply the consumers. This body has established 20 principal offices and 80 branches to cover the island. It was first intern that the government should care for this department of the monopoly as well, but it was found preferable, from an economical standpoint, to place the distribution in the hands of private persons.

Government Salt-offices have been established at Kelung, Tamsui, Hsinchiku (Teck-cham), Koro (Aulang), Rokko (Lokiang*, Hoteishi 1 Pa te-chui1, Hokumonsho 1 Pak bin su), Tainan, and Takow, and the salt association obtain their supplies from these points.

The selling price for each district is announced, and cannot be increased by the association. The prices are dependent upon the expense of trans-portation, and range from 1.76 to 2.26 yen perpicul (133 lbs.). Though this sum is excessive as compared with the original cost of the product to the Government, still it is not a heavy burden when we note that, even at the high figures mentioned, the value of the total amount consumed annually is estimated at only 24 yen cents per head, and though the present selling price averages slightly higher than in the Chinese days, the increase amounts to only 1 /a yen cents a head. The amount consumed annually per h amounts to 15 kin '201/., lbs.) The bright side of the system, if a monopoly can have anything to its credit, is that the Salt manufacturers are paid a higher price for their product than they obtained under the Chinese regime.

The Government pays 33 yen cents per picul (133 lbs.) for the Hsin-chiku (Teckcham product, and 21 cents for the South Formosa Salt. There is also a second grade article, for which 2 or 3 cents less is paid. 'Ihe prices paid during the last days of the Chinese monopoly were 28 and 12 % cents respectively for the first grade. The Government sells the Salt to the distributing association at S5 cents per picul, which leaves a gross profit of upwards of 52 cents a picul. The total profit to the local Government appears in the budget for 1900 as 231,300 yen.

The Government purchases for the year 1900, it is estimated, will reach 800,000 piculs 1 106,400,000 lbs. 1, ofwhich 680,000 piculs 90,440,000 lbs.i will be Formosa made and 120,000 piculs I 15,060,000 lbs.) imported.

As the local production is increasing rapidly, far exceeding the amount required for local consumption, it is reported to be the government's intention to make Salt one of the important exports to the home land. The market price in Japan at present ranges from 50 to So yen cents a picul, and at this price the Formosa product can be laid down at a slight profit. It is thus hoped to make fapan independent of outside sources for her Salt supply, and to make the manufacture of Salt one of the leading industries of the island.

5io THE ISLAND OK FORMOSA.

The prevention of smuggling is one of the problems of the monopoly. Undoubtedly considerable quantities of Salt arc illegally landed along the west coast by junks, though the amount has not been sufficient to interfere seriously with the successful working of the monopoly. The government has a special police service to assist in the prevention of smuggling, with police boats patrolling the coast, and as the sale is controlled by an influen-tial native organization which has representatives in practically every village in the island and employs numerous private police officers, the illicit import will probably in time, largely if not wholly, be done away with.

The procedure of purchase and sale is as follows : —

Salt manufacturers, during December of each year, must make a report showing the estimated amount of Salt they will be; able to produce during the following year. The government will take over the Salt from time to time, as it is delivered at the government Salt offices, to a quantity during one year equal to the amount named, provided the quality of the same is up to the standard, and at a price which will be from time to time announced by the government. < )n the arrival of a vessel in which Salt forms in part or whole the cargo, the Customs office must immediately report the fact to the Salt office, which will despatch an inspector to examine the cargo, and place the same under official seal. Proper application may then be made by the owner to the Salt office, and the sale of the cargo to the government is effected. The selling contractors, when desiring to replenish their supplies, must present an application to the civil bureau for a license, naming the Salt office from which they wish to obtain their supplies, and the quantity desired; and after receiving payment tor the Salt, the civil bureau will grant the contractors an order on the Salt office, which, on presentation there, will obtain the supplies.

The most important difference between the present and the former Chinese monopoly is that, under the latter, the export of Salt from Formosa was not permitted, so that there was not much encouragement held out to the natives to go into the industry on a large scale; whereas at present, under the Japanese, the object is to supply not only the local requirements, but also to build up an export trade, especially with fapan.

The government have adopted a liberal policy in encouraging the local manufacture of Salt. During June 1S99, regulations were published an-nouncing that such government lands throughout the island as were suitable for the production of Salt would be loaned to parties desiring to engage in the manufacture.1 This grant takes the form of a lease

L FORMOSA SALT MANUFACTURING KEGULATIONS.

Article I. — Any person desiring to open a Salt-farm must apply to the government for official perm i

Article II.— None but Japanese subjects are permitted to engage in Salt-farming.

Article III.— Government land, if it is the intention to utilize it for Salt farms, can be obtained without restriction or remuneration; and, on the completion of the Salt farms, it will be loaned to the holder free of reu

Article IV.— 'the limit of the area granted and the term of the lease of the laud mentioned in Article III. will be determined by the Governor-General.

Article V. — The laud inteuded for the opeuiug of Salt farms will be inspected from time to time as the work progresses, and if the evaporation plant is not completed within the prescribed period, a part

SALT. 511

free of rent or other impost. The holder must, however, commence the construction of the Saltworks within six months, and if the same are not completed within a certain specified time, the lease will be cancelled, and no compensation will be paid for expenses incurred. No land or local taxes will be imposed on the Salt farms, but the holder must not cease to utilize the ground for the manufacture of Salt.

This offer on the part of the Government has not been without result. A combined Japanese and native company, known as the No/.aki Salt Manufacturing Co., opened an extensive farm near Hoteishi (Pa-techui), which is being worked on modern principles, and is the first plant of this kind to be established in the island. At present only a hundred workmen are engaged, but it is the intention to steadily increase the capacity. A much larger concern is the Formosa Salt Manufacturing Co. of Osaka, which has been organized with a capital of a million yen. It is the intention to lay out Salt fields along the west coast, increasing the company's holdings yearly until an aggregate area of 7,500 acres has been covered, to accomplish which it is estimated a period of 13 years will be required. One fourth of the capital is to be called in at once, and the balance as required. Accord-ing to a government estimate, there are some 15,000 acres of land suitable for Salt farms still remaining undeveloped.

Salt experts state that the formation of the West Coast of Formosa is such that an exceptionally favorable location for Salt manufactories is pre-sented. Japan and, with one or two exceptions, China present no such attractive held, while the comparatively large number of hot and sunny days with which this district is blessed provide the most necessary requisite for cheap manufacture. Furthermore, the quality of the Formosa Salt, as

or the entire grant will be caucelled ; and if the said land has been obtained in accordance with the pro-vision of Article III., a part of the entire grant will be revoked.

When the entire lease is cancelled as above, the expenditure so far incurred will not be returned by the government.

Article VI.- If a person does not commence work within 6 months after having obtained official permission, as provided by Article I., his permit will be oancelled, unless he lias beeu prevented from work by some natural obstruction ; aud if the land has boon obtained from the government the same will revert to the government.

Article VII.— When land has been returned to the government as provided by Articles V. and VI. or by voluntary action on the part of the former holder, if there are buildings or structures on the land, the i- must remove them within a period fixed by the government; aud, if he docs not remove them within this p. riod, they become the property of the government.

Article VIII.— The holder of government laud as provided by Article III. can not lease further land unless he has completed the proposed work on the first land. But capitalists who are considered in a position to complete their undertakings will be exempted from this rule.

Article IX.— The Salt-farms already existing on the government land will be granted to the person responsible for the improvement or his successor.

Article X. — No land tax or local taxes will he imposed on Salt-farms.

Article XI. —Any person who establishes Salt-farms on government land without obtaining per-mission as provided by Article I. will be fined a sum ranging from 100 to 500 yen ; aud any persons who have established farms on private land will be forced to cease their operation.

Supplementary Clauses.

Article XII.— To land which had been leased by the government prior to the enforcement of these Regulations, these Regulations Vfili bo applied, and the term of lease mentioned in Article VI will be calculated from the date of enforcement of these Regulations.

Article XIII.— The rules and instructions necessary for the placing in force of these Regulations aud the date of their enforcement will be announced by the Governor-General,

THE ISLAND OF 1< >KMOSA.

shown by analysis, is very superior.1 The bitter taste which is so pro-nounced in some newly made Saks, is absent in the Formosa product, and it can go into immediate consumption, whereas some Salts, the Japan article for instance, when intended for certain uses, such as the manufacture of Shoyu, Miso, etc., must first be stored for two or three years.

It is the belief of Government experts that the Salt industry in Formosa will attain such importance that the Japan consumption can be entirely supplied from this island. At present the Japan product finds, yearly, increasing difficult)- in competing with imported foreign Salt, which arrives from Germany and other countries; but under the favorable conditions exist-ing in Formosa, Japan as an Empire ma)' recover the ground lost in supply-ing her own people with this commodity.

In closing, the favorable opinion held by [apanese Salt experts in regard to Formosa as the coming source of supply for Japan is shown in the following quotation from a very complete report on the subject : —

'' Some people have visions of competing China and German rock Salts proving in time detrimental to the growth of our Formosa Salt trade, but it must be obvious to any one that the advantages our product possesses, both as to quality and low cost of transportation, assure for it a prosperity in the future which no outside competitors are liable to disturb."

].

ANALYSIS OF

FORMOSA SALT.

llsincliiku.

Aupiug.

Takow.

Sodium Chloride

'J5.T7'J

'JO. 180

'.17.100

Potassium Chlorate ..

braces

traces

traces

Magnesium Chloride

traces

1.452

1.205

Magnesium Sulphate

o.m

0.078

0.000

Calcium Sulphate . .

0.116

0.076

Calcium Chloride

o.ooo

0.000

0.357

Iusolublc matter

4.600

3.490

0.794

CHAPTER XXIX (PART 1 OF 5)

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS.

Indigo and other Dye Plants— Early history of Indigo — Difficulties of cultivation — Import trade — Local production — Sjwcies of plant* used—'* Tree-Indigi "Mountain-Indigo" — Districts under cultivation— Method of cultivation — Apparatus used in manufacture — Method of Manufacture —Yield of dye obtained — . I modem factory — Quality of Indigo obtained— Extensive cultivation proposed — Future of the Industry- Turmeric— Dye yam- -Gardenia.

Fibre plant* — China Grass fliamu > — Confusion in nomenclature — True "China Grass " and " Ramie " compared — District of cultivation — Cultivated by savages — Conditions for successful growth -Method of cultivation — Hand decortica-tion— Local " tints* cloth" — Wearing among savages — Export — Principal markets — Machine decortication — Conversion intofilasse — China fibre arrives m Europe — Promising futun — Taika rush — Conditions of cultivation — Manufacture if mat* described— Quality ami value of mats Yearly output — The cidtivation, convevsion into fibre, value "in! yield of the Fan Palm, Ijocal Hemp, Fine Apple, Alpinia, Paper Mulberry, Banana, Seine Pine, Bowstring Hemp. Cyperus, JIiln*en*. sill, Cotton Tree, Sterculia, Mulberry, Pueraria and Scirpus plants — Twenty-eight miscellaneous fibre plant*.

Paper plants — Rice-paper plant : — Description of plant and cultivation — Sheet cutting — Market ami export of — Bamboo : District of manufacturing — Process of paper making described -Production— Local paper trail — Paper mulberry-material — Method if manufacture— Water-proof paper — " Broussonetia Kashi-nohi " ami " Wikstroemia " paper plants described.

Oil plant* — Ground nut: — Cultiration — Method if nil extraction described — Ground nut cakt Cultivation and j'roduction of— Oil from Sesame, Soja Bean, Persim-mon, Tailmr Tne. Castor-oil, Rape-oil, " Elaeococca" (AleuritesJ, " Jatro-pita " ami " /\ rilla " plant* described,

s, aji plants — Soup-tres — " Gleditschia " Tea cake.

Miscellaneous plant* Tobacco: — District under cultivation — Manufacture in savage district— Experimental cultivation— Present trade anil ]>n>*peet* — Mitlmd oj cidtivation ami trade in products oj Coffi . Cocoa nut. Tapioca, Cassia Blumea, Tree-bean, Fiats ami Areca plant* - Twenty-four medicinal plants.

Agrictdture — Taihoku Government Agricultural Station — Experiments with miscel-laneous cereal*. Fibre plants, Sugar eane. Tobacco, Indigo, Fruit anil Stock.

Forests — Tiventy-four chief timber trees- Derelopment of forests — Government affore-station bounty.

Formosa is famous throughout the East for the great fertility ofits soil, and it would thus seem only in accordance with nature's design that the development of plant life should bring to the island its greatest prosperity.

Tea, Camphor, Sugar, (Formosa's three most valuable products), have already been described in detail. Rice, Sweet Potatoes, and other familiar

food products are not dealt with. Important as these food plants arc, there is but little to he gained from the extension of their cultivation, which is sufficient at present to supply local wants. The brightest prospects are offered by the large number of tropical and semi-tropical plants which the study of economical botany has brought to the fore, and for which there is an increasing demand in the markets of Europe and America.

Formosa possesses, 1 believe, her share of economical plants, and there are to describe, in addition to those dealt with in earlier chapters, the twenty-three fibre plants, eleven oil producing plants, four dye plants, live paper plants, nine miscellaneous plants ; there are also twenty three plants which, at least in the eyes of the Chinese, are considered of medical value, and twenty four forest trees valuable as timber. I have tried to make this list complete, and if there are plants unmentioned, they are among those of minor importance. 1 refer, of course, chielly to the plants of the plains and savage border districts. Botanical research in the interior savage districts will add greatly to our knowledge of the island's flora ; and judging from the work already accomplished in this wild territory by Japanese explorers, we shall not have long to wait.

Only some forty-four of the ninety-nine economic plants described, ex-cluding timber-trees, are at present utilized in Formosa ; and some of these: in but a small way. I have included the others, however, as it is of interest to know that these plants which, in other countries arc a source of more or less wealth, are now growing here, and that some, at least, are only await-ing recognition by local planters and merchants to add their share to the island's wealth. Interesting and valuable papers on the island's economic botany have been written by Mr. Hosie,1 Mr. Hancock,2 Dr. Mackay,1 and Dr. Henry.4 The first three writers give special attention to the north of the island, Dr. Henry to the south, but no attempt has been made, I believe, to deal with the subject at any length. The first and only really valuable work on the general botany of the whole island is that of Dr. Henry. His List of Formosan Plants, published by the Asiatic Society of Japan, records 1428 plants, and in addition to brief references as to the locality in which they occur, he mentions, in the case of economic plants, the uses to which the)- are put. His work is, at present, indispensable to students of For-mosan botany, and affords a good foundation upon which others may build.

1. See Chinese Customs Trade Report on Tamsui (1881) by Alex. Hosie.

2. See British Consular Report on Formosa (1893) by William Hancock.

3. See " From Far Formosa (1896) by George Leslie Mackay, D.D. See British Consular Report on Formosa (1895) by B. II. N. Perkins.

i. See " A List of I lauts from Formosa " by Augustine Henry II. A., F. L. S., Vol. XXIV ; supple-ment (189G) Transactions Asiatic Society of Japan.

tfOSAN ECONOMICAL i'l.A 5 I 5

I personally have found it of great assistance in ascertaining the nomencla-ture of the plants which I wished to describe. 1 must above all acknowledge the kind assistance rendered by Mr. Yasusada Tashiro, the chief botanist in the forestry section of the Formosa government. This gentleman was

despatched to Russia as the Government Commissioner to the International Exhibition of Horticulture held in St. Petersburg, and completed his studies in botany under the eminent Russian botanist Maximowicz. I ie has visited several European countries and many of the South Sea Island-,, in connection with his work. He is author of many Japanese hooks on botanical subjects ; but unfortunately, with the exception of a valuable report on shad'; tr< the results of his Formosa researches remain unknown. Mr. Tashiro showed great kindness in answering my numerous inquiries, and also gave me much valuable information which otherwise I could not have obtained. I am indebted also to Mr. Sojiro Yokoyama, the able chief of the Agricultural Section of Taihoku Prefecture, who has helped me in many ways.

INDIGO.

In importance, the manufacture of Indigo should follow the industries described in previous chapters ; and if experiments now being made are successful, this useful dye will soon occupy a much more prominent position among the island's products.

No information is obtainable as to the date ot the first cultivation of Indigo in Formosa. It is not mentioned by the Dutch as one ot the island's products, and the Koxinga family do not appear to have introduced it. \\ e are assured, however, that it was prominent in the island during the first half of the nineteenth century, for we learn that it was growing over a considerable area and was known as one of the stable products as early as 1850. Comparatively large quantities ot the dye were shipped from the island in those early days, the export for instance in [856 amounting to 7,000 piculs 1931,000 lbs.), valued, however, at the low figure ot $21,000.

Formosa Indigo was at this period famous in the neighboring districts of China, and for some years it was customary to send manufactured grass-cloth and other cloths to Formosa to be dyed and then returned to China. Apparently the brilliant blues obtainable here with the freshly made Indigo were at that time more difficult to secure when the dye was exported and used elsewhere. The Formosa Indigo was usually purchased as it stood in the field, the merchant extracting the dye. It was shipped direct, chietly from Banka, and formed a not unimportant part of the junk cargoes ot coal, hemp, etc., for Chinchu, Foochow, Wenchow, Ningpo, and Tientsin, where it was exchanged for Nankeens, ironware, medicine, etc. In 1880 and there-abouts, it occupied in tonnage the third place anion- junk export cargoes, rice and coal alone exceeding it, and it was frequently first in value. The yearly Indigo export by junk at this time averaged about 21,000 piculs, valued at some 150,000 yen.

Indigo was largely cultivated in the border districts, and the production was consequently much dependent on the temper of the savages. 1 he

mountain Indigo, which grew mostly in the hilly district, was still more under the control of the savages, and not infrequently th : production was so lessened owing to the border warfare that there was not sufficient to supply domestic demands. The usual local abundance of the dye had accustomed the people to its use. and in case of a small home production, Swatow Indigo was imported to make up the deficiency. I difficulties with the savages tended to increase, and with the introduction of a growing and profitable tea trade the agriculturalists gradually gave tea the preference, with the result that the production of Indigo decreased so rapidly that during the last tew years it has been necessary to import some of the Swatow Indigo regularly.1 These amounts, however, reaching but a lew thousand piculs a year supply but a small portion of the total requirements. Formosa Indigo is still produced extensively, and with the increased purchasing power of the masses, it is quite likely that the local consumption is larger than formerly, thus taking up much ol the surplus that was formerly exported. When it is noted that there are very few of the two million and a half Chinese in the island who do not possess one or more garments which owe their serviceable and attractive coloring to this useful plant, it is not difficult to realize how large the home production must be. It requires hut a glance at the passing crowd in any town in Formosa, to note how widely the dye is used : and the effect, both in the light blue so much favored by the island's lair damsels, and in the serviceable blue black of the abbreviated coolie dress, is not displeasing.

The plants from which the dye is obtained in North Formosa have not as yet been definitely determined. Tin; Chinese divide them into the so-called "Tree or small Indigo " (Chiia) and the " Mountain or big Indigo." The former, although an undisputed Indigofera, seems to differ slightly from both the Tinctoria and . ///// varieties as found in India, and the latter which belongs to a different order has been declared by [apanese botanists to be Strobianthes Flaccifolius, Xees, which is also known as Ruellia indigotiea. the name proposed by Fortune, who discovered the plant in China. Indigofera Tinctoria is indigenous to the tropical parts of Asia, Africa, and America, and is the species most widely cultivated in the Madras and bengal Provinces of India, and is also grown in Madagascar, the Isle of France, and St. I 'omingo. Indigofera Anil is a wild species found in some parts of North and South America, the West Indies, and along the Gambia in Africa. In Punjaub province, India, it is under cultivation. According to Dr. Henry, Indigofera Tinctoria is found in both North and South Formosa, and Indigo/era Aniljis under cultivation in South Formosa. In this paper the translated Japanese nomenclature of "free Indigo" and " Mountain-Indigo" will be retained for convenience sake.

The Tree Indigo, in both Formosa varieties, is a bush very woody at base, and supporting an abundance of small pinnate, oval leallets. It is at

1. IMPORT OF MUD 1NJ»I

(Almost wholly from Swatow, Cuina.)

1806 2,036 piculs (270,678 lbs.) valued at- 7,386 yen.

7 1,907 „ (253,631. lbs.) „ 6,168 ,,

1898 6,485 „ (862,505 lbs.) „ 21,217 „

1899 4,961 „ (660,212 lbs.) „ 22,006 „

FOKMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 5 I 7

present cultivated largely in the plains and grows to a height of some 4 feet, though separate stems growing semi-vertically sometimes reach 5 or more feet in length. The Mountain Indigo is frequently found wild in the hills. It has numerous green colored stems with large oval, slightly serrated leaves reaching" frequently 7 inches in length. The plant grows to a height of from 3 to 4 feet. It is cultivated in the hilly districts.

Throughout the island, but especially in the North, fields easily watered are as a rule given up to rice, and the remaining ground is put to sugar cane, cereals, Indigo, vegetables, peanuts, etc. Thus the ground selected for Indigo is often unfertile, and insufficiently watered. Taihoku (Taipeh) Taichu and Tainan prefectures produce the most Tree Indigo.1

There are practically no exclusive plantations of Indigo in Formosa, such as those found in India and other countries. Unlike the sugar and rice fields of the island, which sometimes spread over a thousand acres. Indigo is accepted as a side product by the farmers, and as a rule is given but a portion of their available ground. It is, however, grown throughout the whole western half of the island from Kimpauli in the north to Toko (Tang Kang) in the south.

As a rule, Tree Indigo is cultivated by the natives on an independent basis, the system of advances and loans on prospective crops, such as exists with sugar cane, and to a lesser extent with tea and rice, not being applied to it. In preparing for Indigo cultivation, the ground is freely ploughed and harrowed and then manured, night-soil being the usual fertilizing agent. During April, the seed is planted by hand, some ten grains being placed slightly below the surface, at distances eight or nine inches apart. When seedlings make their appearance, the weaker are pulled out, two or three strong young plants being left. In July or August, a second manuring is given, for which purpose refuse Indigo leaves from the manufacture, are sometimes used. Weeding also occurs about this time, though frequently both weeding and artificial fertilizing receive no attention whatever.

In Taichu Prefecture, the crop is harvested once a year, but in the north three crops are usually gathered in two years, the new plant yielding its first crop in August, its second in June, and its third in September. Alter the second or third growth, a portion of the plants are allowed to run to seed : and in about a month or six weeks the seeds have appeared and are gathered for use in the next season's planting. The Formosa Indigo seeds

1. The chief Tree-Iudigo producing districts in tho island are as follows : —

,Tamsui River Valley. iTang-lay).

[Hunzampo. [Seiho (Sai-po).

T ., , | Chikulioku Iohi (Tek-sack). t ; i , Katsustaoho (Kat-shou-po).

" Chiku nan Iohi (Tek-lftm). ,, i ,,'" -. Basbi-ho (Bay-chi-po).

1 retecture. Daikoro (Toa-kong-long). Tochoho (Toug-liau-loug). Byoritsu. ,Kagi.

Seiho (Sai-po). Ninju (Giu-san). Jori (Sion-li). Daikoro (Toa-koug-long). Kakoto (Kka-tang). \H0kuU0 (Pak-po).

Prefecture.

Tainan

Prefecture.

5l8 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

have a good-reputation in China, and are exported from the island (chiefly from Anping) to the extent of some iooo piculs (133,000 lbs.) a year.1

In harvesting, a sickle is used, and the stems are cut so as to leavesome

O

five or six inches of the stalk above ground. The amount obtained is dependent upon the season and the quality and condition of the plant itself, but it is said to range from 15 to 30 piculs (1,995 to 3-99° l°s-) an acre. After the third harvest, the roots are ploughed up and the land prepared for seeding.

Mountain Indigo is grown under different conditions to Tree Indigo. As this plant dues quite well in comparatively unfertile soil, it is customary to raise it on unattractive hilly land useless for other growths. A [apanese Company has taken up the cultivation of Mountain Indigo, centering their efforts in the vicinity of Tokoham (Taikokan); and it is this plant that furnishes the material for the manufacture of cake Indigo, lately instituted by the same company.

Mountain Indigo seems to grow best on the southern side of well shaded hills. In Gilan district, where a large quantity grows, it flourishes in rugged and almost barren mountain lands, and has a reputation among Chinese cultivators as being the most hardy and the easiest cultivated of all Formosa plants.

Propagation is by cuttings. Plants of good quality are selected and cut down some 6 inches from the ground, and the steins obtained are planted — four or more stems together — about one foot apart.

After the first harvest, refuse leaves are thrown on the fields as 1 fertilizer, and with the exception of a rough weeding three or four times a year, the plant receives no further attention. Under favorable circumstances, a plant will last four or live years. The heaviest yield is obtained the first harvest, and the yield decreases each harvest, until the plant is finally taken up to give place to new growths. The total yield is somewhat less than that of Tree Indigo.

The 011K Indigo dye manufactured in the island prior to the establishment of the Japanese factor}' was a very low grade semi-fluid stuff, to which the term " Mud Indigo " has generally been given. It is this preparation alone which the Chinese understand, and which for a hundred years they have made no attempt to improve. To manufacture the comparatively valuable cake Indigo would have required apparatus less complicated than the local Chinese at present use in the manufacture of sugar, but the ever-prevailing resolve " to do as father did " was not to be altered, and thus an industry which might have been of great value to the island received no encouragement, and was allowed to find a home in other lands where innovation and enterprise are not despised.

The method of manufacture practised in the island by the Chinese, even at the present day, requires as apparatus, a large steeping tub, an oxidizing

1. Duriug 1897, 1,129 piculs (150,157 lbs.) of Indigo seed valued at 6,376 yen were exported. Iu 1898, however, the quantity exported reached ouly 356 piculs (17.31S lbs.) valued at 1,782 ycu.

FORMOSAX ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 5 19

vat, a beating paddle, and a ladle. The tub is of wood, some 6 feet high, with a diameter of over 4 feet at the top decreasing to something over 3 feet at the bottom. It has two holes fitted with plugs, one being near the liottom and the other 1 *4 feet above. The vat, which is used in connection with, and sometimes in place of, a tub, is a rectangular cement tank sunk in the ground and provided with two outlets similar to those in the tub.

Now with the apparatus at hand for the manufacture, some four piculs {-,$2 lbs.) of the freshly cut Tree Fndigo stems, carrying their abundance of leaves, are placed in the tul> and pressed down by large stones. Water is then poured into the tub till it covers the contents and is perhaps two inches above. After two or three hours, a kind of mucous fermentation sets in, bubbles of air are liberated, and the liquid rises slightly in the tub with the expansion of the mass below. After a short time, a thick froth will have formed on the surface. When this froth begins to subside, the attendant is aware that nearly all the leaves have been saturated, and as the coloring-principle is freely soluble in water, it is readily extracted when the leaves are thus once thoroughly wetted. With the Formosa plant, about 24 hours is generally required before this action is effected. The fluid, which is now of a brownish, color, is allowed to flow out from the bottom hole into the oxidizing vat provided for that purpose.1 Some twenty catties 127 lbs.) of lime are now added to the liquid to incite oxidation. After the lime has been added the liquid is beaten for two hours or so, that the dye may become further oxidized, which when completely effected will cause the indigo to be precipitated to the bottom of the vat. After 24 hours, the precipitation is considered complete, and the upper plug is removed to permit the waste liquor to pass off. Now the semifluid dye, known as " Mud Indigo," at the bottom is dipped out with the ladle and is considered complete and ready for the market. The product is sometimes stored in cement vats sunk into the earth, and if any further precipitation should occur here the water on the surface is drawn off. The dye when marketed is placed in wooden tubs or baskets lined with paper, a package containing about a picul (133 lbs.) of the stuff.

For Mountain Indigo the process of manufacture is about the same as above, except that the stems must be kept in the steeping vat three days in the summer, and six days in winter, before the plant yields its dye material. Furthermore, after the lime has been thrown in, a small quantity of oil is added. After roughly straining the liquor to remove sticks, etc., the stuff is run into the oxidizing vat, and about 10 lbs. of alum is added. After two days, precipitation is effected and the dye is considered read)- for the market. The refuse from the first manufacture is frequently put through the process a second time, for the purpose of extracting any Indigo which may remain. From the Tree Indigo plants, some .2 to .4 per cent., and from the Mountain Indigo some .3 to .4 per cent., of Mud-Indigo are obtained. From 4 to 8 yen a picul (133 lbs.) is obtained for this class of dye.

1. Sometimes the native manufacturer possesses but the one tub. Iu this case lie withdraws tho stems with the leaves attached and completes the process iu the single receptacle.

A Japanese company is being organized to take up the manufacture of Indigo by modern processes. This company will establish a factory in Daitotei (Twatutia) with a capacity of some 40,000 lbs. of best cake Indigo a month. The method of manufacture will he similar to that in India, the Indigo being first steeped in artificially heated vats and then run into oxidizing tanks, where precipitation will be induced by the heating process. The stuff will then be filtered and pressed into cakes. From experiments made by the company with Mountain Indigo, a very high grade dye has been obtained, running in Indigotin (the essential coloring material of commercial Indigo) as high as 78 per cent. The govern-ment experimental station obtained with the same plant 75 per cent, of Indigotin. That this compares very favorably with the foreign product will be realized when we note that the average ;jood marketable grades of foreign Indigo contain from 50 to 60 per cent, of Indigotin, good Bengal runs to 61 per cent., and the finest commercial Indigo very rarely reaches 75 per cent. The company will not only engage in the manufacture, but will undertake the cultivation as well. Large tracts of hill land have been obtained, and it is expected that 3,000 natives will be steadily engaged in cultivating the same.

Some three million yen worth of foreign Indigo is consumed yearly in Japan, and as the Formosa product will probably be able to enter duty free, it ought to have a prosperous future. The question of artificial Indigo is, of course, one of great importance, but it has not yet been satisfactorily determined that this product is equal to the natural dye for general pur-poses. It is asserted that many dye-houses in Europe, where artificial Indigo has been tried, have returned to the natural dye Even should the artificial article eventually replace natural Indigo in western lands, the For-mosa product would still have in Japan a great advantage in low freights and freedom from import duty, which would perhaps offset the difference in original cost.

■S"

1.— TURMERIC ("Curcuma Longa, L").

Japanese: "Ukon." Ciuxksk: " Chiang huang."

The cultivation of Turmeric is a very important industry in South Formosa, and the plant is second among the exports of the south and north, being exceeded only by sugar. Turmeric is one of the numerous plants of the Ginger tribe. It grows to a height of some 4 feet, has numerous large leaves, and possesses roots extremely grayish in color, but internally a deep yellow. From this root a yellow dye is obtained which is largely used by the Chinese. The root also affords material for a medicine, a condiment used in the manufacture of curry, and a chemical test. iSee under miscel-laneous plants}. ( )ver 3.500,000 pounds of Turmeric, valued at 1 25,587 Yen, were exported from Formosa, chiefly to China ports, during 1899. This was shipped almost wholly from Anping.

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 52 1

2. — DYE YAM (" Dioscorea Rhipogonoides, Oliver").

Japanese: " Shoro." Chinese: "Shulang."

This (.wining- shrub is one of the important dye plants of Formosa, and grows wild in the mountainous savage territory throughout the island. The savage values it highly as his chief article ol trade, and quantities of the tubers of the most common variety are seen in the savage border villages. The 1 )ye Yam is dark brown in color with a rough surface. When sera] it reveals a fibrous interior of rich brownish red. In shape; it is not unlike a double bulbed potato, and frequently reaches a very large size, say 15 or 16 inches long and 4 or 5 inches in diameter. The Chinese cultivate the plant but little, and obtain their supplies chiefly from the savages at some 70 or 80 Yen cents a picul (133 '/3 lbs.) The dye is obtained by cutting the tuber into small pieces. The latter are then added to a certain quantity of boil ing water, and in this the articles to be dyed are placed. It is used by the savages in dyeing their cloth and by the Chinese in dyeing fishing nets, cloth, tea bags, etc. The color obtained is a reddish brown, not only permanent but also believed to render cloth, etc., proof, to some extent, against rot. The Dye Yam is largely cultivated in Tonking and in the Chinese provinces of Kwantung and Kwangsi. There is at present but a trilling export of these tubers from Formosa.

3— GARDENIA ("G. Florida, L").

Japanese: Chinese: " Huang-cm."

This plant, grown throughout China and Formosa for its beautiful flowers, which are used in scenting tea, is also of value as a dye plant. [Tie fruit of this species yields a yellow dye well known in China and to some extent in Japan, but used very little in Formosa.

FIBRE PLANTS.

1.— CHINA GRASS 1"Boehmeria Nivea, 11k. & Arn.") or so-called " RAMIE" ok "RHEA."

Japanese: " Karamushi or Ra-mi." Chinese: "Tin."

The popular names " China < iras^," " Ramie " or " Rhea " have been generally applied indiscriminately to die produce of Boehmeria nivea and B. tenacissima; in fact, it was not generally known that any difference existed in the true Ramie or Rhea and China Crass. The plant common in China, and the bar East, and lately introduced into Algiers, Southern France, the United States, and some parts of India, is the true China ('.r;i^, the product of Boehmeria nivea; and it is this plant, often described as Ramie or Rhea, that has created so much interest in many parts of the world. According to Kew, the true Ramie or Rhea. />'. tenacissima, which is a native of Assam, the Mala) Peninsula, and adjacent islands, can be cultivated only in the tropics, attempts to introduce it within tin- temperate

zone having met with failure. The two plants are easily distinguished, as the leaves of China Grass {Boehmeria nivea) arc silvery-white underneath, and the plant thrives in almost any of the temperate or subtropical portions of the world, while the under surfaces of the leaves of the Ramie or Rhea (B. tenacissima) are green, and successful growth of the plant is con fined to the tropics.'

Ramie as a term for China Grass has been so widely used, even in scientific circles, and the error can now with such difficulty lie corrected, that for practical purposes it might be advisable to adopt some modification of the term when referring to China Grass, such as China Ramie or "White Ramie,"-' otherwise without a full explanation accompanying each essay on the plant, readers familiar with the term Ramie alone, may be of opinion that some other plant is the subject of discussion. China Grass in itself is a misleading term, inasmuch as the plant described belongs to the natural order Urticaceae, and is consequently a nettle rather than a grass.

In Formosa, no true Ramie has been found, though China Grass grows in abundance from North to South, both in the Savage territory and out of it. Perhaps nowhere in the East does the plant find a more congenial home. There is in North Formosa, at least, much land that affords just the soil, drainage, temperature, and rainfall that suits the plant. It grows here strong and big, whole fields with stems 9 and 10 feet high being no rare exception.

CHAPTER XXIX (PART 2 OF 5)

It is believed that China Grass is indigenous to China ; at all events its cultivation there extends back beyond all records. Botanist Tashiro is of opinion that the plant now found in the plains was probably brought over to Formosa by immigrants from China, but he is not so sure that the plant the savages now possess was not cultivated by them in the hill land prior to the arrival of the Chinese. China Grass is found growing wild in Formosa, but the stems possess so many branches and the bark of the plant is so thin and brittle that it is considered by both Chinese and savages of no value as a fibre plant. In connection with the China Grass found in the savage territory, Botanist Tashiro has put forward an interesting theory. 'I he savages of Botel Tobago, near the south east coast of Formosa, who seem more closely related to some of the Philippine groups than the Pormosa savages, utilize China Grass in the same way as do the tribes which they resemble in the Philippines. The short sleeveless tunic made from China Grass fibre is common to the savages of the three places mentioned, and taking these points into consideration, it is suggested that the plant which they cultivate may have been introduced into Formosa by the savages from some of the Malay islands, where it is probably indigenous.

1. Iu a letter addressed by Kew to the India Office, dated May 8th, 1890, the following opinion was expressed : " Whether the fibre of Ramie is at its best really as good as the best China grass (Boehmeria nivea) is a point that appears not to have be n definitely settled. It may (urn out to be simply a

f soil and climate. China grass may xive a larger and better supply "f fibre under cool condi-

, whereas Ramie or Rhea may do equally well under essentially tropical conditions." I'age 81 Kew Bulletin ou "Vegetable Fibres," Loudon 1898.

2. The term " White Ramie" applied to China grass appears in an article eutitled "Notice sur La Ramie " by Charles Roux.

fORMOSAN ECONOMICAL TLANT.S. 523

la Formosa, China Grass appears to grow well either in sandy or in heavy soil rich with vegetable mold. A thin, clayey, or hard soil seems unattractive. The hill land from which the forests have been newly cleared gives the best results. We consequently find that the plants grown by the savages in their territory are superior to those found in the plains. The best fibre comes from Polisia, Taiko (Twao), Ijioritsu (Maoli), all in Taichu prefecture. In Tainan prefecture such districts as Hozan and Banshoryo, which are adjacent to the savage territory, also produce considerable quantities, and the cultivation there is largely in the hands of the Chinese.

Along the southeast coast, in Taitong sub-prefecture, the Amis and others among the savages, produce a considerable quantity. Chinese in Gilan district likewise engage in the cultivation. In addition to the above districts, from which there is some export, many of the savages throughout the island, as well as many Chinese, grow small batches to supply their own domestic wants.

China Grass in Formosa seems to do best with plenty of sun, not too much wind, and a regularly watered, though not a wet, soil. To furnish these conditions we find many of the plantations in the North, sheltered by bamboo groves ; and unless the land is high and well drained, the ground is formed into long beds raised from 1 to 2 feet above the surrounding surface and highest in the center that water may pass off quickly. Tiese beds are some 6 feet or so in width, and pathways perhaps 2 feet in width pass between them.

Tie plant is propagated by seeds, stem, or rhizoma cuttings, generally the latter in Formosa. If seeds are used it is customary to plant in some rich well watered spot, and, when the nettle has appeared and is of sufficient size, to transplant to the field. When the supply of roots is limited, layering is sometimes resorted to. This consists of bending to the earth a stem, which is held down by covering the end of it with some few inches of earth. The tips soon form roots, and in a few weeks new stems will appear, which can be divided and transplanted. When rhizomas are used for planting, the roots are divided into cuttings some 4 or 5 inches in length, each showing one or more eyes, and during the month of December are set out, one every 7 or S inches, in rows about one foot apart. Several stems spring up from each rhizoma, with the result that when the plants are full grown the fields are very much crowded, and it is doubtful if better results would not In- obtained were more space left between the plants.1 The ground is well manured with night-soil prior to planting, and when the young stems have reached a height of some 6 or 7 inches, the field is again manured. Weed-ing then takes place, and in some few cases an additional manuring. No further attention is given to the plant until the first crop is ready for harvesting, which would occur in the North during the month of April.

1. According to a U. S. Government "Raport (No. 7) on the Cultivation of Ramie in. the United States" by ('has. Richards Dodge, planters are al wide variance as to the d. stance apart which the plants should be set to obtain the beat results. In the United States the plants are generally set from 1 foot to 15 inches apart in rows from 1 to 1J feet apart.

524 T1IK ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Three further crops, which mature more rapidly than the Spring one, are obtained during the year — in June, September, and December. In some districts where conditions are somewhat unfavorable, only three crops are obtained a year. After each harvest the soil is fertilized with night-soil and leaves from the Stripped stems, and the old roots throw up new stems, though in some fields, the roots are first plowed under, and the ground newly leyelled.

If the soil is fertile and other conditions favorable, no deterioration will be observed in the plants for some three or four years, and when it docs appear, the entire field is replanted. No definite information can be obtained as to the average yield per acre; but one field on the Tamsui river, which the writer visited, was reported by its owner to yield annually an acreage of over 10,800 lbs. of green stalks stripped of leaves, from which could be obtained some 980 to 1,100 lbs. of cleaned ribbon. The better grades grown in the bill districts would probably give different results.

When the plant has attained the height desired, the leaves are stripped off by hand, and left in the field for fertilizing purposes, and the stalks are cut down near to the -round, an easy operation with a sharp sickle.

The fibre forms the inner bark, and to extract it rapidly without damaging it is a problem which has interested inventors in several western countries for years. The Chinese decorticate by hand, and though it requires the services of perhaps 100 persons to do what one steam power machine with 4 attendants would accomplish, labor is so cheap and foreign machinery such a terrifying innovation, that' even had the foreign appliances proved satisfactory for plantation work, which they have not entirely done, it is doubtful if the Chinese would have adopted them. The Chinese workmen, such as the writer has seen in North Formosa, show great agility in the work, and it is quite wonderful that their crude methods should give such satisfactory results. The tools used consist of a short hollow bamboo tube that it may be stuck over the right hand thumb, and a rounded wooden handle which has let into it, lengthwise, a brass blade and is likewise manipulated by the right hand.

The first step in the decortication of the plant is to peel off the bark. A sharp knife is run down lengthwise of the stem, cutting through the bark only ; then the whole is doubled over, breaking the woody core, and causing the fractured ends to protrude through the side of the bark where cut. By pulling the fractured ends out from the bark, the inner part is quickly extracted, leaving the green bark in one long llat band, some five or more feet in length. The operation is quickness itself, each stem requiring but a lew seconds. If the stripping has been done in the field, the bark is carried to some neighboring shelter where the fibre is to be extracted. The bark ribbons are first soaked for a few moments in water to make them soft and pliable. When sufficiently softened, a ribbon is picked up with the left hand and thrown over the scraping tool held in the palm of the right hand with the dull edge of the brass blade upwards. The bamboo tube inserted over the right hand thumb is now pressed against the scraping tool, thus holding the ribbon between the two. Now when the portion of the bark passing over

the brass blade is pulled from the outside and below the scraper, the bark ribbo.n must form an acute angle in passing over the blade, and furthermore, Owing to the pressure of the bamboo on the scraper, its surface must bear down strongly on the blade. The result is that the outer bark, which is more brittle than the fibre, cannot make the angle, but breaks and peels off, while solt or gummy portions are scraped oti by the edge of the blade ; the fibre, being the only part possessing strength as well as flexibility, passes over the blade safely and receives no injury. By lessening or increasing the pressure of the bamboo tube on the scraper, the workman can effectually control the varying scraping force which the different classes of ribbons may require. After having cleaned one end of the bark, this part is held and the other end thrown over, and after having been drawn entirely through, the ribbon is turned over and the reverse side cleaned. The fibre is now hung up to dry and bleach in the sun. This completes the operation, and leaves a narrow band of cleaned fibres held loosely together, reaching from 4 to 7 feet in length.1

I describe this minutely, as the treatment of China < rrass by machinery is receiving much attention in western lands, and the wholly successful machine ior plantation work, which we shall doubtless see ere long, will probably be that one which succeeds, to the greatest degree, in applying automatically, and on a large scale, the principles which now control the decortication by hand as practised by these Chinese laborers. The average operator (they are very often women) can easily extract some 16 to 20 lbs. of fibre in the form of cleaned ribbon in a Chinese working day of 12 hours. The writer has seen a skilled workman who could turn out 2j£ lbs. of cleaned ribbons in one hour, and has been assured that this man can produce 30 lbs. in a Chinese working day (12 hours). Furthermore, it is stated that this is not an unusual result where the laborers are experienced men. This refers to wet ribbons. The weight of the dried material would be somewhat less.2

The China Crass grown by the savages is largely used by them for the manufacture of their so called "savage cloth," from which their garments are chiefly made. This cloth is also an article of trade, and considerable quantities are purchased by the Chinese along the savage border. It is an extremely durable cloth, and though necessarily rough in texture, owing to tlie crude weaving appliances used, some of the work is distinctly ornamental. The savages introduce geometrical designs in color by weaving in dyed wool or cotton threads, which they obtain almost exclusively from unravelling colored blankets or other foreign textiles which they may have secured by barter. The designs are always original, and frequently striking, and should be very interesting to collectors of decorative and odd fabrics.

1. The writer has in liis possession China Grass fibres measuring nearly 9 feet in length, but this ia exceptional, the plants referred to having been specially selected on account of their size.

2. Iu Mr. Dodge's report on Ramie published by the U. s. Government, appears the statement "The Chinese strip the fibre by hand, producing, it has b than 2 lbs per daj rer." In a British Consular Report bj Mr. Sosie the weight of fibre that one man can extract in a day of tea hours is given as 8 lbs. Mr. Hosie may refer to th operation from peeling off the bark in the field to cleaning the ribbons, usually done at the planter's house.

Although formerly the Chinese women were expected to supply the cloth to meet the requirements of the family, ot late the Formosa Chinese find that it is to their advantage to purchase cloth as they require it from professional weavers. Consequently, the fibre produced by the Chinese in Formosa, with the exception ot a portion retained for the manufacture of twine, etc., is exported, chiefly to China. A portion of it returns later, made up into the so-called "Grass Cloth," for which there is a considerable local demand.

It is difficult to ascertain the exact export of China Grass fibre, as it does not appear as a separate item in the Customs returns. During the year 1898, 28,685 piculs (3,815,105 lbs.) of miscellaneous fibre, valued at 395,911 yen, were sent to China. China Grass fibre occupied the largest share, and probably reached in value to some 300,000 yen. Though this is not a large trade it is a growing one. In 1896, the export of this product did not reach 200,000 yen, and 10 years ago it was a small item in the tens of thousands. There is a considerable demand for China Grass ribbons in Japan, and a company has been lately formed in Osaka with, it is reported, 1,000,000 yen capital, to engage in the import and sale of the Formosa fibre.

Perhaps no plant during the last few years has attracted such wide attention as China Grass and Ramie. The fibre obtained from these plants stands at the head of all known vegetable fibres. In fineness it is excelled only by silk, in lustre silk is likewise its only opponent, and in strength, Russian Hemp, one of the strongest vegetable fibres, is surpassed by it three fold. It is not unnatural, therefore, that it should prove attractive both to the planter and the manufacturer.

Unfortunately, however, experts have not yet discovered a method of producing the finished fibre at a sufficiently low cost to permit of the product being placed on the market in competition with other fibres.

It is required that the fibre be first extracted by a cheap and practical process, preferably by machines which can be operated in the fields, on small plantations, as the threshing machine is used for wheat. Hand labor, owing to its expense, is entirely out of the question. Then the fibre must be degummed and converted into filasse suitable for the textile manufacturers.

Inventors were first attracted to the so called Ramie problem by the Indian Government, which offered a reward of 5,000 pounds sterling for the best process, mechanical or chemical, of preparing the fibre. None of the machines which were put forward to compete for the prize were successful, and the offer was eventually withdrawn. This action on the part of the Indian Government was not without result, however, for it aroused interest in other lands, and the attempts since then to solve the problem have been-unceasing.

In decortication, partial success has been attained by several inventors. The Favier, de Sandtsheer, and Faure machines (all French), the Death (Fnglish), and the Allison, (American) have given comparatively good results.

The machines are not expected to accomplish more than the decortication of the plant and a rough cleaning of the resulting ribbons.1

The fibre, as it comes from the machines, is the marketable commodity known as " Machine cleaned China Grass," and it is not generally necessary for the planter to engage in the conversion of the ribbons into filasse, which is an operation best performed at the spinning mill.

The last process applied to China Grass, known as degumming, has scarcely emerged from the experimental stage. It is to eliminate from the ribbons an obstinate gummy substance, and to convert them into the fine white silky fibre known as filasse, ready for the spinning machine. It is generally recognized that this can only be accomplished by the use of chemicals. The Favier, Boyle, Gomess, Fleury-Moriceau, and other pro-cesses have been invented to accomplish this. I'or some uses, such as the manufacture offish lines, nets, and coarse fabrics similar to the local Grass Cloth, the fibre need not be degummed chemically. It can lie sufficiently cleaned, it is said, by running it through a cording machine.

The French have been perhaps more successful than any other nation in utilizing the fibre. The Favier process, both for decortication and degum-ming, is being used successfully both in France and Spain. The Favier Company spin the product of their own decorticating works, and have been carrying on a business lor some years. There is a second successful spin ning mill in Baden, Germany, and some five other factories in Europe are devoted to the spinning of imported China Grass or Ramie fibre. The pro-duct of these factories is utilized in the manufacture of lace, table damask, napkins, handkerchiefs, upholstery, curtains, etc., and general household linen. French hotels and railway companies are reported to have abolished ordinal')- linen in favor of the new product, owing to the latter's splendid wearing and washing qualities. The minister of war has adopted it for the cordage of balloons, ammunition bags, etc., and the arm}' and navy use it for the dressing of wounds. It is in use as linen in some twenty city depart-ments at Paris, and the Bank of France has adopted it exclusively in the manufacture of notes. -

This is a very creditable showing when we note that the manufacture of the fibre is a new industry, generally considered to be still in an experi-mental stage. That other countries will follow France in utilizing this valuable product there is scarcely a doubt. The most difficult problems in connection with the manufacture have been solved, and there remains only the more perfect application of known principles to produce appliances which can be easily'and economically operated. When this is done, China Grass and Ramie will in a short time occupy a position well to the fore among vegetable fibres, and Formosa, which possesses above most lands the conditions required for the successful cultivation of the former, will find this fibre one of her most valued products.

1. In 1887, Ihn ith fibre m ought to Tamsui, Formosa, an* the decortication of China Grass \ under the I enture, which was of an experimental nature, did not appear specially promising, however, and after a few months work was discontinued.

2. See the U.S. Gov. Report on Ramie by Mr. Chas. Richards Dodgo.

TAIKA RUSH (" Scirpus.")

Of the very few productions which can be considered peculiar to the island, the Taika Mat, which is manufactured from an as yet unidentified rush grown in the centre of the island, is of most importance, and is believed by expertg to be peculiar to Formosa. Locally, among both natives and Japanese, as well as in China, it is differentiated from all other mats ; and for want of a better appellation, has taken the name of its place <>l produc-tion, being known as the "Taika chio" (Taika Mat), in [apanese Taiko Mushiro. This mat, in beauty and softness, is equalled only by the famous Panama straw mats, and like the latter can be folded up in a small compass, like a piece of cloth, without injuring it in the least.

Mr. Hosie and other writers refer to the Taika Rush as Cyperus tegeti-formis, but it is only necessary to compare certain China and Japan mats, which are definitely known to have been produced from Cyperus tegeti-formis, with the Taika Mat, to see at a glance, that the material used in the latter is quite different from the others ; and this becomes a test of some importance, when we note that with some of the mats, the material is prepared in a manner similar to the Taika method, and therefore might be expected to resemble the latter when made up. Furthermore, the real C. tegetiformis is found in North Formosa, and while, when green, it some-what resembles in appearance the Taika stem, it shows, when dry, several characteristics which differentiate it. The 'Taika stem is soft and pliable, and when dried is often of a light slate color. The C. tegetiformis is com-paratively hard and brittle, shows considerable lustre, and when dried is of a yellowish color. Furthermore, the flowers of the plants are very different. Dr. Henry has intimated that the Taika plant may be Scirpus, and Mr. Tashiro considers it as such. The Scirpus resembles the 'Taika rush in appearance, and like it is soft and pliable. Further investigations, however, will be necessary before the species can be definitely determined.

The Taika mat plant is a triangular rush, thriving in the low marshy ground of the Taika district, and cultivated only in fields where conditions permit of a bountiful supply of water. The original plants were found grow-ing wild, but the material used at present is entirely from the cultivated plant, the latter being now superior to the wild rushes. The plant is pro-pagated by seeds, and a light colored, clayey soil appears to give the best results. Planting occurs in January or February, and when the young plants have made their appearance, they are transplanted into a large well watered field. Oil cake and other fertilizers are applied, and the field is occasionally cleared of weeds. In June, the rushes are considered ripe, and are cut down as near the root as possible. A second crop is obtained in October, and this yield produces superior plants.

The manufacture of the famous mats from the above rush is not a new' industry in Formosa. It is said that some two hundred years ago, a savage woman of a tribe living in the vicinity, while seeking for grasses which she might use in the making of mats, came across the present rush, then growing wild. She gave the plant a trial, and it was found to answer her purposes

so admirably that she taught other savage women to use it, and through the latter, the Chinese, who wen- quick to appreciate- the beauty and durability of the mats, picked up the method of manufacture.

As was often the case with the poor savages, they found themselves no match for the shn-wd Chines'-. Driven back into the hills, the fertile plain lands passed out of their possession for ever, and from that time the Taika mats were produced by the Chinese alone.

The mats are all hand-woven. The rushes when dry are split vertically into strips, the width of the latter being dependent upon the grade of mat it is desired to produce. The cheaper mats, which retail at 3 to 4 Yen, contain about 10 strips to an inch, and the better grades, retailing at 8 Yen or more, contain upwards of 20 to an inch. For the latter, a single rush would be divided into 6 or more strips. The work is done almost entirely by young women and girls, and it would shock Western opponents of child labor to see what a large share of it is in the hands of very little girls. At 8 or 9 years of age the children receive their first lessons in weaving, and as a rule they are fairly expert at 12, being then able to weave the better grades and introduce the geometrical designs which orna ment these kinds.

Although some cheaper grades are made for local use, the export mats run in retail value from 3 Yen upwards. The very highest grade, such as the Chinese Mandarins frequently purchased in the old days, would cost as much as 60 or 70 Yen. The genera] high value may be understood when we note that for a full size mat, (5x6 feet), it takes the girl weaver 20 to 40 days to make the lower grade, 60 to 70 days for the medium, and 120 days or more for the highest grade.

In the Taika (Taiko) district (Central Formosa \ there are some 165 houses and over a thousand females steadily employed in the manufacture. Yenri (Wan-ni), Taika (Taiko), and Taiankang (Taianko) are the villages chiefly engaged in the industry.1 In addition, there are many farm girls who give their spare time to the work. It is estimated that there are some 1,300 houses and 3,000 females engaged thus in irregular manufacture, and that the latters' earnings range from 5 to 20 Yen cents a day. The yearly output reaches some 10,000 full-size mats, valued at over 30,000 Yen, together with a considerable quantity of small mats, and a large, number ol foreign shaped hats. The manufacture of hats was commenced only some three years ago, and they are now much in favor among the Japanese in the island. They resemble in shape the so called "Slouch hat" of Western lands, are light and durable, though not exactly ornamental. The hats can be purchased throughout the island, and they would without doubt, find a market in Japan, and in China among foreigners, and even abroad, were they made in shapes conforming more closely with western styles. they would be found an admiral le substitute for the Panama hat, at a small part of its cost. The Japanese navy has taken into consideration the adoption ol this material for the manufacture of sea-men's hats.

1. Iu the villago of Naukau, in Toafun disti'iot (North Formosa) a few houses are engaged in Taika mat makiug.

The mats are deservedly popular for die bed during die hot summer months. The well-to-do native rarely uses anything else. The better grades are as fine and soft as cloth, and by covering them with a sheet, foreigners find more comfort than could ever be obtained from the usual arrangement of bed-clothes. The Taika mat, unlike most mats, does not appear to have the sticky and clammy feeling, when moistened with perspira-tion. It is to be recommended to foreign residents in the tropics. The mat as made at present is not always even in color, running from a tan to a slate, but uniformity in color could be easily obtained if specially desired. No dye or chemical bleach of any kind is used, and the very attractive shading of slate and tan is but the natural color of the dried rush.

While there is no large export of Taika Mats through the Customs, large numbers are carried over to China by Chinese passengers. The avaricious Chinese always have an eye for business, and few leave the port of Tamsui without one or two of these mats, which they know that they can dispose of at a certain profit in China, thus paying their passage.

2. — JUTE PLANT ("Corchorus Capsularis, L.")

Japanese: "Tsunaso." Local Chinese : "Ma."

Among the island's fibre-producing growths, the Jute plant is next in importance to China Grass. It is the same plant as is extensively grown in Central and East Bengal and in China and Japan for its fibres, and finds a profitable and increasing market in England, where it is used in the manufac-ture of rugs, carpets, and other coarse fabrics.

It is a striking plant as seen in the field. The stems of the most common variety when young are a deep red, turning to a reddish green as the plant matures. Lanceolate leaves spring up from the upper third of the plant, and when the stems have reached their maximum length, say ioor 12 feet, the whole presents, for an annual, quite an imposing appearance. There is a second variety, the stems of which are green, but it is little valued in Eormosa. Like China Grass, the Jute plant is widely planted, and the ribbons obtained from it have appeared, under the misleading term of " Hemp-skin," as an export from Eormosa since the year 1866, when the island's trade was first reported by the Chinese Customs.

Botanist Tashiro reports that the best quality of Jute plant is grown in South Formosa, in the vicinity of Tangkang (Toko*. Gilan, in the north-eastern part of the island, also produces a good grade of fibre. The soil of these districts is chielly soft and deep, contains much decomposed plant-matter, and is thus specially favorable for Corchorus. There is a consider-able export from Tamsui of Jute produced in North Eormosa and from Ku-kang (Kiuko) of the Teckcham (Hsin-chiku) district product. The South l'ormosa Jute is principally exported from Anping.1

1. The export of Jute fibre appears in the 1S'J7 Japanese Customs Returns as follows —

" Hemp-skin " exported from Tamsui 1,908 Piculs valued at 6,028 yen.

„ Anping >377 „ „ „ 1,208 „

,, „ „ Kukang 946 „ „ ,, 4,694 „

„ Tuseki 2G9 892 „

Total export- all Formosa— 3,528 piculs (457,224 lbs.), valued at 13,008 yen.

Polishing local Dyed Cloth. Cleaning China Grass. Tamsui Jute Fields.

Jute Rope Making.

Tamsui China Grassfield. Manufacture of Paper frcni "Paper Mulberry" Plant.

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 53 1

The cultivation of the plant is as follows : —

In April or May a small well-prepared bed is thickly grown to seed, and when the plants have made their appearance and are some 8 inches in height, they are transplanted to the fields. Then; is some direct planting, but it is the exception rather than the rule. When the stems are up some 3 or 4 feet, the fields are well manured with night-soil or bean cake dust, or both.

CHAPTER XXIX (PART 3 OF 5)

The Jute plant is able to bear excessive moisture to a greater extent than China Grass, and in the north, we find it growing on the Tamsui river lowlands — places subject to inundation. A day or two of submersion during the yearly typhoon freshets does not appear to damage it, unless the plant, or portions of it, are torn out entirely. The writer visited a field the second day after a freshet, and though the held was then covered by some S inches of water, the plants held their heads erect, were bright and \igorous, and apparently had received not the slightest injury.

In September, the stems are ready for harvesting. This operation is performed by the men. The plant is pulled out bodily from the ground, root and all. The stem is then placed between two rounded sticks, which are held tightly together by one of the men. A portion of the bark skin is loosened and thrown over one of the sticks, and the peeled end of the plant is pulled rapidly through by the second workman, thus separating the bark, in which the fibre is contained, from the inner stalk. It is this [/eel that forms the so-called " Hemp-skin" of commerce, and tor the manufacture of rope and when split for the coarsest of bagging, no further preparation is required. When it is desired, however, to use it for a better grade of sacking or like material, the ribbons are soaked in water, and when softened the outer bark is scraped off by the following method : — From near the top of a post pro-jecting some 2]/2 feet above ground, runs out at right angles a short block about i foot in length. The latter forms the bed for a knife-like tool, which is inserted, blade end in the post, and held by a single metal pin, the handle end being free, and the apparatus resembling somewhat the ordinary cake tobacco cutter. In cleaning the bark, two operators stand or sit lacing each other, with the crude apparatus between them. The handle cnA being raised, a few stems are thrown in on the wooden block ; the knife is then pressed down, and the stems pulled out. As the stems pass under tin- blade, sufficient pres-sure is applied to remove the outer bark without injuring the fibre, which operation is as a rule very satisfactorily effected. Some two piculs (266 lbs.) oi fibre a day can be prepared by two workmen.

The fibre is bound together in picul (133 lbs.) bundles, worth in the local market some 5 yen.

As with China Grass, the introduction of practical machinery for the decortication of the Jute plant would probably place the industry on a more prosperous footing. Mr. Tashiro is of opinion that the Japanese should come forward and establish large plantations, improving the cultivation and producing the fibre on a large scale. There is a large district suited to the

53- THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

cultivation of the fute plant; and with the comparatively cheap labour obtainable here, it should be possible to supply, at least Japan's requirements, from this island.

3. — FAN PALM ("Chamaerops excelsa, Thumb.")

Japanese: "Shuro." Chinese: "Tsang."

This species of the Fan Palm is widely cultivated throughout North Formosa for its strong and useful fibre. It is an ornamental tree as well, and an attractive addition to any garden. It is cultivated extensively in both China and Japan, where its fibre is greatly valued, and of all local palms

it appears to be the most hard)-.

It is propagated by seeds which are sown in a small bed, and after a few years' growth the young plant, which has reached a height of some 18 inches, is transplanted to a bed. The second year it is again transplanted, and the third year set out, the plants some 5 teet apart, in the field which is to be its final abode. The fourth year the young palm has reached a height of about six feet and yields its first crop of fibre ; the eighth year it is some 10 feet high, and from then on to the fifteenth year the plant has its largest yield. Beyond this, the tree generally deteriorates in fibre-producing qualities, but not till it is some 50 years old does it cease to yield fibre which is worth collecting.

The base of each leat stalk rests in a sheath, and as a large tree ma)- possess from 8 to 10 of the full)- grown leaves, there will be as many sheaths, and the latter possess in themselves the fibrous material desired. The fibre is generally gathered 4 times a year, and at each harvest some 4 or 5 sheaths will he found sufficiently developed. In large sheets the fibre is very light, a good grade sheet weighing scarcely i% ounces. Thus, the maximum yield of a tree will be some 30 ounces of fibre a year, worth at the market rate about 24 yen cents. One man can care for five hundred or more trees if need be, and can obtain from them an income which, for a China planter, is considered satisfactory. The fibre is obtained by cutting around the base of the sheath, which releases it. The sheet of fibrous material obtained is some 2 feet long by about 1 8 inches wide. It forms a completed fabric in itself, and to utilize it, the number of sheets required are sewn together like so many pieces of cloth.

The fibre must be first well dried in the sun, but no further preparation is required. The material is brown in color, resembles cocoanut fibre some-what in appearance, is extremely durable, and will not rot with years of use. The fibre brings, in the local market, 15 to 16 yen a picul (133 lbs.) It is chiellv used for the manufacture of Chinese rain coats, several thick-nesses of the big sheets being sewed with edges overlapping. The fibres' when separated are also used extensively for the manufacture of large ropes for junks, etc. Several layers of the sheets are sewn together to form a mat which, when placed over a damp or muddy floor, provides the Chinese coolie with a dry bed. Chinese sun-hats are also manufactured out of the

same material, and various kinds of brushes, in some of which the stiffer parts of the sheets form the handle.

That this interesting plant deserves more attention than it receives from the Formosan natives, there is scarcely a doubt. The ease with which it can be obtained, its strength and durability, combined with the fact that unlike many vegetable fibres, it is almost rot proof, should find for it a market in western lands where its good qualities can be taken lull advan-tage of.

4.— SISAL HEMP PLANT ("Agave rigida, Mill.")

Japanese: " Ryujetsuso." Chinese: "Hoan-qua" (?)

This very valuable fibre plant though not plentiful, is met with in the vicinity of Tangkang (Toko), Takow, and Tainan ; and a second species of the Agave, the so called "American Aloe" (A. americana), is found in the north near Tamsui and Kelungandon Palm Island.' Although the inhabitants of Formosa seem unaware of the value of the Agave it has attracted in other lands great interest, and has become one of the most prominent and valuable of fibre-producing plants.

The Agave is one of the oldest fibre plants known, and has been culti-vated from time immemorial in certain parts of Mexico. In 1890, the species A. rigida was introduced into the Bahama Islands on a large scale. Foreign capital was interested, and the local government rendered assistance. It had been satisfactorily determined that the Sisal Hemp industry would bring profit to the islands, and almost unparalleled energy was shown in placing the industry on a substantial basis with as little loss of time as possible. Fibre is not obtained from the plant until the 4th or 5th year, and though some difficulties were encountered at first in obtaining suitable machinery for extracting the fibre, in 1897, over a million pounds of the fibre was produced, and it now holds third place among the exports of the Bahama group. According to the opinion of experts, the Sisal Hemp cultivation shows every indication of becoming in a few years the leading industry of the islands.

Mexico, the chief producing district, exported in 1897 over 155 million pounds, valued at 11,564,000 Pdexican dollars. The market price of fibre in Mexico ranged during 1898 from about 7 to 9 U. S. Gold cents (14 to 18 Yen cents) per pound. The presence of the plant in Formosa, where it has flourished for years, though uncared for, renders it probable that it could be cultivated in this island to advantage.

Along the west coast of Formosa, long strips of sandy soil exist in many places. It is difficult to irrigate this ground, and as a result but little attempt is made to cultivate it. The Sisal Hemp plant would grow here without difficult)-. It has been found in other lands to thrive in soil which

1. Dr. Henry reports the Agave rigida as introduced and naturalized about Takow. It lias been reported by other writers that this species is also found at Tamsui (Hobe) and on Palm Island. A americana is found in abundauce at Tamsui and Palm Island, and doubtless this species has been confused with .1 rigida. The first real Sisal Hemp plants (Agave rigida var. Sisalana) to be seen in North Formosa, so far as the writer has beeu able to ascertain, were introduced by Mr. A. E. Hodgins during the present yoar.

was generally supposed to be barren, and in Mexico, where it has proven very profitable, it is frequently grown on sand)- or stony ground absolutely worthless for other plants. It is positively declared that the agaves grown on comparatively arid kind, only a few feet above the sea, equal if they do not exceed in yield, the plants grown in soil apparently much more attractive. Propagation is either by seeds or suckers, and the first plants are grown in a small bed and then transplanted. A plantation, started with plants about two feet in height, will give its first crop of fibre 3 years later, and continue to yield for from 10 to 20 years.

In Mexico some 400 plants are usually grown to the acre, and the average plant yields from 20 to 24 leaves annually. From this material from 450 to 500 lbs. or more of cleaned fibre is obtained, which would be worth at the present market rate upwards of 63 yen.

The cost of production is estimated at about 4 sen a pound, which leaves a profit to the planter of over 45 yen an acre.

Formosa is in a favorable position inasmuch as she possesses on the spot plants in sufficient number to start the cultivation on a small scale, while in some parts of the island the required conditions of soil and climate are so perfectly complied with that there seems scarcely a doubt that the cultivation of this plant would prove a profitable undertaking. With its introduction we may expect to see the now unproductive portions of the island yielding a return perhaps exceeding that obtained from some more attractive spots.

It is interesting to note that many of the Formosan Chinese look upon the agave with superstitious dread. They believe it is a bearer of disease,

and not infrequently the plant is rooted up and destroyed.

5.— PINE-APPLE ("Ananas sativa, L.")

Japanese: "Axanasu." Chinese: "Huang-lai."

The Pine-apple plant grows throughout the island, but seems to thrive best in the southern half, where it grows to a large size and produces a luscious and refreshing fruit, which few other lands can excel. The southern pine is likewise superior to the northern as a fibre producer, and it is in South Formosa, chiefly, that the extracting of fibre is engaged in as a regular industry.

The fibre is obtained from the green leaves of the plant. Small leaves and the large reddish leaves which also surround the fruit, are inferior in fibre, and are consequently of little value.

The fibre is almost entirely extracted by women. The plant in placed on a bench, on one end of which the operator sits astraddle. The prickly edged leaves desired, which have been stripped off the plant by hand, are placed flat before her. Then with one hand the lower end of the leaf is held, and with the other, a small porcelain bowl,1 inverted, is used as a scraper,

1, This is the ordinary small earthenware bowl used by the Chiuose as a dish for rice at meal time.

the surfaces of the leaf being scraped until the fibre is exposed. As the fibre appears, it is picked out, the usual long finger-nails of the Chinese affording the operator an efficient tool for loosening the ends of the fibre. When a sufficient quantity has been extracted, the fibre is soaked in cold water and bleached in the sun, this latter operation being repeated six times when the finest quality is desired. The fibre is largely exported, though some quantity is locally used in the manufacture of a cool summer cloth.

For export, it is bound into bundles of 10 catties each, 10 of which form one package of a picul (133 lbs.) weight. It is shipped largely to Swatow, where it is made into a fine grade of grass cloth, and sells there for from ^t, to 37 yen per picul.1

Pine apple is one of the fibres thought to have a bright future. In the Philippines, the production of this article is an important industry, and the " Pina cloth," which is manufactured from it, is a beautiful texture, the higher grades selling at a price equal to that paid in western lands. With the adoption of modern machinery it is thought the cost can be greatly reduced, and experts are consequently of opinion that this fibre is one of coming importance.

6.— ALPINIA FIBRE PLANT ("Alpinia nutans, Rose") Japanese: "Siiaxin" ok "Shukusha." Chinese: "Vue-tao."

This plant grows wild throughout the island, though chiefly in the hill district. It is not cultivated, except as an ornamental plant in gardens, where it is valued for the beautiful blossoms which make their appearance in early summer. It yields a small round fruit, the surface of which is curiously striped. The fruit is used by Chinese (or medical purposes. The stems average some 5 feet in height, though in favored localities they are frequently found to reach over 6 feet, and yield a strong though coarse fibre much used in some parts of the island, both by Chinese and savages.

Mr. Tashiro describes the fibre industry as follows : — The Chinese pound the stems, which loosens the outer skin and exposes a fibrous strip. The latter is divided into very narrow ribbons, and is used for the manufacture of grass shoes and ropes. While the North Formosan tribes make little use of the plant, the savages in the south of the island, specially the Tsalisen and Paiwan groups and the Tamari tribe of Pinan (Pilam) district, appreciate it highly, and show no little skill in utilizing it. The methods used by the savages differ somewhat from those of the Chinese. The stems are cut near the root, and the sheaths which partially envelope them are carefully removed. The stems are then rolled

1. The export of Pine-apple Fibre for the year 1899 is given in the Japanese Customs Returns as follows: —

From Anping 495 Picul (65,846 lbs.) valued at 13,662 yen.

„ llokko (Lokiang) 4 „ ( 680 „) „ „ 94 „

„ Xokataukutsu (Thow-kat-kut) . . 15 „ (2,080 „ ) „ „ 313 ,, „ Tamsui 73 „ (9,752 „ ) „ „ 1.3S2 „

Total export 588 Picul (78,308 lbs.) valued at 15,451 yen.

536 THE ISLAM) OV FORMOSA.

up in cylindrical form and hung up to dry under the eaves ofthe huts. When the savages desire to utilize the product, the stems, now dry and stiff, are taken down and flattened out, and each is divided into narrow strips of the size desired. There is no attempt made to separate the filaments and utilize them for spinning, etc. The material obtained is very pliable, and is used almost exclusively for the manufacture of mats, baskets, etc., of a superior quality. The savages show great skill in weaving and shaping this material, and some of the mats are sufficiently ornamental to prove an attractive article in one's house. The baskets are of all sizes and shapes, varying from a cigarette case to a large travelling box. These articles are made for pur-poses of sale, as well as of domestic use, and form a considerable portion of the savage's stock in trade when he visits the border villages for purposes of barter.

7.— PAPER MULBERRY (" Broussonetia papyrifera, Yknt.")1 Japanese : " Kozo." Chinese : " Lu-a shu."

This plant grows throughout the plains and hills. It attains the dignity of a tree in Eormosa, and is frequently found over one foot in diameter. Although known as the " Paper Mulberry " and used in several countries as material for paper making, it possesses a fibrous bark which in some lands is made into a sort of cloth. There are several methods of preparing this bark, but the one most common in the South Pacific Islands, where the tree is most largely utilized, is to soak small branches, one inch in diameter, in water until they become partly macerated. The epidermis is then scraped off, and the strips are pressed and beaten, while in a moist state, into a sheet of paper like cloth. The famous Pitcairn islanders were for many years dependent upon this plant, which was commonly known as the " Cloth tree," for their material for clothing. There is an interesting reference to the plant in " Beechey's Narrative," Capt. Beechey having visited the island in 1825. The author wrote, " If the cloth is required to be brown, the inner bark of which the cloth is made is wrapped in banana and put aside for about four days ; it is then beaten into a thick doughy substance, and again left till fermentation is about to take place, when it is taken out, and finally beat into a garment, both lengthwise and across. The color thus produced is of a deep reddish brown hue. The pieces are generally sufficiently large to wrap round the whole body."J

Taking into consideration the ease with which the cloth like material could be obtained, and the value of it to primitive peoples out of touch with civilization, it is indeed strange that the savages of Formosa make no attempt to utilize this tree which grows in their territory. Hill savages wherever found are usually familiar with the trees which they can utilize. to advantage, and the learned botanist has but little to teach them in this respect. In fact, the cleverness and true knowledge of the forests which

1. Also dealt with under " Paper Plants."

2. Page 131, Vol. I., " Beechey's Narrative," London, 1831.

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PI Wis. 537

they often exhibit in obtaining from plant-life, materials which by crude processes can be manufactured into something useful to them, are sometin difficult to comprehend when we consider their general ignorance.

8.— BANANA OR PLANTAIN (" Musa

The Banana or Plantain family is represented in Formosa by several species. The Pepohoans in Gilan district manufacture- cloth from fibre obtained from the Banana tree, but as yet the species they utilize has not been definitely determined. Mr. Tashiro, however, who has given some study to the subject, states that it is not the Musa Textilis, Nees, which is the source of the so-called Abaca or .Manila Hemp, so widely cultivated in the Philippines. The cultivation of this last species, which as a fibre plant is the most important of the Banana family, might be introduced into the island, but the yield per plant is so small in comparison with the cost of cultivation that it is doubtful if it would he a profitable investment. The banana fibre obtained in the island comes from the stem of a species of Musa locally known as the " Mountain Banana." The fruit of this species is not edible, and the plant is valued only for its fibre, which is white and of very fair quality, hi Tainan prefecture a considerable quantity of Banana fibre is manufactured, and small quantities are sometimes exported to China. It is locally used in the manufacture of cloth, twine, etc. In Botel Tobago island, the savages grow the .}//is<i textilis to obtain material for the manufacture of cloth rope, etc. 'J he stem of the ordinary Banana which supplies the edible fruit, yields a fairly strong fibre, which though coarse and unattractive, might l>e of some value for rope making. Run through a Death Fibre machine the stem yielded in weight about i per cent, of dry cleaned fibre. Chinese are above all economical, and one would expect to find them utilizing the ordinal) banana for its fibre, after the stem has been cut down lor its fruit. This is not the case, however; the stem is thrown aside and allowed to rot on the ground.

9. — SCREW-PINE (" Pandanus Odoratissimus, L.")

Japanese : "Adan" or "Takonoki." Chinese: "Na-tau."

This plant is found throughout the island, but most largely in the south. It is a large palm-like bush ranging from 8 to 15 feet in height. It thrives in sandy soil, and is frequently found along the sea coast. It yields a fruit which, at first sight, appears verj much like the edible pine apple. It is very widely grown in the Okinawa group of the boot In 0 Islands, and its fibre is exten-sively used there. It is also a well-known plant in the South Sea Islands, where the fibrous leaves, when divided into -nips, are used as a material for the manufacture ol mats, baskets, 1

In Formosa, Screw bines are Irequently grown to form a hedge around a garden or (arm house, and it is only in Taito (Taitong) and Koshun 1 1 leng-chun) districts that the fibre which is obtained from the aerial roots sent down from the stems is utilized to any extent. In the places mentioned, a

538 THE ISLAND <*F FORMOSA.

very durable kind of straw shoe, valuable for hill climbing, is made. The plant is also used in several districts for rope-making. Very fair paint brushes arc- obtained from a piece of an aerial root, one end of" which has been pounded out. Furthermore, the fruit itself presents in each of its strongly marked circular sections a Chinese pen ready tor use. It has generally been cut to a point in taking it out, and the head is hit on to form the handle. It is chiefly used for marking boxes, etc. When passed through a Death machine, a lew fair grade rope fibres were obtained from the leaves of one species, which were sent up from Hongkong.

10.— BOWSTRING HEMP (" Sansevieria.")

Japanese: " Chitoseran." Local Popular Term : " Hokutomoto."

Chinese : " Haw-be-lan."

This splendid fibre plant is represented by one species, as yet not definitely identified, which is found in the Pescadores, ami has been introduced to Formosa as an ornamental garden plant. It thrives well and could be easily cultivated in South Formosa, when- the rich moist soil and compara-tively warm and humid climate of the lower hill-districts is eminently suited to its growth. A (ttw 1 of this plant obtained from a Taihoku (Taipeh)

garden were passed through a 1 )cath machine, and gave a fibre which appeared, at least to the writer's inexperienced eyes, the most beautiful of the man}- fibres of the island, with the single exception of China Crass when chemically prepared. It was quite white, of exceptional lustre, and when coiled up, very lively and elastic, resembling closely a ring of fine white: hair; moreover, the fibre was firm and strong. In weight, 1.0 per cent, of clean dry fibre was obtained from the fresh leaves. Then- appeared to be no more difficulty in extracting the fibre by machinery than with the Agave, and if the plant can be easily grown, it would seem that it must have a bright future. Several species of Sansevieria are being cultivated by the Agricultural station at Taihoku (Taipeh1.

11. — CYPRRUS (" Cyperus Tegetiformis, Roxb.")

Japanese: "Shichitoi" ok "Sankaku-i." Chinese: " Kiam-tsau."

This rush is cultivated to a considerable extent in North Formosa, and also to some degree in other parts of the island. It is perennial, grown in marsh)- or artificially watered fields, and reaches a height of 4 or 5 feet. It is the chiei material the island affords for the manufacture of cheap matting. As mats are commonly used by the Chinese as an under covering for the bed, and sometimes as an outer coverlet as well, the)- have a large sale. Matting for packing purposes is also made from the plant, and single stems are used as twine for tying up packages, etc.

This plant is largely cultivated in Ningpo and Canton districts, China, and in Kyushu, Japan ; being used in both countries for the manufacture of matting1.

formosan economical plants. 539

12.— ROSE MALLOW (" Hibisi E i s, L.")

Japanese: "Troroaoi." Chinese: " Ng-sok-kwi."

This plant, sometimes called Okro or Okra, is well known throughout the tropics. It produces a seed which in some countries is used as an article of food, and its stout hair)' stem is utilized in the West Indies as a source of a long silky fibre of very fair quality, used in the manufacture of rope, twine, sacking, etc. Considerable interest has been taken in this plant in the Southern United States and Cuba, where it has been introduced for its fibre. This herb is found growing wild in the vicinity of Taihoku (Taipeh , and in other parts of Formosa. It is not utilized by the Chinese, and no attempt has been made to cultivate it.

13.— ROSE MALLOW ("Hibiscus Cannabinus, L.")

Japanese: " Koshokki." Chinese: " Ang-sok-kwi."

This herbaceous shrub is well known in Persia and India. It produces a soft, silk)' fibre, which is strong though elastic, and is a very satisfactory substitute for fibres like jute, etc., which are used for the manufacture of coarser textiles. This plant is not found wild in Formosa, but has been introduced as an ornamental garden plant. It grows well here, however, and if the high expectations of certain Russian enthusiasts are realized as respects the plant in Persia, it may become a profitable plant for the local farmers to take up.

14— SILK COTTON TREE ("Bombax Malabaricum, D.G.")

Japanese: " Panya." Chinese: " Pan-kt."

This tree grows rather plentifully in South Formosa, especially in Ilozan district. It is not often seen in the north, though in the mountains near Polisia in Taichu prefecture the tree is frequently met with. Though the plant is now growing wild, it is very probable that it was introduced to the island by Chinese and cultivated for a time. At present the Form-natives rarely utilize the cotton-like material which is found in the capsules, which in China is used as a stuffing for pillows, mattresses, etc.

15.— STERCULIA FIBRE PLANT (" Sterculia Platanifolia, Linn.")

Japanese : "Aogiri." Chinese: " Ching-tung."

This tree is found growing wild, chielly in the hill districts. It does not often reach a very large size in Formosa, nor is it very frequently met with. The fibre obtained from it is strong though rather rough and stilt, and the savages in Banshoryo (Han chu-liao) district utilize it for the manufacture of a so called "savage cloth." The fibrous bark obtained from the young stems of the trees is sometimes used for making rough twine and rope.

540 nil-: island i >V FORMOSA.

t6.— WHITE MULBERRY i"Morus alba, L"j

Japanese: "Shimaguwa." Chinese: "Sox-si."

This tree thrives throughout the island. It is considered of no commer-cial value in the north, but I)r. Henry states that the savages in the neighborhood of Bankinshing, South Formosa, obtain a fibre from the root hark of the young trees, and utilize it in the manufacture of cloth, game bags,

etc.1

17.— PUERARIA FIBRE PLANT l" Pueraria Thunbergiana, Benth.")

[apanese : "Kuzu" or " Kuzu-Kazura." Chinese: " Ko."

This vine grows wild throughout Formosa both in the mountains and low lands. Fibre obtained from the hark is utilized in some parts of China for the manufacture of a light cloth for summer wear of excellent quality. It is said that in ancient times the Japanese likewise made cloth of this fibre.

18.— ROSE MALLOW f Hibiscus Tilaceus, L."j

[apanese: " ShimahamaBo." Lo< \l Chinese: " Ko-hio."

This is a small tree with numerous upright branches. From the latter the Paiwan savages of the extreme- south of Formosa obtain a fihre which they use for twine, etc. The fihre is also used in the South Sea Islands in the making of fish-nets, etc. It is found growing wild in the Formosa hill districts. This fibre can he easily extracted by a fibre machine, such as the I >>ath, but it is necessary first to peal off the hark, and not to run the heavy wood)- part through.

19.— ROSE MALLOW" ("Hibiscus Mutabilus, L."

Japanese: " Fi Chinese: "-Bok-phu-yung."

This herb, from which a fibre ot doubtful commercial value can be obtained, has been found growing wild near Toshien CToahong) and in the vicinity of Takow. It grows locally to a height of some 6 feet and is not utilized by the Chinese.

20.— ALPINIA FIBRE PLANT ("Alpinia Chinensis, Rose")

Japanese: " Kumatakekan." Chinese: " Ko lion-kion."

This plant grows wild in the hill districts throughout the island. A fibre" can he obtained from its stems, and it is sometimes used as material tor making the soles of straw shoes.

]. See Dr. Heury's " A List of Plants from Formosa " page 8(j, Vol. XXIV., Supplement. Transac-tions Japan Asiatic Society, Tokyo.

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS.

54'

ai * aa.-SCIRPUsIS;,'^11^ Tkhju™, L")

( (" bCIRPUS Alt'' Rl >M VI Vs, L. )

CHAPTER XXIX (PART 4 OF 5)

Japanese: "Kangarei." Japanese: "Sankaku-i." Chinese: "Chia-chio."

In addition to Cypertis tegetiformis, the above two plants of the Sedge Family an: utilized in the manufacture of matting, though not on an exten-sive scale. The former is found throughout Formosa, but the latter is most frequently met with in the south of the island.

OTHER FIBRE PLANTS.

The fibre plants described above are those either used locally or of commercial value in other lands. There are many other fibre plants in Formosa, which though possessing little or no marketable value, are used by the native peoples oi some countries in supplying their own personal wants. Without doubt some of these fibres will in time come into more general use. and may eventually be a source of wealth to the lands in which the)' grow.'

PAPER PLANTS.

f RICE-PAPER PLANT I . rr -. p ,, " ...

l'~~\ PITH-PAPER PLANT) ( Araua [Fat«a] Papyrikeka, Hook. )

Japanese: " Tsuso." Chinese: Tung-tsao."

( )ne of the most interesting- of Formosa's vegetable products is the so-called Rice Paper Plant. This deceptive title was given to the plant.

28.

24.

25. 2G.

27.

28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 30. 37.

38. 39. 40. 11. 42. 4 3. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 19. 50.

1. The following fibre plants, in addition to those described above*, are found in Formosa: —

Where Utilized. For what Pi rposbs.

Mauritius - I rdage.

stalks used for baskets, mal -.

Abutilon iudicum

Adiantuin capill us- veneris Auona squamosa catechu

Carica papaya

Cordia myxa

Cordyline tern.inalis -

Crotalaria striata-

Curcuma longa -

Cyperis iria -

1 tesmodiuin latifolium-

Dicksouia barometz (Tree Pern) •

Doliclios trilobus

Dregea volubilis -

Entada seaudens

Hibiscus abelmosclius-Hibiscus surattensis -Eadzura Japonica B leinbovia liospita Nelumbium speciosuui Pachyrhizus angulatus Sesbania aegyptiaca -Sida rlioml'ifolia ■ Traoliycarpus excelsus It Mia orientalis -i i'ii :i lobata -Villebrunea integrifolia Zizauia aquatioa •

Hawaii

Guadaloupe

India -

Beruardin Commission reports

it yielding fibreSft. long. India ... -Australia -India ....

Cordage.

U'lower-sheath for cups, dishes, bags.

India - - - -

Ceylon, India

East Asia -

Chiua-

India - - - -

Ceylon

India -India -Must Indies

Malay Archipelago

India ....

Fiji Islands

India ....

India ... -

China -

Venezuela, India, Ceylon

Africa, India, Brazil -

India ....

i uited States

Cordage, caulking material.

Basj telded good fibre forcoidage.

Cordage.

Mid rib of leaf stated to j ield fibre.

Mais.

Cordage.

Wool base of leaf stalk for stuffing.

Coarse cloth.

Cordage.

Dark as ropes, seeds lot small boxes,

spoon-. Fibre found good for cordage. Fibre found good for cordage.

1 1 1 « bite fibre obtained.

Cordage, fishing. nets. Wick for sacred lamps. Fisbiug-nets.

ige. Cordage, coarse cloth.

coarse cloth, cordage. Cordage, coarse cloth

, paper manufai Cordage, cloth. Used <■■■■ i ipers as packing for barrel

joints,

54- "II I tC ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

doubtless, owing to a slight similarity the finished product bears to the best Rice Paper, but Pith-Paper is a far more accurate term and is coming into general use. The Pith-paper plant is indigenous to the island, and appears to thrive best on burned-off plots of ground in the savage border districts. Small forest fires on the savage border are frequent. Sometimes they are the work of the savage, who takes this method of clearing his ground; or of an adventurous Chinese fanner who possesses land on the border and wishes to extend his holdings, and again it is the Chinese peasant who adopts this means of avenging himself on his savage enemies, as well as increasing his safety by driving the savages further back into the hills. Among the new growths that spring up over these blackened areas, the Pith plant is often prominent, and though generally found wild, the savages will, if the cleared spot is within their territory, olten increase the production by putting out numerous cuttings. The plant grows rapidly and reaches a height of 10 and even 15 feet, and a diameter of from 2 to 5 inches at its base. In the centre of the stem and forming more than half of the whole is a cylindrical core of cellular pith)- tissue. Towards the lower end of the tree the pith)' centre is found divided into comparatively small hollow sections somewhat similar to the bamboo, though showing no outer rings. It is this pithy part of the tree that produces the material for the so-called Rice-paper. To extract it, the stem is cut into lengths of some 2 feet, the bark and woody covering is partly broken, and the pith)' core loosened and then pushed out. If of marketable size 'these pith cylinders are an inch or more in diameter. In this state they are salable as pith, and some 30,000 lbs., valued at 5,000 yen, are exported yearly, the China ports and Hongkong being the chief markets. The greater portion of this product, however, goes forward in the form of the so called Rice-paper, which in reality is merely parings of pith. To obtain it a very simple contrivance is used. A tile or hard wood plate, with two sides slightly elevated above its surface, affords support for a sharp straight-bladed knife, which can be drawn backwards and forwards at will, and the cutting edge of which is elevated above: the bed a distance equal to the thickness of the sheet of paper it is desired to make. To perform the operation the pith cylinder is cut into 1 such lengths as will give a section which can be rolled easily on the bed of the tile- With the knife at the extreme right of the plate and its edge facing inward, the pith cylinder is placed lengthwise against the blade, and is given with the left hand a rolling movement backwards, while the knife, guided by the right hand, follows, pressing closely, and thus paring off a long thin sheet. The operation requires considerable skill, and in the hands of an adept workman so quickly is it performed that it appears as though a roll of white ribbon was merely being unwound. The sheets obtained are now put under heavy pressure to remove all moisture and to flatten them. They are then cut into squares of some 3 '3 inches and packed up, 90 sheets to" a package.

The Formosa pith-paper is exported largely to China and Hongkong (for transhipment to Canton 1 and is used by the Chinese in the manufacture of artificial llowers, and by Canton artists and others who find a considerable market for small fancy pictures painted on their truly beautiful paper. It is

also used in the manufacture of sun-hats, for which, owing to its lightness, strength, and imperviousness to water, it is eminently suited. Artificial flowers arc made from it locally, and in addition the pith is used as a drug. For export the paper is sold in three grades, the local price varying from 1. 10 yen to 2.50 yen per hundred packages. Like Taika mats it is fre-quently carried to China by Chinese passengers, and thus much of it does not appear in the Customs Returns. For 1S99, the Customs returns show an export of 28,514 Iks. valued at 15,388 yen, Tamsui being the: chief port of shipment.1

2.— BAMBOO.

A small bamboo found in the hills is utilized in Formosa in the manu-facture of a very coarse wrapping paper. The industry is carried on at several places in Taihoku (Taipeh) and Taichu Prefectures. Of these the village of Taikochosho, which is some 6 miles distant from the railway station Kironrei (Koo-loon-nia) on the Shinchiku iTookchami line, is perhaps the easiest to reach from Taihoku city, 'lhe village of Hachirifunpo, which lies at the foot of South Hill (Kanon-zan) where the industry is conducted on a small scale, can be easily reached from Hobe (Tamsui). In Formosa

-

the production is not sufficient to supply even the local demand. As a rule the work is carried on only in the vicinity of the hills where the required variety of bamboo grows in abundance, and the chief method of manufacture

is as follows : —

The young branchless bamboos which are used are cut during the months of .May or June, when the plant has usually attained a height ot 4 or 5 feet. The bamboos are first crushed with a wooden hammer, then placed in a cemented tank some 5 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. Water to cover and a quantity of lime are added, and the material is left thus to decompose for about 45 days. The stuff is now removed, washed with fresh water, and placed in a second pit, similar in size to the above, and is soaked for a further 45 days or more. The fibrous matter, now much softened, is placed in a stone mortar, which is used with a stone pestle worked by feet, like the Chinese rice-cleaning mortar. Here the fibrous material is broken up and brushed until it has separated into short filaments, and has been reduced to a pulp. The stuff is now placed on a platform and trodden by foot, until the water has keen partly driven out anil the pulp becomes stick}-. The pulp is then removed to a third cement vat, which has been previously partly filled with clean water slowly added, and is stirred until

1. VALUE OF EXPORT OP PITH AND PITH-PAPEB DURING 1899.

Place op Shipment. i [NATION.

From Tamsui .. .. 15,640 yen .. .. To China 9,534 yen

(Kiuko).. 3,352 ,. .. Ti > Hongkong .. .. 10,455 ,.

From Lokiang (Rokko) . 488 „

From Augiug . . . . 456 „

From all Formosa . . 20,495 yen . . . .

544 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

the mixture has attained the right consistency. The \>u\\> is now considered read)- for the final operation. For this, a screen-like implement is brought into use. This consists of a frame 2 leet 4 inches by 9 inches supporting brass wires, crosswires, and lacquered bamboo strips lengthwise, forming a

fine net-work. A second frame ot thin wood tits closely upon the screen, and its outside rim is extended slightly to retain the quantity ot pulp required for a single sheet. A third frame holds both the above togethi r, and, by its projecting sides, furnishes a hold for the hands during its mani-pulation. The complete implement is now dipped in the vat in such a way that the screen becomes covered with the pulp. The implement is lifted out horizontally and shaken a bit to distribute the pulp evenly. Most ol the water drains out quickly through the netting, and the outer frame being removed, the inner frame is placed in an inclined position to drain. When the water ceases to pass off by draining, the screen is inverted, and the soft sheet is allowed to fall out upon a board arranged tor that purpose. Thus the operation proceeds, the sheets being' placed one on another until the pile is some three or four inches high. A second hoard is now superimposed, and the lot placed under a long wooden lever near its attached end. 15}' weights placed on the free end of the lever the sheets are subjected to considerable pressure, which removes the superfluous water, and gives compactness and firmness to them. On being released from the press, the sheets are taken out, four at a time, placed in a split bamboo, and hung out in the sun to dry. If the weather is unfavorable, the sheets are kept under cover until there is an opportunity to dry them. As might be expected, this extremely crude process is very wasteful of time, and not infrequently, owing perhaps to unfavorable weather, six months is required before the whole operation is complete. Sizing, glazing, hot pres-sing, and other methods of improving the grade of paper are unknown to the local Chinese, and the Formosa product is a thick rough coarse straw-colored paper, abounding in partly macerated bamboo fibres, which are often so slightly incorporated with the bod)- of the paper that they can be shaken oft. The sheets measure 12 ■ 29 inches, ami are sold for 15 yen cents a hundred.

The chief centre of this industry is Kagi, and in that city and vicinity man)' million pounds of' the paper are produced annually, valued at some 200,000 yen. There is practically no export. As common Chinese paper valued at over 350,01)0 yen was imported during the year 1899, in spite of a 15 per cent. Custom's import, it would appear that there is a considerable field open for the further development of the industry. With the water power obtainable in the higher reaches of the Tamsui river, and the abund-ance ot raw material, it would also appear that a small modern paper-mill might be a profitable venture. Excluding the line grade of paper imported by the Japanese, the comsumption among Chinese of all grades, excluding foreign glazed paper hut including the local made paper, reaches an annual value of over 650,000 yen, and appears to be increasing. Raw material is more abundant in the island than in either China or Japan, and it would be quite possible to build up an export trade.

3.— PAPER MULBERRY (" Broussonetia Papyrifera, Vent.") .

Japanese: " Kozo." Chinese: "Lok-a-chu."

This tree, which is found growing wild throughout the island, is des-cribed in an earlier part, of this chapter as a fibre plant. In several countries including China it is used in the manufacture of paper. It is like-wise utilized in Formosa, hut on a very small scale, the manufacture being confined to a few small establishments in North Formosa. There is not a large local demand for the paper, hut it has been found very useful as material for paper umbrellas, lanterns, etc., the only use to which it is put locally. Keibi (Kingboi), North Formosa, a few miles south of Taihoku. is interested in the industry, and the method of manufacture described below is that practised there.

The bark is obtained from the hills to the east of Chureki (Tiong-lick) and Shinchiku (Teckcham), North Formosa, where the tree appears to be most abundant. Young trees 4 or 5 years old and those grown in shaded valleys appear to yield the best material. The bark of the whole trunk, from top to bottom, is stripped off, and its rough outer skin is removed by scraping. It is then dried in the sun, separated into strips an inch or so wide, and packed up into small bundles. The paper-maker purchases the latter at from 4 to s yen a picul (1, y V _• lbs.), dependent upon quality, cost of transportation, etc. Eight sheets of the paper described below can be obtained from oik; pound of the bark. To prepare the bark for paper-making it is first soaked in cold water for 12 or 13 hours to clean and soften it. It is now placed in a large iron pan, covered with water, to which is added some 14 lbs. of Formosa lime to every 100 lbs. of bark, and boiled for 12 hours ; this operation removing all gummy matters. \\\ lime is not used, the bark must be soaked for a week.) The stuff is then vigorously washed for two hours to remove the lime, this being usually performed in the shallows of the river, a close picket bamboo fence being erected to prevent the fibre strips from floating away. The material is next removed to a llat stone, and receives a strong beating lor a half hour or so with two wooden mallets, the workman holding one in each hand. The longfibres readily sepa-rate under this treatment. 'I he fibres, now thoroughly softened, are immersed in water that the)- may be thoroughly wetted, and then with two knives are chopped up into very small pieces, some half hourbeing required for this operation. The stuff is then deposited in a vat on the river bank, water is added and the mixture is stirred for 15 or 20 minutes which sees its final conversion into a thin pulp requiring no further manipulation. While the mulberry pulp forms the fibrous material lor the paper, a mucilaginous substance must be added, which is obtained from the leaves and small branches of young Wikstroemia trees. In preparing the latter the leaves and twigs are tirst well bruised with wooden mallets and. alter water has been added, are vigorously kneaded by hand. The stuff is then transferred to a basket lined with coarse jute cloth, which is fastened over the vat, and the gummy liquor is permitted to strain through, adding itself to the pulp. In forming the sheet of paper is

used an appliance consisting of a bamboo frame some 4 ft. long by 3^ ft. wick- with inner cross pieces, over which is stretched a coarse sheet of jute-cloth. A large number of these sieve-like utensils are required, and to operate them they are taken, one at a time, to the workman at the vat. Here the sieve is placed with one side of the frame resting on a post and the near side held by the vat-man's left hand. With his right hand the pulp is ladled out of the vat, poured on to the sieve, and the latter is then given a rocking motion until the pulp is spread over evenly, the surplus water finding its way through the coarse cloth. When partly thickened, the frame is removed and set up in an inclined position to dry. If the weather is suitable the pulp dries quickly, and on sunny summer days some four batches can be made a day, but in winter only three. When dried the paper can be stripped off the frame easily. It is of a light mouse colored grey, the sheets some 3 by t>/4 ft- in size, and is light in weight, resembling in this respect a medium grade tissue. It is fairly smooth and soft, but owing to the coarse method of production, contains much half macerated matter, small pieces of bark, etc. It sells in the local market at from 1.00 to 1.80 yen per hundred sheets. It is used in the manufacture of paper umbrellas, Chinese lanterns, and rain coats. In the manufacture of these articles, the paper is first painted with persimmon liquor,1 which hardens and renders it almost impervious to water. Two or more layers glued together are generally used, and the finished product is varnished, giving a strong, water-prool article. For these purposes, the Chinese manufacturer asserts that the local paper is superior to other avail-able papers either domestic or foreign, not even excluding the uncommonly strong Japanese paper which, owing to its comparatively low cost, is some-times used.

4.— BROUSSONETIA KASHINOKI, SIEB?

This shrub, it is pointed out by Mr. Tashiro, is valuable for its bark, which may be used in the manufacture of paper. It resembles the true B. Kashinoki of Japan, of which it will probably be found to be a variety.

As recorded above, the locally manufactured paper from papyrifern is used only for covering umbrellas, and it is interesting to note that another species of Broussonetia is found in Formosa. Mr. Tashiro reports having often met with it growing wild in the mountains, chielly in the savage districts ofTaikokan (Tokoham), Kusshaku (Kuchu\ Heirimbi (Panebe\ and I3un-zampo, also in Taito and Tainan districts.

5.— WIKSTROEMIA.

Two species of this plant JI'. indica, C. A. Alcy (Japanese: Amami-gampi; Chinese: Pu-lun ; //'. rctitsa, A. 6\ (Japanese : Ryitkyu-gampi) are found in the island. The lormer is a small shrub growing wild in the hills and plains, and frequently met with near Kelung. Dr. Henry reports that in'Kwangsi it is used for making paper and paper blankets.*

1. See Article Persimmon Oil under Oil Plants.

2. Pafre 80 " A list of plants from Formosa " by Augustine Henry. M, A„ F. L. S.

W. retusa also grows wild throughout the whole island, especially in Taihoku (Taipeh), Pachina, Bunzampo in Kelung districts, and in the vicinity

of South Hill. It is most plentiful on the coral reefs of extreme South Formosa.

A very beautiful soft paper resembling French tissue has been manufac-tured in Tokyo from plants sent there from Formosa for experimental purposes. The shrub is also abundant in Formosa, and it is to be hoped that further experiments will be conducted to ascertain definitely the practical value of the plant, if utilized in the island for paper-making. The plant is also found in certain islands of the Loochoos, and it is said that it was at one time utilized there for paper-making.

OIL PLANTS.

i.— PEANUT or GROUNDNUT ("Arachis hypogaea, L.")

Japanese: "Rakkwasho." Chinese: "Tu-tau."

This popular plant thrives throughout the island, and the nuts obtained from it are very highly esteemed by the Chinese as an article of food, as well as for the oil and fertilizing- cake which can be obtained from it. It is most extensively cultivated in the south of the island, especially in Tainan and Kagi districts. There are two varieties grown, a large nut locally known as toapau and a small kind known as wanyuntao. The small variety contains the most oil, is most pleasant to the taste, and is largely exported. In the Pescadores also, the islanders are largely engaged in Peanut cultiva-tion, in fact, it is the chief export of these islands. Alter harvest, the crop is usually sold to Formosa wholesale dealers, who are as a rule in close touch with the growers. There are several oil mills in the hands of the rich farmers. In Formosa the mills are usually situated in the large cities. Rokko iLokiang1. Koro (Aulan), Tainan, Toko (Tangkang, Shinchiku <Teckcham\ and Daitotei fTwatutia) are important centres for the manufacture.

The mills are unpretentious establishments, and are in the hands of numerous small capitalists who employ each perhaps half a dozen men. The methods of manufacture are interesting, however, and as with many industries which the Chinese work on a small scale thought almost impossible in Western lands, it is astonishing to find what good results the}- obtain.

The green groundnuts [n good condition are purchased by the manufac-turers from the tanners, and stored until they can be used, lo avoid heating, great care is taken to have the groundnuts thoroughly dry before storing. When ready for pressing, a considerable quantity of the nuts are placed over a drying oven, the surface of which is bamboo, for 1 2 hours, during which they have become partially roasted. They are then removed to the crusher, which consists of a stone wheel some 5 feet in diameter and 2 feet thick, revolving around a vertical centre pole to which it is attached by its axle, which projects on one side for that purpose. From the opposite and outer end of the axle run traces, to which is attached an ox : and this animal,

548 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

blindfolded, walks slowly around on the circular pathway which is divided from an inner space on which the wheel revolves, by a low stone wall. The groundnuts are stacked up on the inner stone floor, over which the heavy wheel passes, and after an hour or so are sufficiently crushed. They are then run through a bamboo sieve oi small mesh, which takes out much ot the shell, a large portion of which is not very finely broken up by crushing. Could the shell material be wholly extracted, a better grade ol oil could he made, hut the Chinese have keen unable to find an economical method of accomplishing this.

The groundnut powder is now placed, some 10 catties (jj^lbs.) at a time, in wooden buckets possessing perforated bottoms. The buckets are placed over steam holes, are tightly covered, and made steam-tight at the base by brushing earth and ashes about them. Here they are steamed for a few minutes, becoming soft and cakey. The stufl is not removed from the steaming furnace until the workmen are prepared to form the circular cake read}- tor tin- press. The latter operation brings into use for each cake five strong iron hoops half an inch thick and 1 7 inches in diameter. These hoops are laid one on top of another on a wooden base-board, forming thus a circular mold. A handful of. straw is now placed over it, and on this the steaming ground-hut floor is placed until the mold is heaped full. A workman treads with bare feet the stuff into the mold firmly, keeping his balance by grasping a rope which is suspended above him. When the mass is hard and well packed in, the ends of the straw, which purposely project from the side of the mold, are deftly brought over by foot and pressed down on top, strengthening and binding the surface of the cake. The two lower and the two upper iron hoops and the bottom baseboard are now removed, leaving a circular cake of considerable thickness unprotected, save by the straw that lias been pressed into its surface and the single small hoop which encircles its centre. The last operation is the pressing, and this is accomplished in a crude wooden apparatus which, though slow, appears to be fairly effective. 'I he body of the press consists of a huge log some 20 feet in height by 3 feet in diameter, which has a portion of its length hollowed out to form a circular shafc conforming in diameter to that of the cakes described above. A narrow opening runs lengthwise of the log; and this, as well as the centre shaft, is well protected and strengthened by iron bands. The log lies horizontally on a strong foundation raised some 2 feet above the ground, and the bottom is slightly inclined towards one end, where an opening connects with a large earthenware jar sunk in the ground. The molded cake is carefully inserted through the side opening, and then turned upright and moved along until it rests against the lower end of the shaft. Other cakes are inserted and placed one against another until the press contains 20. A heavy steel-protected baseboard is then inserted to present a firm surface at the upper end, and against this are inserted several wooden or stone blocks, until the whole length of the shaft is apparently blocked up. The thin end of a 14 foot hardwood wedge is now inserted between the wooden or stone blocks at right angles with the longitudinal opening, and driven in by a stone hammer which swings from movable bars and is operated by two men. Later, as

required, a second ami third wedge are introduced, and are driven in for varying distances, until the cakes are so compressed that their thickness does

not exceed that of the single narrow steel hoop which encircles them. This usually requires some 3 hours, and meanwhile the oil expressed has been running down slowly into the large jar below. After the oil has ceased to run. a stone block is knocked out, relieving the strain and making it possible to take out the contents. The cakes are now very hard and firm, and can be thrown about with but little danger of breaking them. From 15 to 1 S per cent, of oil in weight is obtained by this process, valued at about 16 yen a ]>icul ( 133 lbs.1, and the cakes, which weigh nearly 7 catties 19 ' jibs.) each, sell at yen 2.40 a dozen.

The groundnut cake is generally valued more highly as a fertilizing agent than bean cake, and is more expensive. It is largely used ior fertiliz-ing the young rice plant prior to transplanting, and is also highly valued for use on Jute, China grass, and tobacco fields. In preparing it for agricultural use, it is pounded up and mixed with earth.

Formosa ground-nut cakes have been an important export from the island for a century or so. The present export of the nut and its products reaches in value to nearly 200,000 yen yearly. This is but a very small portion of the total production, however, as the products mentioned have a very large local sale.1

SESAME ("Sesamum indicum, L.") Japanese: "Goma." Chinese: " Mia."

This very useful plant is extensively cultivated in South Formosa, and the seeds obtained from it have been one of the island's exports from the earliest days of foreign trade. It is grown to some extent throughout Formosa, the light sand)' soil of which it appears to find specially congenial. Among the Chinese it is almost a household necessity. The oil extracted from the seed is highly valued for cooking purposes, and is also put to other uses. Both white and black seeded varieties are found in Formosa yielding white and black oils, the former being the most expensive. But little of the white oil is made locally, however, the black oil receiving the chief attention of local manufacturers.

The method of extraction is very simple. After the seeds have been well roasted in a large iron pan they are reduced to meal in the Chinese stone mortar ordinarily used for cleaning rice. The meal is then steamed until moist and cake)', and while still warm is placed in small jute bags which, after being supported by circular iron bands, are inserted in a vertical press similar in model to that used for expressing ground-nut oil, as described

1. The Customs returns give the export of Ground-nuts aud Ground-nut products for 18U8 us follows: —

Ground-uuts .. .. .. 8,402 piculs vulued at 36,735 yeu.

Ground-nut cakes .. .. 0,213 piculs valued at 110,957 ,,

Total 177,692 yen,

Iu addition to the above there is a small export of grouud-uut oil.

above, though somewhat smaller. The product obtained is an oil and refuse meal In the form of circular cakes.

The savages near Pinam (Southeastern Formosa) understand the cultivation of this plant thoroughly, and have introduced it throughout Taito (Taitong) sub-prefecture. The Pepohoans are likewise engaged in its

cultivation. Most of the Sesamum oil produced in Taito is used locally, but it is occasionally transported by water to the neighboring coast towns.

CHAPTER XXIX (PART 5 OF 5)

Sesamum is an annual. It is planted generally in May, and harvested in late September or October. In Formosa it reaches a height of some A% to 5 feet, and occasional plants are seen exceeding 5^ feet.

The Formosa seed is largely exported to China, and thence to France where the oil is extracted and used as an adulterant for olive oil. Some of the Formosa white seed is shipped to Foochow, where there are several native establishments devoted to the manufacture of the white oil.1

The best grade black sesamum seed will give nearly 5 ",, of oil. but the average seed runs a little below 4 '". The seed costs the oil maker from 6.00 yen upwards a picul (153 lbs.), ami the black oil brings on the local market about 26 to 29 yen a picul, while the refuse meal cake realises 1.15 to r.25 yen a picul. The meal cakes are specially valued as a fertilizer for young rice plants prior to transplantation.

4.— SOJA BEAN ("Glycine Hispida, .Max.")

Japanese: "Daidsu." Chinese: "Tau."

There are several varieties of this plant grown in Formosa. One known as the " Yellow Bean " is very largely cultivated in the south of the island. The Soja Bean produces not only a very useful oil, but the refuse, known as " Bean Cake," is one of the most valuable of fertilizers used by the Chinese and a very important article of commerce throughout China. During the administration of the Chinese Governor Liu Ming Chan, the manufacture of the oil and cake was introduced in the island and given an extensive trial. The Chinese found it more profitable, however, to purchase the comparatively cheap imported cake, or the local ground nut cake, and devote their time to other works, and consequently the industry was soon abandoned, and the writer cannot learn now of a single mill in Formosa manufacturing Bean Cake.'-'

5.— PERSIMMON r'DiospvRos Kaki, L.F."?)

Japanese: "Kaki." Chinese: " Moa."

A wild persimmon found in the hills of North Formosa, which appears to be L). Kaki, is valued by the Chinese for the highly astringent juice which is obtained from the fruit, and which is applied to paper, especially that made

1. The Customs Returns give the export of Sesamum seeds for the year 1898 as 2G,703 piculs valued at 115,999 yeu.

2. Beau cake to the value of 20,211 yeu was imported iuto Formosa duriug the year 1898.

FORMOSAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 55 I

from the Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), for the purpose of rendering the latter firm and durable and impervious to water. This paper thus prepared is used at Keibi (Kingbe) and other places in North Formosa as a covering for Chinese umbrellas, it being considered superior to any other paper available for the purpose.1

6.— TALLOW TREE ("Stillingia sebifera, S. & \'."i

Japanese: "Tahaze." Chinese: " Kin-a-chu."

This large and handsome tree is highly valued in China for the tallow and oil obtained from its seeds. This plant is found growing wild throughout the island, but only in a few places do the local people make use of it. In North Formosa, Kaizanko (Haisankau\ and across the river from Kantau. the tree is specially abundant. At these two places the Chinese gather the seeds in considerable quantities. The tallow is found surrounding the berry, and is easily obtained by pounding and pressing. It is chiefly used in the manufacture of candles. An oil is also obtained from the kernel, likewise by pressing.

There is still a considerable import of material for candles, there being a large demand for a small candle used in religious ceremonies. There is a likelihood, therefore, that the sources of supply here will in time be more fully availed of.

7._CASTOR OIL PLANT (" Ricinus Communis, L.'i

Japanese : " Togoma." Ciiinesi-: : " ( *a-por-lo."

The Castor Oil Plant is another source of production yet undeveloped. The tree is found in a wild state throughout the plains of Formosa, and though it is widely cultivated in China for the valuable oil obtained from the seeds, no use whatsoever is made of the plant here. In addition to the medical value of the oil, it is used in cooking, and the juice of the leaves is taken internally by many females to increase their How of milk, while in India it is frequently fed to cows for the same purpose. The leaves are valuable as a healing agent when applied externally to wounds ami bruises, and the oil cake remaining after the oil has been extracted is a very superior fertilizer.

8.— RAPE OIL PLANT (" Brassica Chinensis, L.'i Japanese: "Natane." Chinese: " To-ah-tsai."

This plant of the cabbage family is grown in Formosa chiefly as an edible vegetable. From its seeds are extracted an oil used by the Chinese for lighting purposes. While the industry is one of considerable importance in China, in Formosa, with the exception of a few families in Lokiang (Rokko) and Shimpu (Shimpo) who extract the oil on a very small scale only sufficient for their own domestic use, it is not manufactured. The oil is imported into the island from Wenchow, and is used locally as an adulterant for Sesamum oil.

1. See No. 3 under Paper Plants, pp. 545-C.

5 5- THE ISLAM' OF FORMOSA.

0. — " ELAEOCOCCA (Af.EURITES) CORDATA, Sll.ll.."

Japanese: "Aburagiri." Chinese: " Tung-tze-shu."

This tree, locally known as the wood oil tree, is reported from both North and South Formosa, and though not abundant is found inconsiderable numbers in die mountainous district near Taichu. The tree appears to grow well here, I >ut no commercial use is made of it. In China, the oil expressed Irom the nuts of the Elaeococca is well known and is said to be the cheapest for lighting purposes. The oil is also employed as varnish and, when placed on fibre, for caulking ships.

10. — "Jatropha curcas, L."

Japanese; " Taiwan-yuto." Chinese: " Tung-yu-shu."

This emphorbiaceous tree of American origin is reported by Dr. Henry as naturalized in South Formosa. The tree, which is small in stature, bears seeds from which an oil can be expressed, but no use of the plant is made here. In Hainam and Canton Province the oil is used for lighting purposes.

II. — " Perilla ocymoides, I.."

Japanese : " Nora-e."

This representative of the mint family is found in Formosa, and from its seeds an oil ol commercial value is extracted in China. It is not utilized in Formosa.

SOAP PLANTS.

SOAP TREE (" Sapindus Mukorossi, Gaertn." Japanese: " Mukurozi." Chinese, " Huang mu-shu."

This tree, which reaches a considerable size in the interior, is found throughout the island. The fruit, which is of a sapinaceous nature, is used by the Chinese and by the savages in the border districts as a substitute for soap. There is a growing demand abroad for this product known as "Saponin," which up to the present has been chiefly supplied by India. When the Formosa forests are freely opened it is quite possible that soap-trees may be found in sufficient number to make the export of the fruit a profitable venture. At present the production is slight, and only supplies the poorer up-country classes, who often personallv gather the fruit sufficient for their own wants, or barter for their supplies some trifling object with the border peasants.

Gleditsckia s/>, a plant found in South Formosa, likewise supplies a soap-pod which can be put to the same use as the Sapindus.

Tea cake, the refuse material from tea seeds after the oil has been

extracted, appears to be in almost universal use in the north as a

saponaceous material for washing clothes. It is not a local product, however, being imported from China.

IORM0SAN ECONOMICAL PLANTS. 553

MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS. TOBACCO.

Of all the products described above there is none with a future more

bright than that of Tobacco. Large districts throughout the island possess the soil and climatic conditions favorable to the growth of Tobacco, and when the excessively high import duties are considered, it would appear that the local grower is offered a large premium over his China competitors in supplying the island's requirements. Furthermore, there are several varieties of the plant much in favor in Japan, which require for successful growth a warmer climate than the Japanese mainland affords. Then- is no reason why these kinds should not in time be supplied by Formosa. The Formosa Chinese have hitherto obtained most of their Tobacco from China. In the Formosa hill districts of Taichu, Kusshaku (Kuchu1, and Wantan, and along the line of hills between Kelung and Gilan, Chinese have been engaged in the cultivation in a small way, but as the production of Tea and Camphor has in the past proved more profitable, Tobacco planting has not been much attended to. Consequently, the plants received but little care, and the leaf produced was naturally ol inferior quality. The local Chinese govern-ment brought Manila seeds to the island, and endeavored to interest the hill planters; but with little success.

If the Chinese have neglected the cultivation, the savages can not be accused of similar remissness. ( >pposed as the savages are to general agricultural labor, they all exhibit a willingness to engage to some extent in the cultivation of tobacco. The northern tribes grow only sufficient for their own consumption, but the savages in Kagi, Arisan, Taito 1 Taitong , and Koshun (Heng-chun) districts supply not only their own wants but raise a quantity for barter with the Chinese. Mr. Tashiro reports that the plants in the savage districts generally appear to thrive well, and the leaves are large and attractive; but owing to the ignorance of the savages in curing and preparing the leaf, the resulting product is inferior. Of all the tribes, the iS villages of Koshun (Heng-chun) produce the best tobacco. The leaf is rolled up in the form of a club, and is very tightly wrapped round with rattan and Hroussonetia and other pliable wood barks weighing altogether from 7 to 1 ^ lbs. The flavor of this tobacco is said to be not unlike that of the Manila leaf. The high mountain savages of Shinkaiyen (Shinkuihng) district of Taito cho roll up their tobacco in the: shape of a large radish about a pound in weight. The savages of Bokusekikaku in Taito cho, Karenko (Hoshingkang) on the east coast, and the half civilized Pepohoans of Gilan make up their tobacco into the form of cheroots. These are intended primarily for their own consumption, but some is sold, it being possible to purchase a very fair grade article for some 40 yen cents a hundred. The writer has had some of these thermits tested by foreign smokers, who have reported that, while lacking in attractive flavor, the)- arc not inferior in any respect to the cheap cigars sold in Hongkong and other places. Men. women, and children among the savages smoke ; and as they use only their

own leaf, the total production in the savage districts must be considerable. It is lamentable that these wild people can not be induced to forego the existing occupation of hunting heads in order to devote their energy to the agricultural development of their hill lands. With tobacco alone, if grown and prepared according to modern methods, they could (tarn sufficient for their few wants.

I'nder the energetic control of Chief Yokoyama, the Agricultural Section oftheTaihoku CTaipeh prefecture has given much attention to Tobacco. In the experimental garden attached to the Section, 3 varieties of Japanese and 5 varieties of American tobacco have been grown, and while the garden is not located in a district exactly suited to Tobacco, Mr. Yokoyama reports that of a great number of various economical plants grown there, Tobacco appears to give tin; best results. The small area under cultivation yielded leaf at the average rate of 1,200 lbs. an acre, valued from 160 to 200 yen. The two Japanese varieties were the most successful, and the best result was obtained with the crop which was planted in January and harvested in April. Seed is being obtained from the United States, and an attempt will be made to grow light colored leaf, so much in demand in Japan for the manufacture of cigarettes.

The yearly import of Chinese tobacco averaged in value during the years 1 896 to 1 898, 000,000 yen. In 1 899, under very heavy duties, it fell to 480,000 yen. A large stock was imported in [898, in anticipation of the increased duty ; and this, together with the considerable quantity smuggled into the island by native craft, would probably bring the consumption of Chinese tobacco during [899 up to some 800,000 yen in value. At all events the amount may be safely taken as the average yearly demand under normal conditions for Chinese tobacco. Much of this will pay a duty of 40 per cent., and if this docs not have a stimulating effect on Formosa planters there is but little hope for them. In addition to the above, oxer a half million yen worth of cut tobacco and cigarettes are imported yearly from Japan.

i.— COFFEE.

Some 12 years ago, a compradore of Messrs. Tait & Co., of Daitotei, supplied some young Coffee plants and seeds, which had been obtained from San Francisco, to a Tea planter in the vicinity of Sankakuyu iSan-kak eng . A coffee plantation was set out, but soon after work had been commenced, a raid by savages was made on the place, and the enterprise was consequently abandoned. A few of the plants, however, had been set out near Pankyu ; and two brothers, Yu ah-sung and Yu-ah-ku, undertook to grow the bean. The Chinese were not familiar, however, with the cultivation of coffee. The trees were grown in the open without the shelter they required, and the result was accordingly not satisfactory. < me plantation was given up, but a second small field is still under coffee, a few hundred trees being at present found there. Since the arrival of the Japanese, interest has been awakened in the cultivation, and more trees are being set out in the Pankyu district, under conditions more favorable to success. There is. much rich hill land in Formosa

formosAn economical pla 555

that might be devoted to coffee, and while owing to over production, the bean is not at present considered in other countries a very profitable crop, still there is sufficient demand in Japan alone, where coffee is finding increasing favor, to make a ittw thousand trees a paying venture, and should the Formosa bean be found to be of superior quality, there is a possibility ofa larger market abroad.

2.— COCOANUT PALM.

The Cocoanut Palm nourishes in the island of Botel Tobago — a depen-dency of Formosa. Doubtless its cultivation could be greatly extended,

Samasam'a island, also a Formosa dependency, and South Formosa offering attractive fields. This plant supplies the very primitive savages of Botel Tobago with cloth, rope, and food. The fresh nuts command a rather high price in China and Japan markets, and the foreign demand for Copra (the dried nut) is steadily increasing, being at present worth from 140 to 150 yen a ton. Copra is valuable for the oil (about 70 per cent. ) which can be expressed from it. The refuse is made into cattle food, valued in foreign countries at some 70 yen per ton. There is also a demand for the fibre obtained from the husk, which is used for manufacturing ropes and matting.

3.— TAPIOCA PLANT ("Manihot Aipi, Pohl.

From the long roots of this small shrub is obtained the well known food Tapioca. In Bokusekikaku district, southeast Formosa, the plant is widely cultivated, and the natives there understand the extraction from it of starch. The plant has also been seen in the Gilan district, at Horisha (Polisha), and at Marin ama near Taihoku (Taipeh). Mr. Tashiro notes that in Hawaii the yield per acre is worth some 172 dollars, and as the plant grows very luxu-riantly in Formosa, he believes that its general cultivation in the island could be undertaken with profit.

4 — "ClNNAMOMUM CASSIA, Bl ."

This tree is met with in the mountains throughout the island, and the lxirk is valued highly as a spice and medicine. Though not as fragrant as the real cinnamon, widi which it has often been confused, it is a very good substitute, and is in fact often disposed of as cinnamon. Attempts have been made by foreigners (notably John Dodd) and others to add it to the island's exports, but as the tree was met with only in the mountains and was not specially abundant, and the cost of collection and transportation to the coast was very expensive, it was not found to be a profitable venture. The Chinese camphormen gather the bark in small quantities for domestic use, but I can learn of no Chinese undertaking its collection as a special busin

5. — " Blumea balsamifera, D.C."

This plant is found on the west coast and in South l;ormosa, but is not utilized. Dr. Henry writes " A peculiar kind of camphor of great value in

DO1

THE ISLAND 01 FORMOSA.

the eyes of. the Chinese is distilled in Hainan from the leaves of Blumea balsamifera, a shrubby plant about 2 or 3 feet in height, belonging to Com-positae. This m iy be distinguished as .\i Camphor from the Chinese name of the product : — ai fen the crude state: ai p'ien, the purified form. The plant (Iocs not occur in the Chinese mainland; but is common enough in India, Burmah, and Formosa. The plant is worthy of attention from a com-mercial point of view."

6. — •• Cajanus indicus, Spr."

This plant, known as the "tree bean," is largely cultivated by the savages, especially the Ami, Tsalisen, and Pinam tribes. The bean like seeds obtained

from it form an important part ot their daily food. In Taichu, Tainan, and Hozan (Hengchuiii districts it is cultivated by the Chinese, who -rind the seeds into flour which they use in making cakes. Although a perennial, the plant becoming a tall shrub if left alone, both the savages and the Chinese replant yearly, cutting down the bush alter each harvest and utilizing it as firewood.

7. — " Ficus pumii-a, L."

This vine is found in the savage territory ol Kagi district and in the South Formosa hill district. It yields a fruit much valued by the Chinese for a jelly-like substance which is obtained by soaking the dried Iruit in water, and. when softened, pressing by hand, thus forming out a viscous fluid which soon hardens; and, with the addition of a little sugar, is a favorite dish among Chinese.

8. — " Areca C.vi e< in", L."

This handsome palm yields the well known Areca nut (frequently called "Betel nut,") which, with the addition ol lime and the leaf ot the Betel pepper, is a favorite chewing mixture in India and other countries. The South Formosa native is much addicted to its use. In Tainanfu, and also to some extent in Kagi ami Shoka (Changwha), the leaf is utilized in the manufacture of a very unique fan.

Among other Formosa Plants, the following is a partial list of those valued by the Chinese for their medical qualities. Some are exported on a small scale, others while utilized in China, are not sufficiently abundant here to attract the attention of local drug merchants, and a tew are known to the foreign medical world.1

1. Achyianl tes aspera

2. Ainarantiis s/nuosus, L. I, . 1 1 istolochia sp.

1. Atalantia buxifolia, Oliver.

:'). .1 Ipinia galang, Saw.

1;. Bomba > urn, /'. C.

7- / : . Ili uisley.

8. Datura alba. Nets.

'.). Dendrobinm (two species.)

10. Enpliorbia pilulifera, J..

11. Eupatorium japonicum, Thumb. 13. Qnaphalium multiceps, Wall.

1:1. Qymvcma anine, Decile.

1 I. ZjUIUH 1

15. Lysinutchia sp.

Hi. Lycium chhieiise, Miller,

17. Pueraria Thumhergiava, Death.

18. Rhus semi alata, Murr.

19. Salaginella . Sprung. •20. Sterculia platanifolia, Linn.

21. Wikstroemia iiuliea, C. A. lie]/.

22. Tribulus terrestris, L.

23. Zingiber officinale, Rose.

24. Aloe chinensis, Baker.

1. The list of medical plauts is largely compiled from Dr. Heury's " A List of Plauts from Formosa."

AGRICULTURE.

A description of the economical botany ol Formosa would not be complete without reference i<> the several agricultural stations established in the island by the Japanese Government. I will confine my remarks here to the Agri-cultural Section of Taihoku (Taipeh) Prefecture, which I am most familiar with, though the station at Tainan is also doing much valuable work.

The Taihoku station is under the control of S. Yokoyama, a very intelli-gent, capable official. The mission of this department is to introduce to the island new plants of economic value and to improve the existing methods of cultivation. The Chinese, above all races, are not friendly to innovation. While other lands under intelligent rule find certain new plants add greatly to their prosperity, Formosa has tor years remained content with its lot, and, with the exception of Tea, the practical introduction of which must be credited to foreigners, there is not on record a single attempt to add a new agricul-tural plant to the island. Furthermore, the methods of cultivation and the (arming appliances are frequently crude and wasteful. For instance, actual field experiments with the foreign iron sugar mill opposed to the native stone mill, the machine decortication of fibre plants opposed to native hand work, have given results so much in favor of the foreign methods, that the actual cash gains have been sufficient in some cases to pay the cost of the new appliances in a single season. It is the endeavor of this Department to demonstrate to the Chinese by actual work in the fields that there are new plants which can be profitably introduced to the islands, that admirable as the Chinese system of tanning is, there is still much that they can learn as regards selection of seeds, fertilizing agents, use of modern agricultural imple-ments, etc., etc. Blooded cattle and pigs have also been brought to the island in hopes of improving the local breed. The following plants, the majority of which are either entirely new to the island or are at least new species or varieties, are now under cultivation at the station; and that the test may be comprehensive, man)- varieties of each plant are grown, anil under different soils, and with the assistance of different fertilizing agents :

Common and mountain Rice, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Rye, Millet, Teosinte Clover, Timothy, Orchard Grass, Red-tops, Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Indigo. Tobacco, Cotton. Coffee, .Mulberry Trees, Tapioca Plants. Mountain Banana, Jute. China Grass, Sisal Hemp, Bowstring Hemp. Mauritius Hemp, Oranges, Persimmons, Figs, Crapes, Pine Apples, edible and fibre bananas, and Sugar-Canes. So far the most notable successes have been with the following: — The Lahaina and Rose Bamboo varieties of Hawaian Sugarcane yielded per acre in cane nearly double that of the local cane, while 8 per cent, of a superior sugar was obtained, against 4 to 5 per cent, from the local cane. As a result, the local Chinese planters in the vicinity are putting in these varieties Japa-nese and American tobacco has done well, specially the Kokubu and Ibusuki varieties of the former; and their growth should be found profitable for local planters. Chinese in the vicinity of Keibi (King bob and Sintiam are putting in these kinds, and contracts have already been made for the produce.

THE ESLAND OF F"ORM< ISA.

The Natal (S. America) variety of indigo (I. tinctoria) grows magnifi-cently, attaining a height of from 8 to 9 feet. The yield per acre is greater than that of the local plant, and more indigo of a better quality is obtained from the plant. Cotton has done fairly well; Teosinte thrives; luit other fodder plants are only fair. Several new varieties of Beans and Sweet Potatoes show good results, the Mulberry Tree, I and the fruit trees

are growing nicely, while American grapes of very good quality have been obtained. Among the stock are Ayrshire and Holstein cattle, Berkshire swine, and Andalusian chickens, which all appear to find the climate congenial.

FORESTS.

There is a large area in Formosa covered with virgin forests, and Timber-trees of great value abound. The chief of these, Camphor wood, has already been described, an 1 the subject of forest trees is such a vast one and as yet so little is really known about the interior districts, that I will not attempt t<> deal with it in detail. I would mention, however, that among the Formosa woods which are at present utilized by the Chinese the following an; considered of greatest value : —

1. 1/ unbergii . .

■j. p.

.;. .i(a

1. Qu< reus sp.

5. .......

6. Liquidanibar fotmosana

7. /( s. Bist a . . '.1. Thu ana

in. Pimis sp.

11.

12. Cunningliamia sinensis

1 ;. .......

II. oluyra

15. Abiesl

10, Ulmus sp. (.<) . .

17. Zelkowa ! b)

19. Lagerstroemia subcostata

20, 1 ictIS retltsa .. it, Ficussp

■1-2. J 1 1, us SO.

Acacia nichii . .

i 1. Mm raya

Unfortunately, with the exception of some comparatively small districts, there is but little immediate prospect of extensive development of these great

resources. The Formosa trees ol value are of hard wood varieties, the transportation of which is difficult and expensive. The mountains are steep, the savages are a constantly disturbing factor, and with but two or three exceptions there are no streams of sufficient depth to lloat full-sized logs. There are some few trees of value remaining on the border hills, which may supply a very limited local demand for a Uiw years. At present it would appear most practical to replant the foot hills with timber trees. The Central Agricultural Department is convinced of the feasibility of this; and a wealthy Japanese planter has already invested considerable capital in the

Japanese n hie.

Chinese name.

Yabu-kusu

1 .nm. 1

Ichii-g

( ha-ko or cliapi

Sliii

Tsui-ko

Ko-san

ma

Oshimcho

I'niig-a

dan

Ko-leu

Akagi

K'atan

Sho-lam 1 heug-pe

Me i su

I'.i IV, II 1

Koyosau

Cheug 9am

Nagi

Soau

Kusu

Clni

Yu

Akiiiii

Ke-yu

j ak i

Ke-yu

Uraziro-muku

moa

S.'ti n-MibiTi

Kiu-kiong

fladsu-maiu

Cheng

Iuubiwa Han-noki

T-ui-lau-koa

San-sui

.itsu (Loochi 1 1)

Cho-liu

Mount Morrison (Nitakayama). The Highest Mountain in the Japanese Empire.

The Summit oh Muxr Morrison.

[Talk-way if Mount Mobbisos

JuNULE AT THE Base Of MOUNT MORRISON.

Kusshaku (Kuchu) district, with the intention of introducing the Japanese fir tree. When the railway line through the island is completed, it may be found possible to put out a few branch lines to the east. These, with the addition of tram lines into the hills, may make it possible to open up the interior forest district without financial loss, but there is at present no indication of such extensive enterprises being instituted.

Mention should be made, however, of the \\-w districts which have received the attention of Japanese. The lower slopes of Mount Morrison (Niitaka-yama , covering several miles in area, are covered with valuable trees, and there are two streams which would afford, it is believed, a fairly effective means of transportation to the coast. Also a magnificent forest has been found in the Arisan range of mountains to the east of Kagi. A gov-ernment expert inspected the district and found a spacious valley called Hampokuku to be densely wooded with valuable trees, such as the Chamaecyparis obiusa and C. pisifera, the Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria Japoniyx), and Pinus sp. running from a foot to even 5 feet in diameter. Two streams, the Sobunkei (Tsanbun) and Seisuikei lead down into the plains, and the railway company have made arrangements to obtain a portion of their supplies from this district.

The Formosa government has already accomplished much in afforesta-tion, ami with the idea of inducing the Chinese to plant trees in the plains a subsidy of 3? yen cents is offered by the- Taihoku prefecture f<>r each dozen of young trees set out, subject to conditions which provide that the trees shall not be cut down within 10 years without consent of tin- Prefect, and that young trees which die or have keen accidentally destroyed, shall be replanted within 3 years. Planters possessing the most successful groves will be rewarded with a sum not exceeding 50 yen. Some 10,000 trees have keen distributed by the Formosa Government. Forest Regulations have been issued to provide against tin- indiscriminating destruction of the existing forests and to afford protection to the young trees.

CllM'TKl!

CHAPTER XXX (PART 1 OF 4)

THE INHABITANTS OF FORMOSA.

Arrirnl of Chinese and Japanese pirates — Hakka immigrants— Dutch occupation — Chinese population prior to Japanese occupation —Three ethnological divisions.

Savage, Population : —Mr. Tno's researches — Condition of savages prior to arrival oj Dutch — During Chinese occupation — Their origin — Their arrival — Eight savage groups — Driven into the I/ills — Pepohoans in early days — Ruins <>) <t prosperous State — Population statistics of various groups Boundaries, Dwellings, Dress, Ornaments, Tattooing, Marriage, Diseases, Burial, Head hunting, Religion, and traditions of Atayal, Vonum, Tson, Tsalisen, Pahvan, Puyuma, Ami, and Pepo groups — Social state of above groups— Advancement along certain lines — Domestic velationship — Restrictions among relatives — Rank <;/' adult —Morality — Social organization — Tribal government- Views regarding crime — Banishment at' offences— Savages "/ First Until Tobago expedition — Origin of islanders — Physical characteristics— Malayan and Papuan types — Their manners and customs Nutive limits — Fishing - Pottery making — Cultivation— Dwellings — I in mi mis — Ornaments — Food Disease- -Religion — Traditions — Plague if rats — Miscellaneous notes.

Chinese Population : — Political divisions — Ethnical groups Uakkas — TToklos — Dis-tinguishing features — Hakka's rough life — Makka traders — Four Hollo groups — Distribution ni same — Chinese life in Formosa and in ('hi mi compared — Their characteristics briefly reviewed.

Japanese Population : — First arrivals —Family life — Evolution of n Chinese house — First habitations — Insanitary quarters — Large mortality — ( 'onstruction oj dormi-tories— Mainland impressions — Improved conditions — Reconstruction oj TaihoJeu — A Japanese city — Its stm-ts, buildings, ami shops — Interior towns — Population according to sex — Rapid increase in population — Employment oj' Japanese — Difficulty oj' competition with Chinese — Village life.

Comparkh with the neighboring lands, China on the west and Japan on the north, Formosa gained her industrial population at a comparatively late day. This island has, however, been inhabited by savage peoples, the so-called " aborigines," from the earliest days of which we possess authentic

THE INHABITANTS OF FORMOSA. 56 1

record. Chinese and fapanese pirates made the island their headquarters during the latter part oi the 15th century ; and following them came the first agriculturalists; the Hakkas. These people, practically outcasts in their own land, found the island much to their liking and immigrated in la numbers, forming the nucleus of the present Chinese population. The Dutch, numbering at the height of their influence over 00 in all, occupied a part of the island from 1624 to 1662. The Chinese population on the arrival of the Dutch numbered about 25,000, but the invasion of the Tartars induced many thousands more of Ming loyalists to emigrate to Formosa. The number of the Chinese population at the close of the Dutch occupation is indefinitely stated as man)- tens of thousands. I fader Koxinga's rule which followed, Chinese, chiefly from Fokien province, flocked to the island in large numbers, the savages retiring before them towards the mountainous interior districts. In 1683, the Imperial Chinese Government obtained control, retaining the island until 1895, when it was ceded to Japan. During the Chinese regime immigration was encouraged, and thousands came yearly from the neighboring province of Fokien, until, in the middle of the iSth century, the population was over a million. Luchow, the famous Chinese statesman, computed the population to be 2,000,000 ; but taking into consideration the large increase which followed and the present popula-tion, it would appear that this estimate must have been a great exaggeration. Meanwhile, the savages had been gradually driven back into the hills, and the Chinese became the sole occupants of the plains. Immediately prior to the arrival of the Japanese, the Chinese population was generally stated as between two and three millions, and the savage population from 200,000 upwards. During the military troubles which followed the Japanese occupa-tion, several thousands of Chinese left the island. Doubtless, however, this number did not exceed two or three hundred thousand, including soldiers and official employes.

The arrival of the Japanese added a third element to the population, making, at the present day, three broad divisions, savages (aborigines), Chinese, and Japanese, whom we will consider in the order named.

The account of the Formosa Savages which follows has been almost wholly constructed from new material kindly offered by an official friend, Mr. Y. Ino, for this work. Mr. Ino has devoted several years to the study of the Formosan Savages, has carried on investigations anion- every group, and to-day is, without doubt, the foremost authority on these wild people. With the exception of a very able essay by Mr. Taylor dealing with the South Formosa tribes, prior to the arrival of the Japanese, no valuable paper had been published regarding the island's savage population. The accounts of foreign travellers who have spent a day in the savage district, and who on their return to civilization have written descriptions of their journeys did net afford us much information regarding the inhabitants. With the single exception of Mr. 1 foist, a collector who confined his researches to South Formosa, no foreigner has made an extended stay in tin; savage territory, or has visited the east coast hill tribes. 'Die Japanese, however, have crossed from east to west in several places, have spent

months in close contact with the savages, and have carried on systematic investigations among their various groups from north to south continuously during the five years of their occupation. It is consequently to the Japanese that we must look for the most complete information regarding the savages, ancj to the Japanese friend above mentioned I must extend thanks for the opportunity afforded of presenting the first account placed before English readers of the savages of the whole island.

Prior to the arrival of the Dutch and Chinese, the savage tribes, or so-called aborigines, were spread over the whole island. Along the large fertile: plain which forms the western half of the island, they were found everywhere. The Paiwan group, which retired before the advance of invaders to the mountainous region of the south and to one small part of the plain in the extreme south, occupied in the early days a large tract of land in the south-western part of the island. It is possible that the name of this tribe suggested to the first Chinese the name " Taiwan," which -was later adopted for the whole island. The fact that the savages, in these early days, prospered and were at one time strong and powerful has been handed down to us by Chinese historians. One ancient Chinese geographer writes : " Their abodes, scattered everywhere, covered an area as large as a thousand //. The number of the tribes was very great; each of them forming a band consisting of five or six hundred or a thousand people. Each tribe had over it a chief whose command was absolute. They were a courageous people and gloried in warfare." Again from historical accounts of the 1 Hitch we learn that there were two hundred and ninety-three tribes in the comparatively limited sphere of the foreigner's influence. From these and other writings we may safely infer that the tribes throughout the island were very numerous in early days.

Little is known as to the origin of these savage peoples. We may safely assume, however, that Formosa has been the home of some groups for at least two thousand years. Chinese historians report that, on the arrival of the first Chinese in the island (in 608 A. 1 ).), they found different tribes existing, whose language was quite foreign to them. We also learn that they were of Malayan or Polynesian origin, their short stature, their yellowish brown color, their straight black hair and other physical characteristics, as well as their customs and language, bear sufficiently strong resemblance to the natives of the South Seas to confirm this. It seems also that these tribes did not all arrive in the island at the same time, or land at the same place, some trace their Formosa ancestors to a more ancient date than others ; some landed on the western coast, others on the eastern coast ; some established themselves in the south, others in the north. Though occupying limited areas, we find a more or less wide distinction between the tribes of one district and those of another. This distinction extends not only to dress, habits, and customs, but even to language ; there being in several instances groups of savages whose language is unintelligible to a second group. Taking note of these differences, recent investigations show that the savages of the island come under eight divisions. As many tribes, some showing minor charac-

Savage Head-Hunters of Formosa.

A Group of North Formosan Hill Savages. (Men and Women.) Male Type of North Formosan Hill Savage, showing the tattooing on Face and Breast. Female Type of North Formosan Hill Savage, showing the tattooing on Face.

teristics peculiar to them, comprise a division, we will use the term group. The savages of the island maybe classified as follows : —

1st. — Atayal group. 5th. — Paiwan group.

2nd. — Vonum group 6th. — Puyuma group.

3rd. — Tsou group. 7th. — Ami group.

4th. — Tsalisen group. 8th. — Pepo group.

( >f the above, the Pepo (Pepohoan), Puyuma, and Ami groups are known to the Japanese as " Jukuban " or domesticated savages. The Pepo live in the western plain, and the Puyuma and Ami groups in the eastern plain. The savages of these three groups have been despoiled of the greater part of their lands by the Chinese. Influenced by the superior strength and intelligence of the new comers they have abandoned many of their original customs, some of them even their language, and have adopted the customs and speech of the Chinese. It is this abandonment of ancient customs that has brought to them the designation of " domesticated savages." The other groups dwell in the central mountain range, some occupying districts of five or six thousand feet elevation. The traditions of all, however, agree that they did not occupy the rough mountainous districts prior to the arrival of the strangers. Then in undisputed possession, the vast and fertile plain of the western half was their home land, and here they enjoyed a life of ease and plenty. It was their defeat in the struggle for supremacy with the immigrants that drove them into the mountains.

The Pepo alone remained to compete with the strangers with a cruel result only too apparent; the Chinese proved the fittest and survived, while the savages decreased year after year in numbers and in influence, until now the population of the Pepo group is but one tenth of what it was a century ago, and is in a poor and miserable condition. Notwithstanding this, they at one time formed a prosperous and powerful state; occupying the most fertile districts of the extreme western plain, and possessing a geographical advan-tage over the other savages of the island. They even constructed boats and feeble rafts of timber with which they crossed the dangerous Formosa Channel, undertaking expeditions to other lands. Not only did some of the Pepo group invade the southern coast of China, but they crossed the Bashee Channel to the south, maintaining communication with Luzon island. These facts are known from their own traditions and from the works of Chinese historians. The)- seem to have reached the height of their influence during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It was only one hundred years ago, after they met defeat in their struggle for existence, that their prosperity was transferred to their opponents ; and, by the assimilating power of Chinese civilization and the oppression of the Chinese authorities, they retained but a minute portion of their former domains.

The other groups, unlike the once powerful Pepo, retired on the approach of strangers to the hill regions, where from the natural inhospitality of their position they were able to avoid the struggle for existence with the foreign people ; and as they have retained their warlike and primitive nature, they have been practically successful in preserving their original independence

and status. Recent investigation shows the population of the Formosa savages, excluding the Pepohoans, to be as follows : —

Name of Group.

Number of Tribes.

Number of Houses.

Population.

Atayal - - ■

■ " 197

5.567

23,460

\ onum - - •

' " 144

2,0/2

l6,6lO

Tsou - - ■

2,961

Tsalisen - ■

5.572

27,860

Paiwan - -

- - 1 10

3,02 1

i5,982

Puyuma- - •

■ - 8

i,3M

4.891

Ami - - -

- - 84

2 iS !

21.775

Total- - - 687 21,060 II3>539

The land occupied by these savage -roups is about 7,500 square miles in area, or about one half the entire surface of the island.'

THE ATAYAL GROUP.

The Atayal group spreads itself over the mountainous region of the

northern half of the island, or northward of a line drawn from east to west across the central mountain, and passing through Horisha (Polisia) ; and adjoins the- territory of the Vonum group on the south. With the higher peaks of the middle range intersecting their land, this group may be divided into West Atayals and Hast Atayals, and these two sub-groups show some slight characteristics peculiar to each.

Dwellings. — The Atayals have their dwellings on the slopes of steep mountains. The West Atayals form several tribes, widely scattered, especially in the northern part, and have their huts from five or six hundred to a thousand feet apart. In the southern part, groups of huts, each consisting of from four or five to ten, are found. The East Atayals also form several villages, their huts being scattered, however, in an irregular way, some huts being but twenty or thirty feet apart, and others as far as live or six hundred feet. In building their huts they erect posts of wood and stone, with walls of bamboo interlaced with a kind of rush or grass and thatched with the same material. The dwellings of the blast Atayals, however, are quite different from those of the West. They dig a cellar like excavation some 3 to 6 feet deep, and with the earth thus obtained a wall is built around the mouth of the excavation, and the interior is paved with stone. Strong-wooden pillars with cross poles are erected, and llat pieces of stone are used as rooting. These houses are unnoticeahle at an)' distance, projecting as the)r do only some four feet above the surrounding ground. They have but a single entrance, and a ladder, consisting generally of a simple notched pole, is required to descend into their houses. Their store houses are' erected on posts, and are raised some 3 or 5 feet above the ground. To provide against the ravages of rats a circular piece of board surmounts each post.

1. For a vocabulary of the different groups see Appendix.

Dress. — The garments of the Atayals consist, for the male, of a tunic and a square of native made cloth. The tunic is sleeveless, and reaches below the waist. It is open in front, and consequently provides covering for practically the back and shoulders of the body alone. The square cloth is considered as an extra garment, and when used is simply wrapped about the body above the waist. An abbreviated loin cloth completes the attire. The women wrap about the bod)-, from left to right, a square of cloth, but those who live rear the border districts frequently add to this an under shirt-like jacket made of white cotton cloth obtained from the Chinese. They also tie about the lower leg a square of cloth which hangs down about the foot like a legging. The material for the sarongdike garment is woven by the savages on their crude looms, China grass being the fibre used. Woollen or other threads of red, blue, and black colors obtained by unravelling blankets originally procured from Chinese, are woven in with the local material in such a way as to present pleasing geometrical designs. The women who live near the Chinese district frequently wear Chinese coats, and they are fond of using as a head dress a length of colored cloth decorated with buttons and other ornaments. The men wear on the head a skull cap made of hide, obtained from the heads of young deer, with the small deer horns projecting;. A cap made of rattan is also frequently worn.

Ornaments. — As ear ornaments, the Atayals favor bamboo sticks of /2 to 3^ of an inch in diameter and of varying length, but generally over 4 inches, which are placed through holes made in the ear lobes. These sticks are often nicely carved, chiefly with geometrical figures : they are also sometimes wound with colored thread, or have tassels or other pendants, such as rectangular polished shell ornaments, attached to each end.

Tattooing. — This method of personal decoration is practised among both sexes. Xot only do they consider it highly ornamental, but some designs are adopted as marks of maturity among both males and females, not being resorted to until the subject has reached the age of puberty. The designs follow well established patterns. The men tattoo their foreheads and chins with short heavy vertical lines, and on arriving at maturity and having been accepted by the tribe as recognized adults, tattoo short lines on their breasts, also sometimes on the legs and arms. The females on attaining womanhood add a rather complex pattern in pale blue leading from the mouth with an upward curve to the ears, and measuring nearly an inch in width. It is made up of three sets of three lines, each set being connected by a chevron line. The removal of certain teeth is also considered by the Atayals to improve their appearance. Both men and women remove from the upper jaw the two lateral incisors. In addition to the above, the .Atayals are fond of necklaces, bracelets, and other similar ornaments. The teeth of animals, hard red berries obtained from a certain tree, and brass and other bright metals are used for these ornaments.

Food. — Their chief articles of food are millet, rice, sweet potatoes, and taros, together with the meat of deer and wild pig. They eat with their fingers, and the preparation of their food is limited to a hasty boiling or

roasting. They also use salt to season their food. The Atayals of the high interior mountains, who are usually without salt, eat ginger root with their food.

Marriage. — The sexes appear to join in marriage on terms of equality. There is but one restriction, — the man must have fully reached manhood according to their own criterion and must have been duly recognized by the tribe as an adult. This means that the applicant must have attended the grand meeting of the braves, which is limited to those who have killed an outsider and brought forward the head of the victim. Thus the initial quali-fication of a would-be husband is to have engaged — and it must have been with success — in a head-hunting expedition. The east Atayals possess in their most populous district a hut elevated on piles some twenty feet above the ground. A newly married couple occupy this habitation five nights following the marriage.

Disease. — 1 fisease is attributed to the anger of evil spirits. Ever)- village possesses an old woman who undertakes to drive out the offending spirits. Squatting down near the sick one, she holds between her knees a bamboo tube which is permitted to project a few inches in front of her. On it she balances a sacred charm consisting of a small pierced stone. She waves her hand above it, imploring the spirits to withdraw their evil spell. If the stone falls she considers the spirits unwilling to release the victim ; if the ball remains balanced for a moment or so she believes a favorable answer has been received, and that consequently the patient will recover.

Burial. — On the death of one of the Atayals the family of the deceased mourn bitterly. New clothes are placed on the corpse, and it is further wrapped in a deer skin or large cloth. The West Atayals dig a grave under the sleeping room of the habitation occupied by the deceased during life, and the bodj- is buried there. Mourning is continued by the family for from ten to thirty days, when the house is deserted for ever, it being in reality a tomb for the dead. The East Atayals bury the dead outside of the house and do not change their residence. They consider, however, the plot where the body lies as sacred property, and never visit it.

Head-Hunting. — Of all the savages in the island the Atayals are the most active and aggressive in head-hunting. This ferocious practice has entered into their life, and plays so prominent a part in their whole social system as to have become almost ineradicable so long as a remnant of their old lite remains. The Atayals consider head-hunting justifiable, in fact obligator)-, in die following cases : —

1. To be assured of a year of abundance, the heads of freshly killed human beings must be offered up to their ancestors.

2. To qualify for entrance into the councils as a recognized adult.

3. To gain favor with the unmarried female, making it possible to obtain as wife one of the most attractive damsels.

4. To obtain rank and influence. The degree of respect and admira-tion gained among fellow savages is dependent upon the number of heads secured.

5. To gain for the individual and his family, and even for the tribe, freedom from pestilence. For instance, small pox is sometimes prevalent ; to drive out the pest the nearesl relatives of the patient will engage in a head-hunting expedition.

6. To be considered victor in a dispute or to recover one's standing after having committed seme offence against one's fellows. Thus, when two savages quarrel and cannot arrive at a settlement, both parties disappear ; and the first to return with a head obtains a settlement of the dispute in his favor. Also one who is suspected of having offended against the established rules of Atayals may clear himself of reproach by bringing to his village a newly decapitated head.

Taking the above into consideration, it would appear that head-hunting enters into the religion of the Atayals. Furthermore, according to the moral standard of the people, it is positively obligatory on every male adult, unless such individual is prepared to incur the hatred and probably the hostility of his comrades. 1 lead-hunting is a dangerous occupation, and the Atayal frequently meets his death. 'Ihe event of a brave returning unharmed and bearing the much prized head of his victim is consequently an occasion for great rejoicing. < )n his approach being heralded, it is not uncommon for the members of his village,— men, women and children, to rush out and greet him. The story of his exploit is listened to with keen joy, the brave praised for his valor, and a celebration takes place in which dancing and the drinking of wines plays a most prominent part. Every village possesses a small narrow platform supported on wooden or bamboo poles some three or four feet high. It is out in the open air, and on it are placed the heads obtained by the 1 naves of the village. This repository is under the charge of the village chief, and the heads are never removed. After exposure to the rain and ravages of insects and rats, the trophies are soon reduced to glistening skulls ; and to the stranger, are the most striking objects to be seen in a savage village. Some villages possess several hundred heads, and the smallest habitation as a rule some ten. Tradition speaks ol one brave who himself had captured 500 heads. The average at present for a recognized brave is about ten.

Religion. — After the rice or millet has been harvested, the Atayals select a day, during the period of a full moon, and worship their ancestors. A similar ceremony occurs when seed is sown. The first is to express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest, which they attribute to the spirits of their dead ancestors ; and the second is to beseech a continuance of favor in respect to the coming harvest. In such case the ceremony is as follows : Every family makes, from the rice or millet they have harvested, cakes, which they take during the darkness of night into the thick wood, and wrapping them in leaves, suspend them from the branches of trees. The spirits of their ancestors are expected to partake of their offerings. The day following, the whole village meet together, and mirth and gaiety prevails. At events where merriment prevails, the younger women frequently engage in very licentious dances consisting of twisting and squirming and

Suggestive muscle movements not unlike the Hawaiian dance. Time is kept bythe music from jewsharp like instruments made ol bamboo.

THE VONUM GROUP.

Boundaries. — The Vonum group spreads itself over the mountainous region of the centre of the island, joining the territory of the Atayals on the north, the district of Tsou group on the south east, and the Amis on the east. In addition, on the high plateau near Lake Candidius (Suishako) to the south of Horisha (Polisia), is a small settlement ofVonums who have adopted Chinese ways to some extent. To these semi-civilized aborigines the following does not apply.

Dwellings. — 'I he Vonums live in villages, with their huts some 30 to 90 feet apart. Frequently they live at great elevations ; with one or two excep-tions the highest parts of the great central range are within their district. In erecting their houses a shallow pit one or two feet deep is dn-^, and over this the wood and stone work is constructed. The supporting posts are of wood and bamboo, and the walls are of interlaced rush and grass work. If the material is abundant, the pillars are sometimes of Hat slahs of slab- piled up evenly, but without mortar. The roof is thatched with grass or rushes, or covered with tree bark ami frequently slate. The floor is paved with flat pieces of slate. The small yard in front of the entrance is also commonly paved with stone; and it is in this place that the savage family do most of .their work.

Dress. — The men wear a sleeveless tunic similar to that of the Atayals, the material being either thin locally-made cloth, or leather. Women have short and tight sleeved shirts reaching down to the belly, the material of which is usually light cotton cloth obtained from the Chinese, and the outer sarong-like garment reaching from their shoulders to the knees as worn by the Atayals. Besides the above, the males place about the breast, like a small apron, a square of cloth folded in triangular form and fastened about the body by strings attached to the corners of the cloth. A second apron similar to the above and fastened in like manner is placed about the lower part of the bell)'. The triangular front of the upper apron is embroidered.

Ornaments. — A hard red berry which has the appearance of a coral bead, a yellowish berry, animal teeth, bright transparent stones, or false jewels obtained from the Chinese are used for necklaces. Shells are also used. They root out the lateral incisors on the upper jaw.

Food. — Their chief food consists of millet, rice, sweet potatoes, taro, deer, wild pig, etc. A wooden spoon is used by some of the Vonums in eating their iood, though the majority eat with their fingers. An intoxicating drink is made by this group from millet or rice. After the cereal has been bruised by pounding with a stone, a morsel at a time is taken into the mouth by the various people engaged in the work, and masticated until soft, being freely mixed with saliva. It is then thrown into an earthern jar where it ferments rapidly. Water is then added, and the stuff is read)- for use.

East Atayals living near Polisia. Arrangement of Skulls among Atayals. Vonum Women as Bui den Carriers.

iha • \

CHAPTER XXX (PART 2 OF 4)

Atayal House showing Rat Shields. Savages of the Vonum Group. Armed Vonum Savages visiting the Border to Trade.

Marriage. — Perfect freedom exists as to marriage among both sexes. The custom of pretending to seize a bride by force is in existence among them. With a company of friends die bridegroom goes to the house of his intended, and in the face of pretended opposition seizes his bride and carries her off to his own habitation. After a few days, a feast is given to the friends of the couple. In some of the tribes, a sham-fight occurs between the relatives of the bride and bridegroom, and the drawing of Mood on the part of one of them is considered of good omen.

Diseases. — Diseases are considered as a manifestation of the anger of evil spirits. An old female priestess is called in, who by waving the rushes which she carries, one in each hand, is supposed to induce the bad spirits to retire. Sometimes these sorceresses treat the patient by ruffling the

afflicted part.

Burial. — On the death of a Vonum savage the surviving relatives make a great show of grief. The (.lead body is wrapped in a deer-skin and buried in a grave outside the house.

I lead hunting. — The Vonums do not at present engage in head-hunting to the extent that marks their more northern brothers. In some parts ol their district, however, it is quite common. The practice does not enter into their religion. The}- regard the hunting of heads merely as evidence ol one's courage and prowess, and the successful hunter who returns with a head is considered to have given abundant evidence that he is a brave warrior worthy of the tribe. Accordingly, the savage who has obtained the most heads is considered the chief warrior, the bravest man in the tribe. A savage who has refrained from headhunting can obtain a wife among the less attractive girls, but a savage belle would look for a husband among the young braves who had proven their valor and intrepidity.

The Vonums have small straw-thatched receptacles built in the shape oi houses near their habitations, and here are kept their collections of heads, not only human but those of animals as well, the latter being trophies o! the hunt.

Religion. — The spirits of their departed ancestors are worshipped on a day following the harvest, and again before the sowing. With some ol the. Vonum tribes a bundle of green grass is placed in a certain part of a house as a symbol of the sacred day, ami it is believed that the family's ancestral spirits will congregate about this emblem. Native wine is sprinkled on the tloor about the sacred place, and prayers for good fortune are offered up to the spirits. Ordinarily lire is obtained with a flint and steel, but on these sacred days it is produced by rubbing together pieces of wood, which would appear to denote that the latter method was the one formerly in common use. ■*

THE TSOU (.ROUP.

TIv Tsou group occupy the mountainous district to the immediate south-west of Nitakayama (Mt. Morrison). On the north, the Chimryuran river, a tributary of the Dakusuikei, separates them from the Vonum group.

5/0 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

To the south their district extends to the vicinity ofRbkkiri (Lakuli), where it joins the territory of the Tsalisen group. On the cast, the central mountain range marks their boundary, and on the west, their land ends with the boundary of the high hill district.

Dtvellings. — The Tsou savages live in villages. Their habitations are situated in the dense jungle, and the houses are built from thirty to ninety feet apart. The construction of their houses is somewhat like that of the Dyaks of Borneo. The houses are oblong in shape. The supporting posts are unhewn logs or bamboo, and the wall is of rushes or grass interlaced. The roof is thatched with grass, ami slopes down on four sides. Every tril >< ■ possesses in common a particularly large room called "Khuva" by the savages. The floor of this structure is elevated some 4 or 5 feet, and the k notched pole serves as a ladder to afford entrance. The building, which consists of one large room without walls, with a large open fire place on the floor in the centre, serves as a dormitory for the unmarried young men. The occupants are not permitted to enter a house where women reside; nor are they allowed to possess any article which was originally the property of the other sex, or which is specially intended for women's use. By these measures, premature intercourse with the girls of the village, as well as all effeminating influence, is provided against. Furthermore, cold and rain-laden winds find easy access to the sleeping room. Thus the young men are hardened, and become inured to the rough life of warriors. The special duty of the young men of the "Khuva" is to earn' messages to other villages when required. It is while in the Khuva that the young men are trained in warfare: the manufacture and the use of various weapons is shown them, and the)- are taught such handicraft as their life requires.

" Khuva" is also used as the village meeting house, and when affairs of importance are to be discussed it is at this place the adult males assemble. The- place; is furthermore open to visiting savages from the neighboring villages.

Head-Hunting. — This practice is gradually falling into disuse among the Tsou savages. Every dwelling possesses a small elevated house-shaped structure, provided with shelves on which the heads are kept. Their views as to practice are similar to those held by the Vonnms, but the)- regard the custom as one of the past glories of the tribe, and as one which has ceased to be- profitable.

/h-css. — The garments worn by this group resemble those of the Vonums, e\cep)t that deer skins are more frequently used as the material for the dress of men. Like the Vonums, the men wear the triangular aprons on the chest and belly.

The women hang a piece of nicely embroidered white cloth about 5X12 inches in size about the chest by strings attached to the four corners.

Ornaments. — Pieces of brass and other bright metals are worn on the breast, and necklaces, consisting ot bright colored berries strung like beads, are highly valued. Like the Vonums, they root out certain of the teeth.

Food. — The chief articles of food are rice, millet, sweet potatoes, taros, venison, wild pig meat, etc. They use a long flat trowel like implement when eating, and they drink from a cup-like section of a particular gourd found in their forests. They brew an intoxicating liquor in the same manner as the Vonums.

Marriage, — There is the same freedom in marriage as characterizes other groups. The young Tsou brave presents to the young lady of his choice an ornamental hair-pin called "siisii," which is made of deer-horn. The acceptance of this gift signifies consent. The bridegroom now publicly announces his betrothal, and with several of his friends visits the home of the bride, and with a sham exhibition of force carries her away to his home. The following morning the bride runs away and returns to the home oi her mother. Here she remains three days, when the friends of the bridegroom visit her house ; and again, with a show of force, she is carried to the home of her lover, where a social meeting is held and the marriage ceremony is considered at an end.

Disease. — Disease is considered an expression of the wrath of a de-parted soul. Certain old men and women, who are considered to possess special powers as sorcerers, profess ability to pacify the angry spirits, and hence to cure disease. The sorcerer offers up two bamboo tubes, one with rice in it, the other with wine ; and then, with a reed in each hand, he approaches the patient, waving the wands and praying lor mercy. The rice and wine is thrown about in the vicinity of the house,

Burial. — Deep family mourning follows death. Near the entrance of the house a grave is dug, some 5 or 6 feet deep, and the dead is wrapp up in a deer skin and buried there. A stone of sufficient size to support the earth above is placed over this, at some little distance above the boil)- ; on this the earth is packed, and when the surface is reached, it is smoothed over, so as to resemble the ground about it. Contrary to the general custom among the savages, this plot of ground is put to ordinary use.

Head-Hunting. — 'Ihe Tsous were at one time ardent head hunters, but the practice has now been given up. Their ancestors were great warriors, and frequently fought with other savages, often returning triumphantly with the heads of their enemies. In memory of these deeds, the group keep to this day the ancient shields and the trophies of war including a goodly array of skulls, all of which are preserved with great care in " Khuva," or the bachelor dormitory.

Religion. — A tree near the entrance to a village, usually selected on account of its large size, receives special homage from the various tribes of the Tsou group. It is thought that the spirits of their ancestors take their abode in these trees. Before sowing and after harvest, when they mow the grass, which is a ceremony performed once a year, and refil the bamboo water pipes, likewise an annual ceremony, the savages assemble under this tree, and sprinkling wine about the ground, they worship the spirits of their departed ancestors. A variety of orchid is also considered to be a sacred plant. The savages grow this I lower at the foot of the

5/2 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

holy tree and near the bachelors' dormitory. Traditions of the tribe are to the effect that their ancestors carried this flower into battle, and to it they

attributed their victories. It is strictly forbidden to cut down or in any way injure these plants.

THE TSALISEN GROUP.

The Tsalisens occupy the southern portion of the central high range with Mount Kurayao as their centre. On the north, they join the Tsou group, and on the east the Puyuma and Paiwan groups, while the PaiWans are also on their southern border.

Dwellings. — The homes of this group are invariably built on the moun-tain slope. They cut into the hill-side to the depth they desire to give their house and wall up the front of the excavation, — a very simple method of obtaining" a strong storm proof habitation. The front and wall work, as well as the front roof supports, are of piled up slate, and the roof and floor are also made of the same material. As compared with the houses of other savages these structures are noticeable in that the)- are of stone and earth, Avhile the rank of an occupant is denoted by the decorations of the eaves, a chief of a tribe possessing a house the eaves of which exhibit carvings of people, of snakes, etc. Some chiefs with large houses will have as many as 60 carved eaves. In the extreme south, the tribes sometimes erect boards standing some three or four feet high in front of their houses, each bearing on its face a crude engraving of a human-being.

Dress. — The Tsalisen savages commonly wear short, tight-sleeved tunics open in front and reaching down to below the waist. About the lower part of the body they wind, from right to left, a length of cloth which is gathered in by many folds at the waist. The men wear these cloths down to the knees, but the women have them extended nearly to the feet.

Ornaments. — Like many of the South Sea islanders, the Tsalisens are fond of wearing grasses and flowers as a head dress. Both men and women tattoo, but among the former, tattooing is permitted only to chiefs and their families. It serves them both as an ornament and as a sign of high rank. The patterns are entirely unlike those of the northern savages. There is one geometrical design made up of parallel lines commencing at the elbow, covering the Avhole upper arm, and reaching to the shoulder, anil a second pattern consists of a complicated geometrical figure leading trom the breasts up over the shoulders and down the small of the back. The women tattoo only their hands, the design consisting of straight and accurately carved lines.

Food. — The chief articles of diet are millet, rice, sweet-potatoes, taros, venison, and wild pig meat. They eat with wooden spoons, and the dishes for food are made of closely woven rattan. An intoxicating drink is made by grinding millet or rice into a flour, adding water and the pollen of the flower of a variety of the goose foot plant (Chenopodium album) which incites fermentation. The Tsalisen group are inveterate chewers of betelnut. The meat of the nut is wrapped in a tobacco leaf, and when chewed has a

THE INHABITANTS Or FORMOSA. 573

slightly stimulating effect. This practice blackens the teeth and gives an unnatural reddish color to the gums, lips, and tongue.

Marriage. — Marriage among the group is not quite so free and unrestricted as with other Formosa savages. The consent of the parents on both sides must be obtained, and the preliminary arrangements must be placed in the care of a middleman. After matters have been definitely arranged, a month is allowed to intervene, and then on an appointed day the suitor visits the house of his intended and a simple ceremony sanctions the right of the couple to come together. The woman remains at the home of her mother until a child is born, when she removes to the home of her husband, and the marriage is then considered to have been effected. Should she be without issue, however, her suitor ceases to call, and all familiarity between the couple comes to an end. Both parties are now free to seek a mate elsewhere.

Disease. — As is general among the Formosa savages, this group attributes disease to the ill-will of the spirits of the departed, and a religious rite called " Parish " is resorted to, to drive away the offended ones.

Burial. — When a Tsalisen dies, all the village acquaintances of the departed visit the family to condole with them. The dead is dressed in new garments and is buried in a deep grave dug under the lloor of the house. Until the day of the next full-moon following the death, the inmates refrain from removing from the house any article which may have been used by the departed. After this period "Parish" is held and the funeral observances arc considered at an end.

Head-Hunting. — The Tsalisens consider head-hunting an honorable practice. Their method of slaughter is vividly expressed by a Chinese poet who wrote, " Like fierce tigers, they range the woods and pounce on human heads." Now, however, with many of the tribes of the group, headhunting is gradually going out of fashion. The few who continue the practice cele-brate the capture of a head with a great festival to which all are invited. The freshly decapitated head is boiled to remove all fleshy parts, and the cleaned skull is preserved with great care. The more civilized tribes preserve the*skulls of animals as a substitute for the human head.

Rclio-ion. — The religious rites known as " Parish " are in full force among this group. The ceremony consists in arranging certain articles such as dishes, food, etc., in a certain form, mumbling over them certain incantations which the savages believe bring down the spirits of their ances-tors, who are present so long as the ceremony lasts. Should one violate the rules of this ceremony or offend by entering the charmed circle over which the priestess alone presides, the spirits will visit on the offender their ill-will. In some respects this ceremony resembles that of "taboo" among certain South Sea islanders.

They worship the manes of their ancestors four times a year. Some Tsalisen tribes have a tradition that their ancestors came down from heaven with twelve earthen jars ; and at the present clay, in the house of a great

574 THE ISLAND 01 FORMOSA;

chief a peculiar old earthenware jar is handed down from generation to generation ; others have a tradition that the moon gave birth to their ances-tors, and in the house of a chief a round stone, circular in form, intended to represent the moon, is preserved. Both the jar and the stone are considered as sacred objects, and strangers are not permitted to approach them. As with the Tsou group, they believe that the souls of their ancestors abide in a sacred tree near the entrance to their village.

THE PAIWAX GROUP.

The Paiwans live in the hilly plains of the extreme south of the island. On the east, their district extends nearly to the Chihon kei (River), where it joins the territory of the Puyumas ; and on the north-west, the Tsalisen group are their neighbors. On the east, south, anil west, their land extends to the sea shore.

The Paiwans may be divided into three sub-groups as follows : — i. Chakuvukuvum. 2. Pakurukal. 3. Parizarizao.

Dwellings. — The huts of the Paiwans show three stages of development in house building. The first is of primitive form. A large excavation is made in the mountain slope, and a strong back wall and support is thus obtained. Two posts are erected on each side, and extending across from their tops are placed large circular posts, which form arch like supports for a rush-thatched roof. The walls are made of rushes or bamboo interlao-d. A second style of structure resembles the ordinary form of hut such as the poorer Chinese classes construct, with thatched roof, bamboo or board wall, etc. The third consists of a series of houses just described, joined together so as to form a long building sometimes fifty feet or more in length.

The houses of chiefs in the Chakuvukuvum and Pakurukal subgroups have, at the entrance door, posts decorated with carvings, showing human beings some four or five feet in height. In this way the residence of a chief is easily distinguished. The great chief of the Parizarizao group, possesses in his dwelling one room which is considered as a sacred chamber, and here certain religious ceremonies are held. The family of the chief rarely enter the chamber.

Dress. — The garments worn by this group resemble those of the Tsa-lisen savages. The Parizarizao savages have for many years been in close communication with the Chinese ; and the influence of the latter has been sufficiently powerful to induce the aborigine to abandon his native dress for the clothes and queue of the stranger.

Ornaments. — The earring worn by the Paiwans is unique. It consists of a circular piece of wood about one inch in diameter, and the opening in the ear lap is accordingly very large. On account of this peculiarity, the Chinese have given the group the name of Toa-he-lan or " big ears."

Tattooing is not common. The men sometimes decorate themselves like the Tsalisen chiefs, but such marking has no special significance with them. The women, however, are permitted to tattoo only when belonging

Tsou Group, showing Head Dress worn by Chief. Tsalisen Group House, showing Slate Roof. Paiwan Savages, showiug Ear Ornaments worn.

Tsalisen Group (Savage.

Savages of Parizarizao tribe of Paiwan Group. Arrangement of Skulls among Faiwan Group.

to the family of a chief, and the design adopted is similar to that of the Tsa-lisen women.

Food. — The food and drink of the Paiwans is practically the same as that ot the Tsalisens, with the exception of a few tribes in the more moun-tainous district, who refrain from eating rice, owing to a superstition which forbids it. Like others ol the South Formosa savages, they are fond of Betel nuts.

Marriage- — The marriage ceremony is similar to that of many savage races. The young brave goes to the house of his beloved with fuel and water, which he places before the door. If the damsel puts them to the use for which they are intended, it signifies her acceptance. The young husband then takes up his residence among the wife's family for a few years, perform-ing such duties as by custom fall to the men. 1 le then removes the wife to his own house and holds there a festival to celebrate the event. The various relatives attend and offer presents of wine and betel-nuts.

Disease. — Disease, which they attribute to the ill-will oi ghosts and spirits, is treated by a priestess who undertakes to appease the wrath of the spirits and obtain their favor. She judges as to her probable success by watching the movements of a berry, which she balances on the top of a gourd.

There is, however, a special and rational treatment for any one who has been bitten by a poisonous snake. A special snake-doctor is called, who sucks the bite, removing in this way as much of the poison as he can ; and the wound is then smeared over with the juice of a certain plant.

Burial. — ( )n the death of one of the tribe the acquaintances of the deceased assemble to mourn. The near relatives call out the name of the dead repeatedly, and lament loudly that a gteat loss has been indicted upon them. There are two ways of burial. The one most in vogue is to dig a deep grave under the floor of the house, and after burial to fill up the grave with stones. The second method is to bury in the thick wood, the body 1 icing deposited in a grave lined with stones. It is only the Parizarizao savages who practise this latter method.

Head-hunting. — The Paiwans were once great head-hunters, and those in the high hills still continue the practice to some extent. The Paiwans of the plain have Chinese ways, and have practically abandoned head-hunting. Heads possessed by the group are preserved with great care in stone boxes specially made for the purpose and put up outside the house.

Religion. — Some of the Paiwan group believe that the spirits of their ancestors abide in a thick wood ; others believe that the spirits are enshrined in swords handed down to them from ancient times. They worship the manes of their ancestors on the day when seeds are sown, and again at harvest time. Once in i\\c years, on one of these sacred clays, the savages join in a game called Mavayaiya. This amusement consists in endeavors on the part of the players to catch, on the point of a bamboo lance, a bundle of wood bark, rolled up so as to resemblein size a human head. The one

who succeeds in impaling it is considered die victor. It is said that this is a survival of an ancient game in which a human head was tossed about and then offered up to the spirits.

In the village where the great chief of the Parizarizao savages lives, there is a rush-thatched hut near a thick wood. This building is considered a sacred temple in which the manes of their ancestors, which they worship as deities, are enshrined. The hut is never approached except on some fixed festival days. If a person draws near to it, save for religious reasons, it is believed misfortune will fall on the offender.

Traditions. — The Parizarizao tribe of the Taiwan group possess tradi-tions that their ancestors came down from heaven, and that the descendants prospered and spread rapidly over the district. Also that, on one occasion when the district was visited by a great drought, and a dreadful famine seemed inevitable, the tribe held a grand meeting, and prayed that the spirits of their ancestors would bless them with rain. One night the spirits appeared to the people in their dreams, and announced that there lived in the mountain a great man called Terarok, and that if they would make him their chief the harvest would be plentiful. The tribe, therefore, searched for the great personage, and finally found a man named Kyakya, whom the)' believed to be the one described, and who was accordingly made their chief. Again they prayed for rain, and in fulfillment of the promise, a bountiful fall followed, and a rich harvest was obtained. These traditions, when compared with those of the other division of the group, would appear to show that the Parizarizao tribe are not pure Paiwans.

PUYUMA GROUP.

The Puyuma group occupy the greater part of the Pinan (Pilam) plain of south-east Formosa. On the north, they have the Amis and Yonums as neighbors, and on the west the Tsalisen group. To the south are the Paiwans. The Puyumas formed a very powerful state some 300 years ago. They expanded towards the north, and subdued and enslaved many of the tribes with which they came in contact. After some years, their power declined ; and eventually the tribes whom they once controlled obtained their independence. There are now but eight tribes of Puyumas, and the territory held by them is the smallest of any of the groups.

Dwellings. — The Puyumas live only in the plains, the mountainous district in their vicinity remaining uninhabited. Their houses are built in close proximity with each other, and each village is surrounded by bamboo groves. The houses are primitive and badly built. Doubtless, the custom of deserting a house on the death of an inmate is the cause of the inferior type of architecture. There are two tribal buildings which the Puyumas possess in their villages. They are circular structures on piles ten feet above ground. A bamboo ladder affords entrance. One called "Takopan" is a dormitory, as well as a play-hall, for the boys. The second, known as " Parakowan," is a bachelor dormitory also, but is for youth nearer maturity,

House of Chakuvukuvum Savage iPaiwan Group*. House of Parizarizao Savage (Paiwan Group).

Paiwan Chiefs House, showing Totem Board. Warrior of Puyuma Group, with Silver Yen as Ornaments. Male Puyuma type i front view . Male Puyuma type (side view . Female Puyuma Type.

THE INHABITANTS of FORMOSA. =77

and is reserved for them during- the day time as their workshop. On the young men who occupy these dormitories is imposed guard duty. While their elders sleep, the young men must keep careful watch from their elevated position, to give the alarm should an enemy approach. Women are strictly forbidden to approach these buildings.

Dress. — The native garments of this group resemble those of the Paiwans, but as the Puyumas have long had close association with the Chinese, man}- of them have adopted the dress of the latter.

Ornaments. — The Puyumas care little for ornaments, such as most savages delight in possessing. 1 he women belonging to the family ol a chiel tattoo the back of the head with a design similar to that in vogue among those of their sex in the Tsalisen and the Paiwan groups.

Food. — The food of the Puyuma is almost identical with that of the Tsalisen and Paiwan, although they appear comparatively advanced in preparing their meals.

Marriage. — The family system of the Puyuma group centres around the female. If a woman favors the attention of a certain suitor and marriage

is decided upon, the man transfers himself to the house and family ol the wife. The obtaining of a husband is thus chiefly under the control of the woman and her family. It is the wile's family that is responsible for the young husband.' The hitter's family have renounced all further claim to him. As a son he partakes of what the house offers, but possesses no authority over the family, nor is the house or property his, until the death of his wile's parents, when as the husband of the sole owner he conies into certain rights which custom grants him.

Disease. — Disease is a visitation of the wrath of angry spirits. A priestess is believed to possess the power of exorcism; she places a cup ol wine before the patient ; and waving aside the evil visitors with leaves of the banana plant, which she holds in each hand, she sprinkles the wine thrice about the ground, mumbling incantations all the while.

Burial. — On the death of one of the tribe, the family mourn bitterly.

The body is wrapped in rattan matting, and is buried in a grave dug under the floor near where the deceased was wont to sleep. After tin- lapse ot a certain number of days, the family permanently abandon the house, taking

up their residence in an entirely new structure.

Religion. — Like the Tsalisens, the Puyumas practise the superstitious rites called Parisin. On the festival day, a monkey is captured and tied

upon a tree in front of the boys' club, and is there killed with bows and arrows. The chief then throws wine three times skywards and three times to the ground. Then they all spit on the monkey, after which it is thrown away. They then join hands and dance. Puyuma traditions explain that, during the period when their people were all-powerful, one member ot the subjugated tribes was ottered up as a sacrifice each year. Now in their weakened condition, they explain, the Puyumas are obliged to substitute a monkey.

CHAPTER XXX (PART 3 OF 4)

57* THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Traditions. — The Puyuoia group account for their origin as follows: — In very ancient clays there existed a large stone at the foot of Mt. Aravanai ■nthern extremity of Pinan plain). On an eventful day, however, this stone burst and gave birth to a man and a woman, called Unai and Tanval respec-tively. The two marched northward as far as Chipun river, when- thej settled, and founded a tribe called Chipun. The two now married and gave birth to three boys and three girls, whose descendants became the ancestors of the different tribes of the present Puyuma group. There were then eight suns in heaven, and the heat from them was so excessively strong that people suffered greatly from it. The first son of Unai, called Saieahao, made a ladder of grass, ascended to heaven, and battling with the suns destroyed six of them, leaving two — the present sun and moon.

THE AMI GROUP.

The Amis are spread over the greater part oftheTaito region of south-east Formosa. To the south are the Puyumas, and on the north their border extends to the district of the Atayals. Much of their land is a fertile plain: in fact, of all the territory occupied by the various groups, the Amis possess the most attractive district. The group may be divided into the southern Amis and the northern Amis, with the Shukorankei valley as the boundary. The south Amis once occupied the large plain of Pinan (Pilam), but the Puyuma group defeated them in warfare, seized their lands, and placed the Amis in tin- position of a subject race bearing the title of Papiyan, " the weaker." In later years when the .Amis recovered their independence, the Pinan still continued in the possession of the Puyumas, and now only a small Ami village, called Yarangao, remains there. The remainder of the group spread themselves along the valley to the north. At the time of the invasion, some Ami tribes escaped to the south, taking up their abode on the Koshun plain in the district of the Paiwans. The Paiwans accepted their allegiance, but imposed upon them certain degrading duties, some of which are required of them even to this day. For instance, on the command of the great chief ol the Paiwan group, they are obliged to undertake the tilling of the fields. At present they form six small villages, and lead an unhappy life.

Dwellings. — The hut of the south Amis has, as its supports, unhewn logs. The walls are of bamboo and reeds, and the roof is heavily thatched with rushes, and its ends are at a comparatively great inclination. The north Amis build houses of bamboo and wood. The rloor is comparatively high above the ground, and is covered with matting of rattan work. It is among these savages that we find the most perfect houses.

The various tribes possess each a bachelors' dormitory, which serves as • a meeting place for the tribal council as well. The young men who occupy the dormitory are obliged to keep watch during the night hours.

Dress. — In dress the Amis imitate the savages of the outside groups nearest them. For instance, die Amis living in the south dress similarly to the Puyumas ; those further north copy the Vonum dress ; and those in the far north adopt the costumes of the east Atayals. It should also be added

immmm

is

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Bachelor's Dormitory, Puyuma Group. Puyuma Savages trained for Military Purposes by Japanese.

Puyuma Students attending Japanese School at Pinam. Savages of Ami Group.

Ami Savages Dancing. Male Types, Ami Group.

HIE INHABITANTS OF FORMO 5 79

that, on occasions when convenience or comfort is thus obtained, male Amis refrain from all dress whatsoever: even the customary loin-cloth being thought unnecessary.

While nearly all of the seven Formosa groups tattoo and root out cer-tain teeth, the Amis do neither.

Food. — The Amis understand the manufacture of earthenware pots, useful for cooking- food and as water jars. The north Amis are specially skillful in pottery making. No wheel is used : merely a round stone, which they place inside the well-kneaded clay ; and by the aid of a small board, witli which the}' pat the surface, they gradually mould the jar or dish, obtain-ing a very good shape. The wan- thus made is dried in the sun and then burnt in a straw fire. The Amis understand the constructing of wells as a source of water supply. All other savages in this island obtain water from the mountain streams.

Marriage. — As with the Puyuma group, the husband is taken into the wife's family. It is the custom for the young brave to oiler to his bride, prior to marriage, a ceremonial gift consisting of fuel from the Melia japonica tree. He sends four bundles on the first daw and one bundle each day thereafter, until the number reaches twenty. It is therefore customary for boys often years old to plant these trees, which on attaining a growth of 5 or 6 feet, are ready for use as fuel.

Burial. — On the death of one of the group, the family of the deceased show great grief. The corpse is wrapped in rattan matting and buried in a deep grave outside the former home of the deceased, with the head to the south and the face to the east. With the south Amis, it is customary for a member of the family to throw a handful of earth on the grave, and there-upon to exclaim, " You shall not return." Among the southern Amis, a pile of stones marks die crave ; but with the northern Amis a wooden fence is erected.

Headhunting.—^ the majority of the Amis have become domesticated, head-hunting is no longer practised. The north Amis, however, while not engaging in expeditions for the sole purpose of obtaining heads, will, in their fights with the Atayal group on the neighboring mountains, decapitate those of the enemy who fall into their hands.

When such trophies have been obtained, they are preserved on a Stand erected for that purpose, and a festival is held to celebrate the event. < hi some occasions, also, they eat the flesh stripped from the head.

Religion. — The Amis appear more advanced in their religious views than other groups. They believe in one supreme spirit who controls the universe. Like the Tsalisen and the Puyuma groups they practise the superstitious rites called Parisin. After harvest they hold a -rand celebra-tion, at which the spirits of their ancestors are worshipped. A similar celebration is held at the time of sowing. In the case of continued dry weather endangering the crops, the) pray for ram.

Obedience to elders is enforced on the young ot both sexes. This esteem for the old enters into their social system ; and with the north Amis any disrespect shown to an elder makes the offender liable to expulsion from the tribe.

Disease. — As with the other groups, disease is attributed to the displeasure of the spirits of the dead, and a priestess is engaged to pray lor their favor. This is common to all tribes of the group ; but the north Amis also attribute certain pains to an offending substance in the flesh A sorcerer is engaged, who undertakes to remove foreign matter. His method is to suck vigorously the flesh of the painful part, and then suddenly to produce various articles from his mouth, which he asserts were obtained from the body of the patient, and thus, he claims, recovery is made possible.

Traditions. — The Ami tribe account for their origin in two ways. One tradition resembles the Puyuma in that their ancestors were born from a stone which lay on a mountain nearChipun river. Tiruti andTihongan being thus created, founded a village called Varangao. Four ot their descendants, all brothers, proceeded to the north across the Pinan river, anil became the ancestors of the tribe now there. Several of the tribes possess traditions describing the arrival of their ancestors from distant lands. According to the belief of the tribe occupying the Shukoran river valley, the)- originally occupied the neighboring island of Sanasanac and were called Sanasai. Later they came in boats, landed at the mouth of the Shukoran river, and established seven large villages there. Thus the name at present given to the island is perhaps a corruption of Sanasana. The Riru tribe of Kirai dis-trict of the northern Amis state that their forefathers originally lived in an island to the east ot Formosa. One savage, called Tipots, and his family were out at sea in two canoes when a terrific gale arose, sweeping them away from their home land, and wrecking them on the coast of Formosa, where they built houses and gave life to the present Riru tribe. This tribe pos sesses an old canoe, which they claim is the model of the one used by their forefathers. At present, the village people once a year put the canoe into the sea and mimic the landing of their ancestors. After this ceremony, the spirits of their departed ancestors are worshipped. A more fanciful tradi-tion is to the effect that their ancestors came from over the sea on the back of a large tortoise.

Thus it would appear that the traditions of the north Amis describe comparatively recent occurrences, and are in the main very possible, if not probable.

nib: PFPO GROUP.

The name: " Pepo " was applied by Chinese originally to savages oc-cupying the western plains of the island. It was thus a mere geographical classification, and was applied to any savages living in the plains, though certain villages might possess ethnological differences. Fthnologically con-sidered, the Pepos are divided as follows: —

j. .Makattao tribe, Hozan and vicinity.

Hit; INHABITANTS OF FORMOSA. 58 1

2. Siraiya tribe, of Tainan and vicinity.

3. Koa tribe, of Kagi and vicinity.

4. Poavasa tribe, of Rokko (Lokiang) and vicinity.

5. Arikun tribe, of Slioka and vicinity.

6. Vupuran tribe, living north of I >aitokei river.

7. Pazehhe tribe, scattered over the Taihoku plain, and in the Kelung

and Tamsui districts. ro. Kuvarawan tribe, ofGilan district.

About three hundred years ago, the Pepos came under the influence ol the Dutch, from whom they obtained some education ; but after whose depar-ture they were absorbed by the Chinese, as described in the first pages of this Chapter. At present so thoroughly have they adopted Chinese customs that the)- have abandoned even their own language, and in most cases the stranger can not distinguish the two races.1

To those tribes who had advanced further in adopting Chinese civiliza-tion the Chinese have applied the name of "Sakhoan" (Jukuban) or "domesticated savages." One familiar with the two peoples can, after careful observation, see the difference in the eyes : the Sakhoan possessing deep orbits. The women also do not bind their kit. ( )f the above, only two tribes, the Pazehhe and Kuvarawan, still preserve their native tongue, although they are also familiar with the Chinese language. As regards the other tribes, only a tew old people, ot perhaps 60 or 70 years ot age, remem-ber their native tongue. In fact, though there may lie here and there slight traces of ancient manners and customs, still it would not be incorrect to state that their present day life is that of the Chinese. A brief account of their original customs, as given in ancient records and handed down by tradition, should, however, be recorded here.

Dwellings. — Their houses were generally built to resemble an over-turned boat. The floor was elevated and was reached by the use of a ladder. Animal bones were hung about the outside of the hoi:

Press. — Their principal article of dress was a short coat-like garment with sleeves, reaching to the belly. Over this sometimes was worn a second and longer coat reaching to the waist.

Ornaments, — They decorated their heads and breasts with bright colored stones. They generally perforated the lobe of tin: ear. and carried in the opening some ornament. They rarely rooted out their teeth, as some of the hill tribes did, and tattooing was not generally practised.

Their food was prepared by boiling or steaming. Native wine was brewed by two methods ; in one saliva was used to incite fermentation, which action was in the other obtained by storing up the liquor.

Marriage. — There was generally freedom of marriage tor both sexes. Among some of them, however, there was a custom of holding, on a certain

1. While there is much confusion in the Chinese terms "Pepohoan" and " Saklioau," as a rale the former is applied to those savages of the plain who are easily distinguished from the Chinese, and the

latter to those of savage origin Who have so thoroughly adopted Chin IS that there is practically

uo trace of their aucieut life remaiuiug.

day specially announced, a running race in which all young bachelors com-peted. The prize was the privilege of marrying the most beautiful girl ot the tribe. Separate houses were also given to marriageable girls, who themselves possessed the right of selecting their husbands.

Disease. — They considered sickness as a manifestation of the anger of devils, and it was thought that certain female sorceresses possessed the power of driving the evil demons away. It was considered honorable to kill outsiders and to preserve the heads of the slain. The dead were buried within the houses by some, and outside by others. They were also wont, when agricultural work pressed heavily on them, to wrap corpses in grass cloth and place them near some stream or the sea.

SOCIAL CONDITION OF FORMOSA SAVAGES.

The social condition of the Formosa savages, taken as a whole, may be briefly described as follows : —

They have ceased to lead a nomadic life, and now live- in villages, and are subject to certain social restrictions. They have emerged from a state ol isolated individuality, ami are now under the control of chiefs. They no longer make their homes in caves or trees, but have learned to build huts of wood and stone. They have more or less religious ideas, and worship the spirits of their ancestors. They have passed from the age of stone and bone as materials lor their implements, and now utilize iron, though they do not yet understand the treatment of metals. Whereas formerly both sexes went naked, they now wear certain simple garments. They no longer make lire by rubbing together pieces of wood, but utilize flint and steel. They are not wanting in a sense of the artistic. The designs and color effects which are shown in their cloth give evidence of this, and some are very skillful in carving. They show fondness for music ; and. in addition to simple instruments such as bamboo jewsharps and one-string bows, both of which are incapable of rendering various tones, some of the tribes possess a kind of llute, with which they accompany their native songs.1

As regards domestic relationship, the Formosa savage recognises as near relations his descending line ol offspring or ascending line ot parentage for three generations, in the following; order : —

Parents and brothers of parents ; parents, father and mother and sons and daughters of brothers of parents, and brothers and sons and daughters ; sons and daughters of brothers, and grandsons and granddaughters.

The above considered as near relatives are under the following restric-tions : —

1. Marriage is not permitted between them.

2. Near relatives must protect and give special help to widowers, widows, and orphans, who require assistance.

1. With the exception of occasional bartering with the Chinese (when they trade chiefly the products of the forest for salt, blaukets, gun-powder, etc.) they lm\c not engaged iu either industry or agrionlture arte of income.

3. The funeral of near relatives must be attended (Formosa savages avoid approaching the dead ; and, unless the deceased was a near relative, will never attend a funeral). The strong distinction made between adults and youths is very striking-The savages do not count age by years, but rather by strength ami ability. thus upholding the adage " Man is no older than he feels." The)- center, by certain formal ceremonies, the status of adult on a youth whose physiq gives evidence of maturity ; and, anion-" some groups, on one who, lacking in strengdi, gives evidence of valor by bringing in the head of a stranger. The adult status is generally designated by tattooing some part of the body, or by extracting certain teeth. The privileges enjoyed by adults an- : —

1. They are considered persons of capacity and responsibility.

2. They are permitted to marry.

3. They are permitted to chew betel-nut (chiefly anion- the Tsalisens).

Although marriage; customs vary among the different groups, still there are no tribes that do not recognize marriage as an important event, or that do not endeavor to render it impressive by requiring the performance o'i certain formal ceremonies. The relationship between husband and wife continues until death ; and a woman is not permitted on the death or disappearance of her husband to remarry. Unfaithfulness on the part of a wife is unheard ot, and prostitution and other immoral practices are practi-cally nonexistent. Some of the savages living on the border, corrupted by their contact with Chinese, have on rare occasions been found suffering trom venereal disease, but no such cases have been reported among the savages of the interior. This, together with the strict observance of monogamy, the affection of parents for their children, the deep sorrow shown by members of a family on the death of one of their number, the respect shown to elders, gives evidence of a social state not only tar superior to that of other savage tribes of the Pacific, but of a condition which, when compared with society under our much vaunted civilization, does not always reflect great credit on us.

The social organization of the Formosa savages is briefly as follows : —

A chief is appointed, either by inheritance or election, and the peace o! the village is in his keeping.

Although there are two different forms of social organization, — that oi self-government and that ol despotism anion- the savages, — yet in general, the mere existence of a moral code, established by custom ami tradition, keeps the savage in order. Each tribal member has such a deep respect for the opinion of his fellows, and considers his own interests and the interests ot the community so inseparable, that he looks upon a crime against others as equally an injury to himself. True brotherhood is exemplified anion- savage tribes to a degree not found elsewhere. Consequently, a chief is but rarely called upon to severely discipline his followers. When his assistance is required it is usually to provide punishment for some pettj offence.

The penalties are in keeping with the provocation am! the views of the tribe on morality, and the chief endeavors to keep himsell within precedent,

5S4 THE ISLAND OP FORMOSA

Crime is not regarded alike by the various groups. Frequently different tribes, perhaps living in close proximity, have different social standards. The following, however, are the principal crimes commonly recognized : —

1. Adulter)-.

2. An impolite or immoral act which is liable to disturb or endanger

the existence of the whole tribe.

3. The stealing of any article the property of one of the tribe,

4. Disrespect towards elders (chiefly among the Amis).

5. Murder of one of the tribe (the killing an outsider is not considered

a crime; but, on the contrary, receives high commendation).

For the above oliences punishment is generally inflicted as follows: —

1. Capital punishment (chiefly inflicted for adultery).

2. Permanent or temporary banishment from the tribe.

3. Confiscation of property (there is no example of the confiscation of

llOUScS I,

4. Whipping (beating on the back or thighs with bamboos or wooden

sticks).

5. Censure (a chief will publicly censure an offender).

A description of the savage population of Formosa would not be com-plete without reference to the natives of Botel Tobago (Kotosho) island, which is a dependency of Formosa, and only some 35 miles from the south Formosa coast. Botel Tobago, which is only sonic 30 miles in circum-ference, consists ol a single long hill, on the slopes of which the savages live. To the ethnologist the inhabitants of this little land are perhaps the most interesting of all the savages in the colony, and doubtless there are few tribes in the whole East who live in such a primitive manner, and who have had so little communication with the outside world, as the Botel Tobago savages.

There are but lew historical references to the island. Captain Beechey, commanding the British government vessel " Blossom," visited Botel 'Tobago in 1826, determined its position, and constructed a plan of its northern and western sides. Beechey reports the lower slopes of the island as under cultivation, and that a large village was seen on the northern side. As this officer further reports that "The coast is rocky in almost every part, and probably dangerous to land upon, as needle rocks are seen in man)- parts of the island," it would appear that no landing was made. There is, however, a record of Chinese visitors. In a report on the Formosa savages made by a Chinese officer attached to the Formosa government, published in 1722, it is stated that the early Chinese of Formosa visited Botel Tobago in hopes of finding there some profitable trade. They found the island inhabited by a people with whom they could not converse, and who furthermore were unwilling to part with their little property. 1 )isappointed at the failure of their trip they slaughtered many savages, and gathering together the scanty possessions of their victims, returned to Formosa. At a later date, other Chinese from South Formosa,

adding to their party some savages from Koshun (Hengchun) district, who were expected to serve as interpreters, visited Botel Tobago. The nativi not forgetting the treachery of their former visitors, retaliated on this occasion; for it is recorded that not one of the party ever returned. The

Chinese were content to look upon the island as a foreign land beyond their jurisdiction. The Japanese expedition of 1874, however, awakened in them the fear that some foreign power might occupy the island. Accordingly, in 1S77, the Prelect of Koshun visited the place, and on his return drew up a voluminous report on the manners and customs of the inhabitants. From this date Hotel Tobago was declared a dependency oi Formosa, and two years later a new map of the Formosa district was published by the Tokien authorities, the island being marked as an Imperial possession. Although an occasional Chinese junk has anchored off" the island and carried on some trilling trade with the natives, who brought out their wares by boat, there is no other record of any attempted exploration of the island until the Japanese occupation of Formosa. In iSq6, the year following the arrival of the Japanese, a small expedition was despatched by the Formosa < iovernment to explore the island. I was so fortunate as to be a member, and the following notes are largely the records of my observations made on that occasion.'

INHABITANTS: THEIR ORIGIN.

Several experienced Japanese anthropologists have, since the date of our expedition, visited Botel Tobago ; and I believe it is their unanimous opinion that the inhabitants are of Malay origin. Undoubtedly these gentlemen are right in the main, the evidence even to an inexperienced layman appearing to show that the Malay element predominates. There are also, however, signs of outside influence in their life, sufficiently pronounced to demand some attention, and it this side of the question is carefully investigated, I believe evidence will be found sufficient to justify the announcement that the Botel Tobago savages, while approaching the pure Malay, are a mixed race.

The inhabitants of Botel Tobago, some 1 ,200 or 1 ,300 in all, occupy eight villages ; Yakunawvmen, the largest settlement, being on the west coast and containing about 50 houses. 'The natives are small, averaging only five feet two inches in height. They are -yellowish brown in color ; and, with one individual exception, possess straight hair, black with a brownish tint. While thus conforming with the Malayan type in their straight hair and complexion, they appear, so far as face character is concerned, to be two types. We find' the rather small nose and non-protruding lips ol the Malay;

1. The first Botel Tobago expedition departed from Kelung aboard the naval transport " Fukui-maru " (2,928 tons) which was provided by the Navy Department, on March 10th, 189G, returning to Kulnng on the 20th. One day was speut at Samasana island (Kwashoto), an interesting place occupied by Chinese fishermen, and five days at Bi . The expedition, which was under command of

Major Tonoma Kikuchi, I. J. A., consisted of the following : T. a Civil De]

Lieutenant Yashiro I.J.N., Y. Xaiila. Mini g Exp irt ; S. Kavalia, Agricultural Expert, and K. Kuinagai, H. Yokura, H. Iuada, K. Fujiinoto, K. Tokunaga, T. Iahikawa, T. Takabashi, G. Kurimura, and otl Also M. Nakahama, Japanese correspondent, and James VV. Davidson, foreign correspondent. A guard of infantry under command of Lieutenant Okumoto, I.J. \.. also accompanied the expedition.

586 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

and again a type with projecting eyebrows, deeply sunk orbits, short noses rather depressed at the root and with large nostrils, — in fact almost a Negrito nose, — together with the comparatively large mouth and thick lips of the pure Papuan type. One of the chief characteristics of the Papuan is his frizzled hair, of which no trace is found among the Botel Tobago natives, save in the case of one male adult who possesses hair distinctly curly. So much lor their physical characteristics. In their usages and rites, their canoes and dwellings, they possess much in common with the Papuan, and in some instances opposed to the Malay. I do not refer to the Malayan type as seen in Formosa, (it is not unlikely that some of the groups of the latter island have also a strain of Papuan or other blood in their veins), but to the wild Mala}- of undoubted origin, regarding whom Wallace, Lubbock, Hickam, and others have written. The boat built by the Botel Tobago savages is almost an exact counterpart of the craft constructed by the Papuans in the Solomon islands, both as to form, method of construction and ornamentation, and is entirely unlike the boats built by any other peoples, including Malays, whose favorite model is a dug out provided with an outrigger. It is a unique model, and it is almost inconceivable that a Malay savage should originate a boat agreeing so minutely with the rather complicated Papuan model. It would appear beyond dispute that the system of boat building referred to was introduced to the Botel Tobago natives by either a Papuan, or one familiar with Papuan life. There are several sizes ot the truly splendid craft made in Botel Tobago, ranging from a small canoe with a capacity for two persons, up to a large boat which will hold twenty passengers. All appear to be of one model. They are beautifully rounded, and both stem and stern are shaped alike, being prolonged upwards in a graceful curve ending in a point from which, in time of festivity, is projected a bunch of feathers or some other decoration.

It is a built up boat; and, considering the crude tools used in its con-struction, is a remarkably creditable affair. The tribe possess no saws, and consequently each plank is adzed down, apparently from single trees. These planks, forming the sides of the boat, are so carefully shaped that the)- tit closely. Holes are bored near the seams, through which rattan tastings are passed and drawn tightly, literally tying the parts together. The bottom planks are fastened to the strong V shaped keel in the same manner. As in the Solomon islands, the principal tool used for this work is an adze. In Botel Tobago, this implement is so made that it can be converted into a chisel by altering the position of the blade, so that the ad^e will point to the front.

The native boats were found superior to the foreign-modeled ship boats for landing. The savages moved their craft about at will, the high bow' cutting through tin; waves; and in landing they passed through a rather dangerous surf without the least difficulty, whereas we found landing with our boats, during at least one day, a rather exciting experience.

CHAPTER XXX (PART 4 OF 4)

The Botel lobago craft are nicely decorated ; and with regard to the designs used, not only on their boats but on other articles as well, Papuan inlluence seems in evidence. Thus, the human figure nearly always appears

in their decorations, whereas the wild Malay, as a rule, restricts his efforts to the production of geometrical designs.' It is well to note, ' however, that some of the Formosa groups also make use of the human figure for ornament, though not to the extent we find among Botel Tobago savages.

The natives erect grass huts for their boats on the shore, and these in shape and construction resemble very much the boat-huts of the Papuans of the Solomon islands.

( )ther points in which the Botel Tobago savage is in sympathy with Papuan customs are as follows :— The apparatus for fishing is complete and elaborate, including substantial seine nets for salt water fishing, and much time is spent on this occasion. They also make fairly good pottery decorated with rough designs. The Malay generally depends upon wood or bamboo for bowls, dishes, etc. The Malay, except when taught by more experienced neighbors, does not, I believe, as a rule resort to irrigation to improve his fields. The Botel Tobago native, however, follows the Papuan and Xegreto in arranging his taro fields in terraces, with a stream of water admitted at the top, which passes down from level to level, supplying just the quantity of water that will give the best results.

There would thus appear to be an element present among them that is not wholly Malayan.

This is probably due to the arrival at some ancient date of a few ship-wrecked Papuans, who in the course of time became absorbed by the Malay inhabitants, and from whom the improved methods of boat-building, cultiva-tion, etc., were obtained ; or the strangers ma)' have been from some of the Polynesian tribes, many of whom show close affinity with the Papuan. At all events, it is an interesting problem, for the solution of which we must look to Japanese anthropologists.

Dwellings. — The habitations of the Botel Tobago savages are very remarkable, not to say unique. Each family possesses a splendidly walled and stone-paved compound, wherein are three distinct houses, attesting the cleverness of the natives and their desire to obtain the maximum of comfort. One house, built half under ground, is their winter residence. For the warmer weather they have a comfortable building elevated some feet above ground, and for protection against the heat of summer the)' have a tower-like edifice sufficiently elevated to catch the cool breezes. These huts serve not only as habitations but also as workshops and storehouses. In construction, a considerable amount of wood is used as supports and cross-beams, and for the inner floor, ceiling, and walls, of the two large huts. The elevated structure is of wood, bamboo, and straw. A shelf projects level with the

1. Regarding Malay aud Papuan decorations Hickam in his book " A Naturalist in North Celebes" writes: "If we compare the Malays throughout the Archipelago with their neighbors the Papuaus we cannot fail to be impressed under the reuco thai tween the two races iu this respect.

'I'll ■ Malaj uses spears, shields, swords, canoes, and other we I implements, which are often

entirely without ornament, and the colored designs on his clothes, hi ' the

simplest geometrical patterns. The Papuan, on the other band, 0 :ythiug he possesses with

.strange figures of men aud animals, aud tills up all the interstices between tiieui with couveuicut desigus of grout regularity aud beauty.''

entrance ; and the inhabitants are obliged to mount this, and then crawl in on all fours, the door ways not being much larger than the entrance to a good sized dog kennel. The room is like a large Hat box, some 7 by 8 feet, and is so low that one lying down can almost touch the ceiling with uplifted hands. Hut the savages always squat ; SO the place is high enough for them. Human figures and various rather pleasing geometrical designs are engraved on the interior woodwork, the only other decorations, (for such they an- considered by the natives), are rows of animal jaw-bones hung from side to side. The roof is thatched with a strong dried grass, and a similar material appears on the outer walls. The two buildings supported on piles have circular boards surmounting each pdst to keep off the large rats that literally overrun the island at night. During my first two nights in the island I was a guest in the tent of Major Kikuchi, hut on the third night a terrific tropical downpour threatened to sweep us out into the sea, and we then removed to one of the native houses, which we found dry and, under the circumstances, comfortable.

Garments. — The dress of the islanders, even when they were so kind as to don any at all, can only be described as fragmentary. On occasions, the head was covered, when a conical shaped hat of rattan wood, or Areca fibre, evidently intended for hard service rather than for ornament or comfort, was alone in evidence. Again, the upper part of the body was enveloped in an abbreviated home-made tunic of China grass fibre, or reeds, or hard rough cocoanut fibre, the latter being apparently an indestructible affair which would dispose of the dress question for once and all. These tunics were' sleeveless and open in front, thus really protecting only the shoulders and back. A very scanty breech cloth, resembling the Japanese fnndoshi. and oddly enough tied in exactly the same manner, completed the attire. The legs were entirely bare, and no trace of any foot gear whatever was found by our party. Most surprising of all, perhaps, was to find the islanders in possession of hats actually made wholly of thin silver, which were used for ceremonial purposes. The women were more considerate ; an apron fastened at the waist hid, at times, the lower extremities; and on most occasions a square of cloth was wrapped about the body, one end being drawn over one shoulder and thence under the arm and around the back. The young women appeared well developed, and some were graceful and not unattractive, though like most savage races who suckle their children to a comparatively late age, the breasts of even young mothers scarcely out of their teens were long and flabby.

Ornaments. — The natives do not tattoo or otherwise disfigure them selves. The hair is shaved or closely cut about the neck and lower part of' the head, in such a manner as to leave a circular mop of hair which is really quite ornamental, Necklaces of good wood, fishbones, shells, and berries are sometimes worn by both sexes, though they were not much in evidence at the time of my visit. The women also wear shell earrings, and they possess bamboo combs, which they frequently use. The islanders give great attention to the decoration of their canoes, weapons, implements, potter)-,

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Suspension Bridge of Rattan Built by Ami Sa7ages.

Two Types of Botel Tobago Savages. Botel Tobago Natives handling Boat in the Surf.

Group of Botel Tobago Savages.

Botel Tobago Boat. View showing the Three Buildings constituting a Botel Tobago Resident.

etc. Everything they construct, even clown to some crude tool for use in the field, is brightened by skillfully carved designs. The boats, as before stated, are extensively ornamented, the human figure frequently appearing in their designs. Some of the pottery, though somewhat rough, was really

very artistic, and the light geometrical designs which graced them gave, in most cases, a very happy effect. 1 )olls of most amusing forms are made of clay lightly burned. Metal bracelets wire much in favor among' the men, and one and all exhibited a most feverish desire to exchange their limited possessions for such silver coins as we possessed, which could be of no use to them except as ornaments or as material for the silver hats mentioned above. In fact, somewhat to our chagrin, we found that the various articles with which we had laden ourselves, such as tobacco, brightly colored cloth, buttons, bangles, cheap jewelry, etc., usually so highly prized by savages, excited not the least interest in the islanders, who wanted silver, or "pelok" as they called it, and "pelok" alone. There was just one exception ; gold they gave us to understand was also acceptable, and of all the forms in which we possessed this precious metal, none was so attractive to them as the gold filled teeth of my interpreter. The prominence of these specially interested one most solemn individual who possessed as his sole treasure an English earthenware ale bottle, which he carried in a large box, where it had been gently deposited in a nest of worn out rags. He would carefully place the box on the ground, as carefully raise the lid, and with all the tenderness which a mother would bestow on her new born baby, produce the treasured bottle ; then with pantomime which could not be misunderstood he would gravely point first to his bottle and then to my interpreter's gold teeth. He dogged the interpreter incessantly, repeating the amusing performance at every opportunity. The bottle had been doubtless obtained from some passing vessel, and the box looked like a ship's box though it had no name on it.

Food. — A considerable district on the hill slopes was under cultivation, and we found the water taro growing in terraced bids, with a perfect system of irrigation such as the Chinese possess. The dry taro, as well as the little millet, was also bein^ grown,

Goats and peculiar long nosed pigs with long hair on the neck were found. Chickens also appeared abundant, so that the islands are well supplied with meat. Fishing is carried on industriously, the implements and nets used appearing to be very perfect. Shell fish also form an important article of food. Cocoanuts are very abundant, providing a luxurious food, while the milk is used as a beverage. Odd to relate however, the natives have no intoxicating drink, and do not understand the use ol tobacco. It is doubtful if there is another tribe in the whole Pacific that is not addicted to the use of tobacco.

Disease. — The islanders appeared remarkably free from disease. There was no sign of any venereal disease ; and none of them were marked with small pox. Furthermore, there appeared to be no deformed, no blind, deal. or dumb persons.

Religion. — No information could be obtained regarding their religious rites. rh<-\' appear, however, to believe in a form of taboo. On the arrival of our party, the natives lied into the forest ; but projecting from the front oi each hut had been placed a stick 5 or 6 feet long, and from the end of this hung a string to which was attached a piece of bone. This was doubtless intended as a taboo, protecting their place from the strangers. When friendly relations had been established, their taboos were all withdrawn, and we saw no more during our stay.

Traditions. — Their traditions tell of the arrival of strangers driven there by storm from the islands which they call "Ibatan" and "Ikubarat." They also declare that in ancient times a man and woman gave birth to many children. The father died in early life, and the mother was stolen by the natives of "Ibatan" island and carried away never to return. The children, however, grew up and prospered, and now inhabit the village of Irarai on the north west coast.

Miscellaneous. — Fire is obtained by friction, two pieces of wood being the agents. The only weapons appeared to be a few harmless looking spears. There are no dogs or cats on the island, which accounts for the great pest of rats. Immense rodents, as large as musk-rats, literally over-ran the villages at night. One could see them after dark running about without any signs of fear, just as hungry hogs would overrun a garden ; and it is no exaggeration to say we feared the rats more than we feared the natives. In addition to the potter)- for domestic purposes, small vessels are made for melting silver. While their language appears to contain many Malay words, there is a large, if not a preponderating, number of words which appear to have no connection with the Malayan speech.

In closing my account of these simple people, living happy and peaceful lives, free from disease and strife, the doubt arises in my mind if civilization has anything to offer them. Would civilization make their burden lighter or their life happier ? The records of the downfall of other savage races brought in contact with our so-called civilization suggest an answer.

Chinese Population of Formosa. — Politically, the Chinese population may be divided into those who have accepted Japanese nationality, (commonly called in government publications " Hontojin " (Islanders), and those who retain their own nationality. On the basis oi language and customs, the Chinese popula-tion ma)- be divided into two classes, Haklos, who speak the Amoy dialect, and who originally emigrated from bokien province ; and Hakkas, who speak a Cantonese dialect, and emigrated chielly from Kwangtung province. In addition, there are a few true Cantonese traders, and here and there a north China man. The Hakkas, a hardy and warlike race (of whom I have treated in the first chapter), took up their residence in the savage border districts, where land could be had for the taking, and where a certain freedom from orhcial oppression was ensured. To a stranger unacquainted with the language there is but little to distinguish the male Hakka boy or man from a Haklo, but with the women the case is different; their unbound feet and thtir complicated hair dress, somewhat resembling that of the Japanese, at

THE INHABITANTS OF FORMOSA. 59 I

once differentiating them from the Hakld women, who bind their feet and dress their hair with a single coil to the hack. The barter trade carried on with the savages is often in the; hands of the Hakkas, and the: present agricultural development of the foothills was partly inaugurated by them. Unlike their Haklo brethren they are generally fearless, and we thus find them, of all Chinese, must willing to undertake the making of camphor in dangerous districts. Their lite in the Formosa hills is not one of ease and comfort. They live in rude huts, affording but little shelter from the elements ; and whether in the camphor forests or in their own homes, their fire arms must he- always near them to repel an attack by the savages, who come when least expected and absolutely without warning. When in sufficient number and their occupation permits, the)' build their huts together on an elevation, if possible, with a clear outlook all round. If such a site is not available, a stockade' is frequently built to enclose the settlement, and a high watch tower is erected, whereon watchmen are stationed to give warning should savages appear. But in spite of all precautions, scarcely a day passes without a Hakka in some district losing his life ; in fact, the daily average has of late been about two Chinese either killed or wounded, which is, however, exceptionally large. There are a few prosperous Hakka villages in the plain, but as a rule the Hakka prefers the hills. It is roughly estimated that there are in the island nearly 500,000 Hakkas, who are found in greatest numbers in the border district stretching from Bio ritsu (Maoli) in the north to Nanto (Namtau) in central Formosa, while there are also some settlements southeast of Takow. There are also a i't-w 1 lakkas to be found in Taito (Taitong) district on the southeast coast.

During the Chinese regime, the I lakkas were considered by the autho-rities a turbulent lawless lot, and encounters between them and representa-tives of the government were frequent. After the occupation of the island by the Japanese, the Hakkas of south Formosa gave some trouble for a few weeks, but since then they have not shown any special opposition to the authorities.

The Haklos may be divided into four groups, — Amoy, Tswengchoo, Changchoo, and Changpoo,- — according to their dialects and the districts in Fokien from which they come. Of these four groups, the Amoy andTsweng choo people predominate in the north of the island and along the west coast, especially in the cities of Koro (Aulan), Taiko ( I'aika), Giubato (Gumatau), Cosei (Goche), Tokatsukutsu (Thawkakut), and Rokko (Lokiang). The Changchoo and Changpoo people are numerically greatest in the south, and are also in considerable numbers on the plains of central Formosa. The Haklos, who number over two million, are the predominant race throughout the island. There is little of interest to record about them. They have brought with them the customs of their home-land to such a degree that a country Chinese village in Formosa presents the same features as a village in their home province. The houses are of like materials and are crowded together in the same unsanitary way, the narrow ill smelling streets present the same tilth and are as irregular, the street hawkers have the same calls and exhibit the same wares, and the people art: alike in their dress and habits.

Like their brethren on the mainland they are industrious and economical, but unfortunately unclean and superstitious. If they possess any advantages over the great " masses " of the China mainland, it is that they are less conservative and more liberal in many ways. The parents of thousands of the Formosa Chinese arrived as strangers practically in a foreign land; they doubtless met with hardships and unfriendliness while obtaining a foothold : and it is perhaps this fact that has made them look with a more kindly spirit towards strangers in general. Without a doubt, the splendid work of the missionary bodies in the island, who lived down the disfavor with which they were at first regarded, accounts to a great degree tor the absence of any strong anti-foreign spirit among the people at present.

In the Japanese census returns, the Chinese are all classed together irrespective of their home province; and, consequently, the numerical strength of Chinese, other than Haklos and Hakkas, cannot be ascertained. They number but a few thousands, however, at most ; but owing to the fact that practically all the big merchants, wholesale and retail, are Cantonese, the latter class are an important element.

Japa/irsr Population. — We will now deal with the new element, the Japanese population. The arrival of the Japanese dates from the occupation of the island by Japan in 1895. Prior to that event there was not in the whole island a single Japanese resident. The first civilian arrivals were not a very desirable class. They were chiefly adventurers following the army to pick up what they could by the wayside and return to Japan at the first opportunity. Thousands of military coolies were brought into the island to carry supplies for the army ; anil fortunately, at the expiration of their term of employment, they were returned to Japan by the Government. The camp followers led a horrible life, great numbers died from sickness ; the)- found the island no Eldorado, and the survivors eventually drifted back to Japan. During the year 1896, after peace had been restored, a better element arrived. Mer-chants in Japan sent down representatives to look the field over from a commercial view ; scholars and professional men visited the island in con-siderable numbers, and shopkeepers established themselves in the larger cities, carrying such goods as would appeal to the military, to travellers, etc. Towards the close of the year, the first Japanese women arrived, and carpenters were bus)- converting Chinese structures into habitations provided with the proverbial tatami, without which Japanese see.,, ill at ease. The evolution of a Chinese house in die hands of a Japanese was interesting. The typical Chinese house has the minimum of light and air, and the maximum of darkness and dampness ! and the Japanese occupant endeavored to reverse this state of things. The first move was to punch holes through the long stretch of solid wall, so as to supply windows. Small regard was shown for the landlord's sensibilities; and frequently the openings were not plastered over, but were simply big jagged holes, which looked lor all the world as though the building had been badly injured by a bombardment. An elevated wooden floor, two or three feet high, was then erected from

end to end, with a passage down one side to the back. On the new floor were placed the Japanese mats, and in some instances Japanese sliding doors were added. While the converted house was superior to the original in cleanliness and much better lighted, it was far from healthy, even the elevated floor being too near the ground for this malarial climate; besides the vicinity was generally unsanitary, and the immediate drainage detective. The result may be imagined. Hundreds of Japanese died in the island, and hundreds returned to Japan invalided. During the last three months ot 1896, an outbreak of plague carried away nearly a hundred in the north ot the island. As a result of this state of affairs, the report spread throughout Japan that Formosa was a death hole ; and at one period so universal was this belief that even Japanese servants could not be engaged for the island. This was unfortunate, as it discouraged the better class of Japanese from settling- in the island. At this period, even the officials occupied Chinese quarters. The foreigners lived in the upper storeys of roomy well ventilated structures : and it was a ^reat contrast to find a Japanese friend installed in a dirty, dark, ill-ventilated Chinese house with mud walls, set down in an ill-smelling disease breeding Chinese street. Under these circumstances, it was not so strange that pestilence should have broken out as that any should have escaped. That this sacrifice of life was unnecessary, and that, given good houses and sanitary streets, lite would be quite as safe in Formosa as in other semi-tropical climes, was not known to people in Japan ; they did knowr that their friends and relatives wen' dying in the island, and that was sufficient. In 1897, dormitories for some of the officials were erected, and work was commenced on others, with the idea ot ultimately having all the government employes comfortably housed. The civilians also built a few new houses, while others improved the Chinese quarters they occupied; the attics of man)- of the single storeyed structures 1 eing re-modelled so that sleeping room could be obtained there. A notable decrease in mortality among Japanese followed these improvements. While the residents here began to regard the island in a more favorable light, it was difficult to erase impressions existing in the home land ; and even now, when further innovations have made life more comfortable and secure, in Japan, (the country above all which one could expect to be well informed), there exists a general impression that Formosa is exceptionally unhealthy, an idea which is but little better than a libel on the beautiful Isle. Given a sanitary neighborhood, upper storeyed quarters, plenty of fresh air and light, good food, and protection for the head when exposed to the sun's rays, and life can be made quite as health}- as can be expected in a warm climate. The author's experience of six years in the island without a single day of sickness entitles him to speak with some authority on this point.

Excluding government works, the advent of the Japanese population has made little change in the outward appearance of things, except in the capital city, Taihoku (Taipeh). The change there, however, has been very striking to one who saw it under the Chinese' regime. Even in 1S90, it may be said to have been thoroughly Chinese. Probably not one in ten of the shops or other places of business was Japanese, and not a building was to

be seen in other than Chinese style. During the summer of 1897, there were evidences of great changes, though the city still had a distinctly Chinese appearance. Now it is vastly different ; there is not one Chinese shop in twenty ; and all this has taken place without any pressure being brought to bear, but simply because the Chinese have gone down before the Japanese, who are willing to pay higher prices or higher rentals for land and houses. Taihoku is now a thoroughly Japanese city in ever)- respect. In fact, with its fine macadamized streets, its imposing buildings, its well-stocked shops, it excels perhaps any city of its size in the whole empire of Japan. No other place in the island has witnessed like changes.1 The streets are also generally cleaner and better cared for than under the Chinese regime, though there is much yet to be done before the Chinese town can be considered sanitary. The Japanese population, excluding the military, is at present some 40,000. With the exception of the official class who come chiefly from Tokyo, a large portion of the above are from the south of Japan. Man)' are from Kyushu, though the shopkeepers appear to have come chiefly from Osaka. During the early days of the Japanese occupation, wives and children were rarely brought to the island. Now family life is more in favor, and the number of Japanese females is consequently on the increase. At present the males outnumber the other sex by 3 to i.2 The Japanese population is steadily growing, however. Thus, during the year 1900, Japanese males arrived to the number of 13,316 and females 5,680, a total of 18,996. In 1899, there were 8,601 males, and 2,544 females, a total of 1 1,145. The- island thus gained 7,851 in Japanese population during the year ; which, all things considered, would appear to show that the Japanese are finding life in Formosa worth living.

As yet, with the exception of some few wealthy firms who are interest-ing- themselves in plantations, the Japanese do not take to agricultural employment ; in fact, it would be difficult for them to compete with Chinese farmers, who grow nearly all they desire for food, and whose other require-ments are limited perhaps to one pair of cotton trousers a year. Again, it is doubtful whether, at least for some time, the Japanese can labor in the fields, in the hot Formosa sun, as man)- hours a day as the Chinese, who have greater powers of endurance. For artisans, coolie overseers, and shop assistants, and for general professional and skilled labor, there is, however, an opening. We consequently find the present Japanese population scat-tered throughout the cities and villages ; indeed there is hardly a village of any size in the island without at least half a dozen or so of Japanese, who get on so well with the villagers that many of them live in turbulent districts, where the natives, if so disposed, could attack them with perfect impunity. .

1. Of course, it will be understood that portions of other cities al»o show sigus of Japanese occupation.

2. For census statistics see following chapter.

Views at the Capital.

™i«arw

North End Taihoku City, the Day of Japanese Occur ation 1SC5 .

Taihoku City as viewed from Observatory. Government Opium Factory, Taihoku.

Koith End of Taihoku City, under Japanese Rule in KCO. shewing New Pest office on right. Meteorological Observatory, Tailuku. Appeal Court, Taihoku.

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 1 OF 6)

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY.

Administration : — Boundaries — Status of Formosan officials — Constitutional provisions

— Formosan ordinances — Civil Administration Office — Administrative Divisions. Population : — Census statistics — Twenty-three largest cities — Rate of Japanese increase

— Births and deaths — Foreign residents. Society : — Position of masses — Increased wages — Labor supply and demand — Impr*

condition of masses — ^cale of wages — Inflow of capital. Education : — Missions— Chinese schools — Presi nt conditions — Difficulties encounti red

Paid students — System of government schools — Appropriation for education —

Technical schools — Mission work — Success attained — ( 'anadian Presbyterian

Mi sxia a — English Presbyterian Mission — Mission statistics — First Formosan

Newspaper — I!t>m<<ii Catholic Mission work. Justice and Crime: — Status of Formosan emits — Application of Japanese laws —

Distribution of courts — Prisons — Prison statistics — Police rout ml — Native police

—Gendarmes. Sanitation : — Condition on arrival of Japanese — Hospitals established — Sanitary works

— Water supply — Mission hospitals — The opium problem — Preventive policy

adopted — Difficulties of control — Opium statistics. Finance : — Revenue- - Profit from monopolies — Ta c statistics — Expenditures — Revenue

items — Table of relative expenditures — Banking facilities — Currency problem—

" Tamsui Dollars " — Exchange difficulties. Defence : — Brigade headquarters — Permanent garrison — Fortifications — Military

Transport - Arsenals.

Internal Communications: — Public highways— Japanese roadwork — City Paving — Narrow gauge tramways — Method of operation — Railways— Reconstruction of

oil line — Const ruction of main Inn — Tamsui line — Railway projected. Posts ami Telegraphs: — Telegraph an, I cable lines laid -Transportation of mails. Skipping and Navigation : — Harbors — Steamship Hues — Shipping subsidies — Harbor

construction work — Kelung harbor improvement work — Tamsui ami Takow

harbors. Foreign Trade. — Increase of imports — [ncreas of shipping — Trade via Hongkong ami

China — Trade of Formosa ports compare! — Trade via Japan— Total trade —

Foreign imports via Japan — Formosa government supplies — Trade with the

United Stiitcs and Great Britain compared.

ADMINISTRATION.

The administrative division of Formosa under Japanese control as defined by Imperial decree comprises all islands lying between the 119th and ) 20th degrees of Longitude (East from Greenwich) and the 23rd and 24th degrees of North Latitude.1 The principal islands included are Formosa or " Taiwan " its official designation, Kwasho-to (Samasana Island), Kotosho (Botel Tobago Island], and Bokoto (Pescadores Group). Owing to the non completion of surveys the exact area ot the division can not be stated, but it will probably be found to be over 15,000 square miles.

The government of the island is wholly under the control of the central government of Japan, there being no local representation. There is at present no office in the mainland devoted exclusively to Formosan affairs. The Governor-General of the Island is, however, nominally under the authority of the Home Minister. The supreme executive authority in Formosa, is vested in the Governor General.- This official under the present system must be of Shinnin rank, and possess the rank of Field Marshal, General, Lieutenant General, or Admiral. He has control of the Imperial military and naval forces and the civil administration within his jurisdiction. He may call out the military or naval forces to preserve order in the island when he deems it necessary ; but must report such action to the proper authorities in Japan. He may also place military officers in control of civil officers when deemed advisable.

The Governor-General has the power to appoint or dismiss all officers of Hannin or lower rank, but officers above that rank cannot be appointed to, or dismissed from, office without the Emperor's sanction, obtained through the Home Minister. He can recommend these civil officers for promotion in rank, but the promotion is made by the Emperor through the Prime Minister. In obtaining the Emperor's sanction to any measure requiring the same by law, application is made through the Home Minister.

There having been issued no decree to the contrary, the provisions of the Constitution are generally considered in force in Formosa. The laws of Japan, however, do not apply to Formosa unless special provision to that effect has been entered in the law itself. The laws and regulations for Formosa which have been issued from time to time, have been drawn up

1. The boundary line to the south was in 1895 established by special couveutiou between Japau and Spain to be as follows:—" A line parallel to a latitude passing through the middle of the navigable part of the Bashce Channel, shall, under the present declaration, mark the boundary between the territories of Japan and Spain in the western part of the Pacific.

The Government of Spain declares that it shall never lay claim to the islauds lying to the north and uorth-east of the above mentioned boundary line.

The Government of Japan declares that it shall never lay claim to the islands lying to the south and south-east of the above mentioned boundary line.

2. The Governor-Generals during the Japanese occupation have been as follows : —

Admiral Kabayama appointed May 10th, 1895 Retired June 2ud, 1896.

Lieut. -General Katsura appointed June 2nd, 1896 , October 14th, 189C.

LiL'iit.-Geueral Nogi appointed October 14th, 1896 February 20th, 1898.

Lieut. -General Ivodama appointed February 20th, 1898.

with the peculiar condition and requirements of the island in view.1 Formosi ordinances emanate from the Governor-General's office, bear his signature, and after obtaining the approval of the Formosa Council require the sanction of the Emperor. The Council of the Formosa Government consists of the Chief of Civil Administration, Chief of Financial Section, Chief of Military Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the official counsellors. The Governor-General may, if he deems it necessary, order other civil, military or naval officers connected or intimately acquainted with affairs under discussion, to attend the meetings, but the}- are excluded from voting. As his immediate advisers, the Governor-General has the Chief of Civil Administration, Chief of Military Staff, and the Chief Counsellor. Under the latter official, who must be of Chokunin rank, are two counsellors of Sonin rank. The counsellors receive orders from the Governor-General and Chief of Civil Administration, and their chief duties are in connection with legal questions. Under their control are sections in charge of the investigation of old customs, and official translation work.

Under the Department of Civil Administration are the Section of Police Affairs and the following Bureaux: — General Affairs (Somu kyoku), Finance, Communications, Agriculture and Industry, and Public Works. Under the General Affairs Bureau, which is in charge of the Chief Counsellor, are the Sections of Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Legislation, and Education. The Chief of Civil Administration and Chief Counsellor must be of Chokunin rank, the Inspector-General of Police and the five Chiefs of Bureaux must be either of Chokunin or Sonin rank; the four special Counsellors, 15 Secretaries (Jimukwan), 3 Chiefs of Police, 18 Experts (Gishi) and 5 Translators must be of Sonin rank, and the remaining officials, 320 in number, are to be of Hannin rank. The Railway Department, the Monopolies Bureau, and the Customs service are under the Civil Department. The Chief ol Civil Administration acts as Chief of Railway Department and Chief of the Monopolies Bureau. There is also the temporary Bureau of Surveys which is likewise under the Civil Department.

In place of the former system, which divided the island into 3 prefectures and 3 prefectures of second class, and which was abolished November 1 ith, 1901, local administrative offices known as " Cho " have been established at the following points :

Taihoku, Kelung, Giran (Gilan), Shinko (Chim-hua), Toshien (Tao-hong), Shinchiku (Teck-cham), Bioritsu (Maoli), Taichu, Shoka (Chang wha), Nanto (Nam-tau), Toroku (Tau-lak), Kagi, Yensuiko (Kiam-tsui kang), Tainan, Banshorio (Han-chu liao), Hozan (Fang-shan), Ako (A-kau), Koshun (Heng-chun), Taito (Tai-tong), and Boko (Pang-hoo).

1. As respects privileges granted to foreigners in Japan and Formosa a proclamation issued on the 22ud of February 1896, by the Formosa Government contained the following reference ;

"Paragraph 2. Though special circumstances exist iu Formosa, the Treaties of Commerce and Navi-gation, Tariff regulations, and other arrangements now existing between Japan and various natious having treaties with Japau, shall be applied, as far as possible, to the subjects of such nations who reside in or sail to aud from Formosa."

"Those who enjoy the precediug privileges aud conveniences must observe the laws aud ordinances in operation in Formosa."

59«

THE ISLAND OK FORMOSA.

The Administrative or District Offices (Clio) are in charge of chiefs of Sonin rank, who are assisted by clerks, police inspectors, assistant experts, interpreters, and assistant police, all of Hannin rank. These officers of Hannin rank number 1230 for the whole island. The administration of Formosa, under the direction and superintendence of the Governor General, is entrusted to these district offices.

POPULATION.

The following tables give the population of the island, excluding the military and the hill tribes of the interior mountainous district, which were dealt with in the preceding chapter: —

Japanese.

Natives (Chinese). Total

Taihoku prefecture

Taiohu

Tainau

Giran prefecture of 2nd class

Taito

Pescadores ,,

Male Total Female ,,

(Male . j Female .

12,198 6,335

Male Female .

Male Female .

Male . Female .

Male Female .

Male Female . .

Malo . . Female .

391,883 325,506

j Male . } Female .

18,633

3,716

1 ,303

717,389

441,477 369,583

(Male .. (Female . .

5,01!)

4,997 2,407

811,060

526,621 443,958

I Male . . ( Female . .

7,404

285

970,579

53,549 44,975

(Malo .. (Female . .

1,023

155

98,524

25,370 23,331

(Male .. (Female . .

243

48,707

25,870 25,716

5i,5P6

22,392 10,728

1,464,776 1 ,233,069

735,922

816,079

977,983

99,547

49,178

52,256 2,730,865

The total population is divided up into 8,321 Japanese families, and 532, 1 76 native families 01-540,497 families in all, which gives an average among Japanese of near 4 to a family, and among Chinese of over 5.

THE TWENTY-THREE LARGEST CITIES.

Daitotei (Twatutia) Banka

Taihoku (Taiptli) Shincliiku (Teckcham) Kelung ..

Kobi (Hobe)

Shinsho (Shincliing) .. Taikoken (Tokoliam) .. Rokko (Lokiarjgj Shoka (Ghangwha) Hokuko (I'akkangi

In Giran Prefecture of 2ml class Giran (Gilan), the capital city, has 15,637 ; aud Haiuau (Pilam) the capital city of Taito, 2ud class prefecture, 1241.

31,533

Hokuto (Paktau)

. 5,581

23,707

Taicliu

4,014

5,921

Tainan . .

. 47,283

18,528

Kagi

. 17,910

8,360

Toko (Tangkang)

7,024

6,150

Bokushikyaku tBoaka)

. 7,506

5,148

Hozan (Pithau)

. 6,876

4,244

Yensuiko (Kiamtsuikang)

. 6,432

18,414

Anping ..

. 4,385

13,988

Takow

3,702

6,314

North Formosa Views.

- ^^tf^^HU^I^^^H^^BIHI^I

„.

'•I

jbMw

•36r

t?J— ~'--sBfi jr'YBfl-^

ST

(t*"f*Hr» ' L^MU

iil^^^^m

1 ? Tjf^.-'4g.;^2 1-"--. "-

*4r HMu Vfedfl ****

A View en the Kelur.g River at Haruyana. Cn Ike lower lr.r.c\ Eaitctei.

The Tamsui as seen from Daitctei iTwatutia).

The Upper Bund of Daitotei.

Krrket in a Ncith Tcnr.csa Cl.fr.cce itv.n.

FORMOSA POPULATION ACCORDING TO OCCUPATION.

Japanese

Japanese

Native

Native

Grand

Males.

Females.

Total.

(( hii

Females

Total.

Tot il.

Officials ..

. 5,214

5,911

0,705

Educationists including M

R-

sionaries

11G

3,5-3

2,107

5,750

5,890

Agriculturists

1 I

735,217

635, 1 1 1

1,870,358

1,370,423

Manufacturers . .

. 2,255

2,485

208, 4 25

197,007

406,032

408,517

Merchants

. 1.15S

3,597

8,055

122,910

99,422

222, ! 12

. i

Fishermen

—

—

1 g is

3,827

8,765

8,765

IS. .

. 1,260

1,400

89, 11 1

66,858

155,969

156,429

Pos essing 110 regular trade .

1G5

10,800

48, 181

89,181

Miscellaneous

. 3,912

2,832

0,74:i

102,209

15G.420

318,089

324,432

Owing to the incompleteness of the early census records as respects the native (Chinese) population, we cannot determine the rate of increase or decrease of this class. The statistics for the Japanese population, however, are more exact, and the records for four years are as follows : —

Total.

1897 Families 3,317 Consisting of Males 12,002 Females 3,059 16,321

1898 „ 7,398 „ „ 17,708 „ 7,817 25,585

1899 „ 8,321 „ „ 22,390 „ 10,728 33,120

1900 — - „ „ 27,105 „ 13,804 40,909

THF, BIRTHS AND DEATHS FOR 1898. Births.

Japanese Japanese Native Native Total Total

Malt's. Females. Mules. Females. Males. Females, Total.

Taihdku-Ken .. GG 47 6,526 5,601 6,592 5,648 12,240

Taichu-Ken G 9 4,429 3,305 4,435 3,374 7,809

Tainan- Ken 14 22 5,849 4,931 5,863 4,953 10,816

Pescadores 5 3 494 321 499 324 823

Total . .

De

17,298 ATHS.

14,218

17,389

14,299

31,688

Japanese Mules

Japanese Females,

Native Mules.

Native Females.

Total Males.

Total Females.

Tot.l.

32

0

5,017 4,1 15

1 ,032

4,029

3,340

1,102

5.109

4,2<)2

1,697

4,069

3,372

1,103

9.238

7,574

2,800

Tailioku Ken Taieliu Ken

Tainan Ken Pescadores

Total 250 75 11,107 8,813 11,417 20,305

As regards longevity, we find in Formosa 141N natives (Chinese) from the age ol 85 to 89, 125 from 00 to 94, 14 from 96 to 99, 1 at 100. and 1 who claims 106 years. Mortality appears to be greatest during the ages of 1 to 3, and from 48 onward.

But little space may be given to the representatives ol western lands living in the island. The)- are so few and, if we except the mission-aries, their influence, on existing institutions, is so slight that the desire for completeness is my only excuse for including them. I he foreigners reside in practically but two places, Taihoku and Tainan. In the former place they live in Daitotei (Twatutia) a suburb of the capital, with the exception of the English Consular representatives and two missionary families who are in Tamsui (Hobe). Owing to the withdrawal of many ol the merchants for the winter months, the population is greatest in the summer. Excluding the foreigners connected with the Customs, which have, ol course, now been replaced by the Japanese service, the number has about doubled during the six years of Japanese occupation. This means little, however.

6oo

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

During the last of the Chinese days there were about a dozen, and now there are some 22 or more. During- this period, 3 business houses have discontinued business, and 5 have been newly established. In Tainan the foreign mission-aries reside in Tainan city, and the mercantile population, only half a dozen in all, live in the nearby port Anping, There has been no increase ; in fact one firm has withdrawn from the place. The total foreign population of Tainan district numbers some 20. With the exception of tea, a part of the sugar export, and a small share in the import trade, the Chinese control the trade of the island. There is consequently but little for foreigners in Formosa, and while the numbers of westerners residing here may show some increase as years pass by, there is at present no evidence of a large foreign settlement ever coming into existence. Foreign trade will increase ; but, with the exception of the exports, it will be handled as at present chiefly by Chinese and Japanese. The future, therefore, holds forth no specially bright prospect for the handful of foreigners here.

SOCIETY.

The Japanese occupation will improve the position of the masses throughout the island; of this there can be but little doubt. It will briny thousands within the reach of modern conveniences, the railway, improved shipping facilities, good roads, etc. It will afford them modern medical treatment, the advantages of modern education, and will offer encouragement to the development of the island's resources and the utilizing of machinery and other improved methods of manufacture.

The change in rulers is of too late a date, and affairs are in too much of a transitionary stage, to show marked results from the adoption of these principles at this day, though some changes, especially in the line of increased trade, are already noticeable. Development can not be rapid, owing to the conservatism of those who will profit by the innovations; but it will be sure and sound, and its effects will be increasingly apparent year by year.

That the occupation has already improved the material side of the life of the masses is evident. Prior to the arrival of the Japanese, the wages for unskilled labor ranged from 13 to 20 yen cents a day according to locality, supply, demand, etc. At present the coolie finds his wages doubled, and contractors who desire large forces of workmen frequently find it extremely difficult to obtain them even at the price mentioned.' The great demand

1. The present scale of day wages in yeu for Japauese aud native skilled labour iu Formosa is giveu iu the following : —

Occupation.

Japanese.

Natives.

1st Class.

2nd Class.

1st Class.

2nd Class.

Carpenters, Cabinet makers, etc. . .

1.30 1.80 1.00 1.30 2.00 35.00 per mouth .80

1.10

1.60

.60

1.10

.80

25.00 per mouth

.60

.70 .70 .60 .70 .80 20.00 per mouth .70

.60 .60 .40

.60

6>i

Tailors

10.00 per mouth .45

Seal makers, engravers, etc

The above prices will average nearly double the existing prices in either Japan or China.

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY. 60I

for labor owing to the industrial and improvement works of the government, has increased the circulation of money, and the agricultural population find that they can obtain almost double the money for their products. True the laborer in paying more for his food does not find his increased wage clear gain, still with the proverbial economy of the coolie class, their wants under any circumstances are so k-w, that their cost can be easily doubled without deducting much from the increase they are receiving. Owing to improved methods of transportation, the use of steam launches to visit the coast ports which was forbidden under Chinese rule, and other factors, some staples are even cheaper in certain districts. That the purchasing power of the masses has increased is apparent when we note the great increase in the imports of certain articles which Chinese could easily do without if they wished. Flour, for instance, during the last year of the Chinese was imported into the island to the value of 82,680 yen. In 1900, under the Japanese, the island consumed 355,441 yen worth. Kerosene, which considering the abundance of cheap local vegetable oil, can be considered a luxury, had an increased demand during the same period of from 398,560 to 1,198,609 yen. Imports of foreign piece goods, yarns, etc., have likewise increased from 662,200 to considerably over a million yen in value. While the Japanese in the island are consumers of the staples mentioned, still their unmber is so small that the increase may be attributed almost wholly to the native population. More information on the increase in trade appears in the section on that subject given further on.

Furthermore, whereas the Chinese government invested practically nothing for the island's improvement, but remitted yearly varying sums to the Pekin government, the Japanese have not only spent all the island's revenue locally, but have, during the five years of their occupation, brought in from Japan fifty four million yen which has been utilized chiefly for public improvements; and this does not include the large expenditure for military and the no inconsiderable sum spent by the large number of Japanese travellers who are constantly visiting the island. This large sum has ultimately either found its way to the natives in cash or represents the value of machinery, building materials, etc., brought into the island to improve local conditions.

I should mention, however, that there is one class which has not profited by the arrival of the Japanese. It is the literati who, being without profession and unable to undertake manual labor, find no field open to them. They have left the island in large numbers, but there are still many left, and they are glad of employment at wages which an energetic jinrikisha man would look upon with disdain.

EDUCATION.

Prior to the arrival of the Japanese, education was, with the exception ot two missionary schools, confined almost exclusively to the children ol well-to do parents who could afford to pay lor it. Public and tret- schools were not in existence. Even the paid schools limited their instruction to the usual Chinese curriculum, which is devoted first to the study of the characters, and,

if a higher education is desired, to the mastering of the Chinese classics; for the more familiar the student is with the latter the more advanced he is re-garded by his friends. There wf re none of the studies which in western lands and in Japan are considered necessary for an educated man, and the general tendency of their training was to increase conservatism and love for ancient customs: the greatest stumbling block in the way of Chinese progress. The individual thus educated is conceited, superstitious, and illiberal, and regard less of the years of study, is still ignorant when judged by western standards.

A foreign friend well known in China, and who has perhaps as intimate a knowledge of the Chinese as any one in the East, after spending some weeks in the island, giving special attention to the work of the Japanese among the natives, expressed the opinion that the former would win their way with the people through school books and medicine.

The great mass of the population are unable to read and write, and thus the field for educational work is very vast. But the work laid out before the Japanese is not simple. If the Chinese would avail themselves of the oppor-tunity of modern education when the same is within their reach, the problem would be a simple one. The proverbial conservatism of the race, however, is almost as strong as on the mainland, and the natives, at present, show a preference for their own educational methods.

We consequently find the Japanese actually obliged to employ at present young Chinese as scholars. This system has been adopted in several newly established government schools in the island, and not only are the total tuition and living expenses paid, but an allowance, liberal to Chinese, is made to supply them with clothes and a small balance for pocket money. All things considered, it is a wise procedure. It is the parents that require education ; not that they must be themselves put through schools, but they must be taught by the younger men that modern education ior the children is desir-able, and that the Japanese schools should be availed of. The government schools in the island are of six classes, Normal Schools, National Language Schools, Native Language Schools, Primary Schools, Middle Schools, and Special Schools. There are at present three normal schools for Chinese, situated at Taihoku (Taipeh), Shoka (Changwha) and Tainan respectively. The curriculum includes moral science, Japanese, Chinese, mathematics, book-keeping, geography, history, natural philosophy and science, also music and gymnastics, and a general training in teaching. Board and tuition as well as an allowance for clothes, is made by the government to the Normal School students. It is the desire of the government that the Chinese teachers of private schools shall receive a training in the Normal School. There are at present attending the normal schools over 200 students. There is a so called national language school, which is in reality a general high school, in Taipeh, and those branches which are intended for Japanese students attached to the same. Study is divided into several courses, and instruction in the following branches is given : — Japanese, Chinese, foreign language, moral science, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, general mathematics, book-keeping, history, geography, chemistry and drawing, and in the normal department the art of

teaching. There is also a ladies school attached, at which arc taught moral science, Japanese, reading, penmanship, needlework, knitting, (lower making, embroidery, and music. The term of study is 3 years. There are at present 199 students in the main school, and 172 in the branch school, including 40 girls. The normal department course covers 2 years, and all expenses of students there are paid by the government. There are 3 native language schools specially for Japanese students. The students at present attending the language school and its several branches number 5 r 1 Japanese, including 180 girls, and 471 natives including 183 girls. Students of the langu course showing special ability can go to Japan and complete their education there at government expense. There are Primary schools in the following seven cities: — Taihoku, Tamsui (Hobe), Kelung, Gilan, Shinchiku (Teck-cham), Taichu and Tainan, and the course of instruction includes moral science, reading, composition, penmanship, mathematics, geography, history, natural philosophy, science, music, drawing and gymnastics.

There are 120 government public schools scattered throughout the island, man)- of them in new buildings specially built for the purpose. A general course of stud)-, in which are included reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, history, Japanese, etc., affords a good primary education. The total number of native students attending the various schools is over 13,000 and Japanese over 1,000. The government teachers number 578 with salaries ranging from 600 to 2,400 yen a year. Whenever possible, preference is shown for graduates when there are government positions to fill. At present in the government service there are over 250 Japanese and 313 native (Chinese) graduates. The majority of them are given Hannin rank or receive treatment as of that rank. In addition, there are schools for teaching the savages at Pinan (1'ilam), Barang (Karenko), Choroto, and Gilan, with about 260 students. The total amount appropriated for education in 1900 was 492,600 yen. The national treasury contributed 169,900 yen, local taxes provided 270,700 yen, and the villages and towns in which schools were established were assessed at 52,000 yen. This appropriation will be increased year by year until every village has its free public school. Excluding the salaries for teachers and other expenses of administration, there has been expended some 1,200,000 yen on schools. It is the intention to raise the language school gradually until it has the curriculum of a high school, and eventually it is intended to convert it into a university. Within two years it is expected there will be 300 public schools; additional primary schools for Japanese, and also middle schools will be established. There are also plans for 40 schools for savages to be erected in villages near the savage border. When educational facilities are in the reach of all, compulsory attendance at school will be enforced.

In addition to the above, the government supports a number of special schools. First in importance comes the Medical School attached to the splendidly equipped Central Hospital at Taihoku. The course is for 3 years, and all students are obliged to be familiar with Japanese, as that language only is used in the school. An allowance to cover tuition and board is made

604 THE ISLAM) OF FORMOSA.

to each student by the government. A new building, provided with theater, etc., has been built for the school, and it is well provided with apparatus for the work. Criminals executed at the Taihoku prison who have no friends or relatives desiring- the body for burial, are turned over to the school for postmortem examination. There are 70 students at present. A school for police and jailors has been established at the capital, and there are some 200 fapanese students obtaining the special training provided there. Fine buildings, which provide instruction rooms, drill hall, and dormitory, have been erected for the school outside the Taihoku south gate. At Tainan there exists a school for the training of native police. An agricultural school has been established in connection with the Taihoku i'refecture agricultural station. Applicants for tuition there must be over 20 years of age, and have control <>t a farm of over 4 acres in size. Lectures are given for two hours a day for one year, and if the student can remain during the day at the station and engage in the experimental work there conducted, he will receive from the government the sum of twenty-five yen cents a day. Graduates are expected to establish small classes for the young in the neighborhood of their homes. The course of study covers cultivation of plants, protection of plants from insects, care of cattle, agricultural manufactures, forestry, arithmetic, and rough surveying. In Taichu there is a school of silk culture. Students are taught the raising of silk worms and the preparation of raw silk. In the national language school is a department of railways and telegraphs. Ins-truction in the latter subjects is given to graduates <>f the main school, who wish to enter the railway service as telegraph operators, etc. Aside from the government schools, dealt with above, in which modern education is offered, nearly every village possesses one of the old style Chinese schools, with which the government does not interfere. There were in 1899, 1,496 instructors employed in these schools, and 27,568 students. There are numerous other private schools, at which Japanese, English, or the native language is taught. There is also a Colonial Administrative School organized by officials in their private capacity, which holds an evening session at which studies consistent with the title of the school are taken up.

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 2 OF 6)

MISSIONS.

This section would not be complete without reference to the admirable work of the missionaries in the island during the past thirty years. Frequent reference has been made to them in the historical part of the book, and the difficulties they encountered in establishing their missions have been recorded there. Although there appears to be a difference of opinion as to the value of the work accomplished by missionaries in China, an impartial observer who cares to investigate must admit that in Formosa the results have been highly successful, for the period under review, prior to the arrival of the Japanese, practically the only modern education available in the island was through the missionaries. There are two Protestant missions in the island, one under the auspices of the Canadian Presbyterian Mission, established by the late Dr. Mackay in 1872, the operations of which are confined to the northern part

of Formosa, and that of the English Presbyterian Mission, first established

by Dr. Maxwell in 1865, the field of which extends over the southern and remaining portion of the island.

Dr. Mackay's work and experiences have been fully set forth in his interesting volume, "From Far Formosa," to which we would refer those

interested in the subject. The death of the worthy doctor, which occurred a few months ago, removed from the mission field one who could but ill be spared; and the threat loss is, I am sure, fully appreciated, not only by his many thousand followers and his foreign friends, but by many Japanese offi-cials stationed in the island. It can be truly said that the mission field his exhibited few workers who have accomplished as much in their time as I >r. Mackay. Nothing appears to have daunted this intrepid evangelist, who, from being one of the most persecuted and despised of men by the persons amongst whom he dwelt, came to be the trusted friend and counsellor of all, and the actual pastor of great numbers.1 From 1872 to 1875, this gentleman labored alone, but in the latter year he was joined by the Rev. J. 15. I raser, M.D., who, after serving three years, returned to Canada in 1877. In 1878, the Rev. Kenneth F. Junor was sent out by the Canadian church ; but he, too, retired in 1882. By this time the mission had established 20 chapels, each with a native preacher, attended by over 300 members in full communion with the church. In 1883, the Rev. John [amieson came out, and in spite of repeated and prolonged periods of physical weakness, labored on until 1891, when death terminated his services. In May, 1892, the Rev. William Gauld joined Dr. Mackay and proved himself to be an able and zealous associate.

At Tamsui (Hobi), the headquarters of Dr. Mackay's mission, through

the bounty of the Methodist church, Woodstock, Canada, from which was collected a considerable sum, a college or school was created, styled ( )xford College, in which the youth of the church are trained in Biblical History, geography, and the systematic study of the doctrines of the Bible, besides which due prominence is given to the most important subjects in the curriculum of a western college. The students are Chinese and Pepohoans, and the whole work may be said to have been initiated and carried on by Dr. Mackay himself, with a result that is really no less surprising than interesting to the privileged spectator. Closely adjoining is the girls' school, where equally excellent educational work is in active operation.

We now pass on to describe the English Presbyterian Mission, estab-lished in the southern parts of the island. Dr. Maxwell, on behalf of this mission, commenced work in 1865, and his difficulties and trials were considerable. He was afterwards joined by the Rev. Hugh Ritchie, who died on the field in 1879. In 1871, the Rev. William Campbell, F. R. G. S.,

1. In a late report, the statistics of the missiou showed two foreign and two native ordained missionaries, 00 anordained native preachers, 21 native Bible women, 1,738 native communicants in good and regular standing in the church, 2,633 baptized members, 60 chapels with medical dispensaries attached; one central hospital, at which, up to date, 10,730 patients have been tn 19 175.74

contributed by uatives for missiou purposes, aud S201 10 contributed by natives for the hospital duriug that year.

first came out, and his labors are, we are glad to say, still available for the mission. This gentleman is as favorably known in the south as was the late 1 )r. Mackay in the north, and in addition to his great work in the evangelistic field, his literan' accomplishments have given him no little reputation abroad. 1 lis researches into the early history of the island have been very extensive, and lie is without doubt the greatest authority on this subject living. In 1874, the Rev. Thomas Barclay, M.A., arrived, and in 1878 Dr. Peter Anderson, who came to take charge of the mission hospital, from this time on, several other gentlemen were sent out, but, unhappily, had either to be perma-nently invalided home, or, more sad still, succumbed to the climate. The latter were the Rev. William Thow, ami Dr. Gavin Russell, whose work was localized in Mid Formosa. Both these gentlemen, by their untiring energy, kindly disposition, and noble Christian character, had earned the respect and admiration, not only of the natives amongst whom they labored, but of every one else privileged to come in contact with them.

In 1889, the Rev. Duncan Ferguson arrived, and though the period of his work has been limited, his success as a missionary has been very pro-nounced. In 1895, the Revs. A. B. Neilson, and C. N. Moody, together with Dr. Landsbo rough, entered the field. The two latter were specially set apart to can-)' on the work in Mid Formosa, so abruptly terminated a year or two previously by the death of Dr. Gavin Russell. These gentlemen have accomplished much during their short stay, and are men of education and ability. In 1900, James L. Maxwell, M.D. and F. R. Johnson joined the

mission.

■

Working in cooperation with the English Presbyterian Mission is that of the Women's Missionary Association, the present members of which are Miss Joan Stuart, who arrived in 1885, Miss A. E. Butler, in 1885, and Miss M. Barnett, in 1888. These ladies have reason to be gratified at the success they have achieved. Further reference to their work will be found in the section of this chapter relating to sanitary works.

At present there are yy places of worship attached to this mission. Many of these can hardly be honored with the title either of church or chapel, but every Sunday in yj different places a number of people meet for Christian worship. It is the aim of the mission to make their churches self-supporting, and to such an extent has success been gained that some are able to contribute to other churches, while even the poorest are able to contribute at least a fourth or more towards their own support. Thus, for the year 1900, native churches contributed a total of $6,823, and #1,000 more was raised from the sale of Christian literature in the book shop at Tainanfu. One interesting feature of the work is the little foreign mission which is entirely supported by native contributions. The field selected is the Pescadores Islands, and native missionaries are there maintained.'

1. Late statistics give the number of communicants as 2,019, to which should be added baptized children, not yet admitted to communion, numbering 1,600, and 152 members under discipline, giving a total membership of adults aud children of 3,837. Including adhereuts, that is, people who have reuouueed idolatry, aud who attend Christian worship more or less regularly, the total is 10,758.

As to the work of the mission in the educational field, there are at most of the stations congregational schools, presided over by apt native teachers, and at some of these the pupils are undergoing a preliminary education to fit them for entrance into the middle school. This institution is at Tainanfu, and the lads attending there are given a liberal secular education, in addition to instruction in spiritual matters, which is, of course, not neglected. The students are housed in comfortable quarters, are well fed, and tenderly cared for. There is accommodation for forty boys, and the school is always full. Mr. Ede, a very competent man, had charge of this work up to a few years ago, when he was obliged to withdraw from the island owing to ill health. Picked boys are sent to the theological college, which exists solely for the training of native pastors and evangelists. This has been a very prominent feature of the mission work, and is being developed still more. Some forty students are accommodated here. Although several European and native instructors are engaged in the work, this institution owes much to the direction and instruction of the Rev. Thomas Barclay, a man whose scholarly and scientific attainments attracted some notice before he came to Formosa. Under the charge of the ladies attached to this mission is a girls' school, the members ol which are carefully educated. Besides conducting this school, one or other of the ladies goes and resides at some country centre from time to time, forming reading classes for women and girls, while house to house visitation in the city is made a matter of almost daily routine. There is also, under the direction of the ladies, an establishment for the training of Bible women. The theological college and Bible women's school are free, but there is a nominal annual charge of $14 for the middle school, and $6 for the girls' school.

Out of sympathy for the large number of unfortunate blind in the island, Rev. Campbell some years ago established a school for this class, and personally devised a system of instruction which has been highly satisfactory. Rev. Campbell gave this school his personal attention until the arrival of the Japanese, when he was successful in inducing the Japanese government to take up and continue the work. Rev. Campbell obtained entrance for several of his most promising pupils to the government institution for the blind in Tokyo, and as evidence of the interest taken in his work, a charity concert was given under Imperial patronage and abundant funds were provided to cover the costs of their four or five years' residence in Tokyo.

An important factor in the diffusion of education among the natives interested in the mission, is the mission newspaper, entitled " The Tainanfu Church News." It has been in existence for fully sixteen years, and has a monthly circulation of about 800 copies. It is printed in Romanized Chinese, and is, therefore, read, almost exclusively, by Christians familiar with that system. This is the first newspaper published in the island, and owes its existence to Rev. Barclay, who, while on furlough in Scotland, some seventeen years ago, obtained instruction in type setting. He brought out with him a printing press, type, etc., and taught a few intelligent Chinese the printing trade. These, in turn, have taught others, so that at present there is an

efficient force of Chinese printers. One of the European missionaries occupies the chair of editor in chief, Rev. Barclay at present holding that position. In addition to the newspaper, a great deal of Christian literature, chiefly in the Romanized Chinese, is issued. There are at present among the Christians more than 2,000 who can read fluently in Romanized Chinese.

In addition to the Protestant missionaries, the Spanish Catholics are doing evangelistic work in Formosa. As mentioned in the historical section of the book, the Spanish commenced mission work in the island as early as the year 1626, and in a few years they had flourishing stations on Palm Island, Samasana Island, and at Kimpauli (Kimpori), Chomong (Seimon), Tamsui (Hobe\ villages in the north. After sixteen years of undisturbed possession, the I Hitch in 1642 drove the Spanish from the island. Two hundred and seventeen years afterward, namely in 1859, Father Sainz was sent to Formosa, and arranged again for the establishment of their missions. He was followed by Fathers Chinchon, I lerce, and Colomer. At present there are several priests at work, including the provincial vicar of Formosa, who has recently been made independent of Amoy. The island is divided into six central stations, at two of which there are large churches, and at the rest, chapels. Around each station is a circuit, extending several miles from the station as the centre. At each of these centres a Spanish priest presides, who keeps in constant touch with all parts of his circuit, and the various congrega-tions connected with it.1 The priests are assisted in proselytising work by native "Catechumens," specially trained at Takow. 'I he mission consists entirely of brethren belonging to the Dominican order, the western head-masters of which are at Manila, where the Superior lives. They are each allowed one hundred dollars a year which has to do for every personal want, including traveling. The writer has found the Spanish fathers in the island genial, sympathetic, and courteous, and there can be no doubt that the mission is doing good work in the island.

JUSTICE AND CRIME.

Courts were first opened in the island during the summer of 1896. The system first instituted was a court of three instances. Later the higher court was abolished, ami the present system of two instances adopted. The courts are constituted and governed by the "Formosa Government Court Regula-tions," which places them on a distinct basis from the courts of Japan proper. 'I he wide difference in customs and manners of the inhabitants of Formosa as compared with the Japanese renders it impracticable to apply the laws of Japan in the island, although they are generally followed as closely as circumstances will permit. We may take for instance the murder of female infants or deformed children, which is of not uncommon occurrence with Chinese. While it is very evident that this horrible practice should be put

1. The six ceutral stations are as follows: Takow (Chang-kim), Baukimtseug, Talibu (Tarimul, Lokliao, Lochutsetig, and Taihoku. A late report gives the total uumber of accepted church members as 1,304; those undergoing preparation for baptism and admission, 600. The above includes only natives, as Japanese who are coming in increased numbers are not as yet formally placed ou the church rolls.

down, still it would be obviously unjust to convict of murder a mother who might be found guilty of an act which, according to the customs of her people, was quite within her rights, and which in the case of deformed children is even considered praiseworthy. Moreover, many of the simple people in the hill districts are unfamiliar with commercial law, and it would be unjust to commit them for punishment for some offence which they in their ignorance did not know was opposed to the law. Judges in Formosa are consequently frequently obliged to use their own discretion, and their position is therefore a more arduous one than in Japan. Furthermore, owing to the difference in language, much of the court work must be done through interpreters, which causes delay and almost endless trouble.

All courts of justice in Formosa are under direct control of the Governor-General of Formosa, and he has full power to establish and abolish courts, and may suspend judges from service thus placing them on quarter pay, but he cannot dismiss or transfer judges against their will, unless they are guilty of crime. Formosa judges are qualified officials of the service in japan, and thus, although transferred to Formosa, they still retain their position in the judicial service of Japan. There is but one court of appeal, which is established at the capital Taihoku, and there is no higher recourse. The court is divided into civil and criminal departments eacli in charge of three judges. In addition to the trial of appeal cases, this court passes on questions respecting the competency of district courts. District courts or their branches, the latter having the powers and functions of the former, are established at Taihoku, Shinchiku (Teckcham), Shoko (Changwha), Kagi, Tainan, Hozan, (Pithau) and Bako (Makung) of the Pescadores. In the district courts, cases are tried by a single judge. To each Formosa court of justice is attached the office of Public Procurator, this office being under direct control of the Governor-General and performing its functions independently of the court of justice. The district covered by the Procurators conforms with the district of the courts to which they are attached. Public Procurators, in addition to representing the state in civil and criminal cases, exercise control over such public offices as possess minor judicial power. At present, police inspectors may be appointed acting procurators for district courts and their branches. In Formosa, Bemmusho, the administrative office under the prefecture, now possesses the authority to settle disputes of small magnitude by inducing the parties concerned to come to an amicable arrangement. It is intended in the future to extend the power of the Bemmusho in this respect and to make it unlawful for cases thus disposed of to be later brought up before the courts. There are 32 judges and 20 procurators or acting procurators in the island service. The court buildings in Taihoku are pretentious structures, and other cities are being supplied with court buildings of a size and design worthy of the high use to which they are put. It should be added that the Chinese appear to have no little confidence in the courts. They are fond of litigation, and lose no time In bringing to court their fellowmen against whom they have some grievance, fancied or real. In fact, so eager were they to avail themselves of justice not based on the lines of Chinese official jurisprudence, that they brought up old cases dating back for many years, and literally overwhelmed the courts with

6lO THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

them. It was consequently found necessary to issue a regulation forbidding the presentation of cases dating back beyond Japanese occupation.

Prisons of Formosa, unlike those of Japan, are under the direct control of the local Government, and the immediate supervision of the same in the different prefectures is imposed upon the Public Procurators of district courts. The main prisons are at Taihoku, Taichu, and Tainan, with branch prisons at Shinchiku (Teckcham), Shoka (Changwha), Kagi, Hozan (Pithau), and Gilan, In addition, every police station possesses its lock-up.

Soon after the arrival of the Japanese, the prisons were located in old yamens which were altered somewhat for that purpose. They were, however, unsanitary, and the mortality rate was large. Later, superior quarters were prepared for temporary use, and at present writing the several prisons in the island are in such buildings. Work has now commenced on model establish-ments, in which the best of modern prison architecture will be applied. The cost of these prisons are, — Taihoku 315,000 yen, Taichu 180,000 yen, Tainan 255,000 yen, besides the sum of 50,000 which represents the cost of plans, surveys, etc. In addition to this, Kagi, Hozan (Pithau), and Gilan are erecting with prefectural funds new prisons which, though not as large as those men-tioned, will be built on modern principles. All prisons will be completed before 1903. In addition, as new police stations are erected, sanitary lock-ups will be constructed. When it is taken into consideration that much of the labor is performed by prisoners and without cost, the prisons even manufacturing their own brick, it will be seen that Formosa will possess very fine buildings in her prisons ; in fact with two or three exceptions they will be the finest in the Empire.

The number of criminals in prison during 1899 averaged 2630, including" 5S6 Japanese. According to prefectures, Taihoku cared for 175 Japanese, 944 natives ; Taichu 46 Japanese, 407 natives ; Tainan 64 Japanese, 672 natives ; and the Pescadores 20 natives. The occupants on the accumulative principle numbered throughout the island 104,268 Japanese and 746,221 natives. These numbers include prisoners awaiting trial, the larger number of whom are in for but a few days or, at the most, weeks. As to sanitation, 2,044 prisoners were given medical treatment, and there were 266 deaths and 36 prison breakers. Every prison possesses its special doctor and nurses, and in Taihoku Prison, at least, a Japanese Christian evangelist spends much time with the prisoners. The classification of prisoners shows that thieves and robbers are in great preponderance, numbering 981, including 61 Japanese. Assault cases follow with no; and then fraud with 84 including 41 Japanese. Murder in its different degrees numbers 55, including 11 Japanese. Forgery holds 1 1 natives and 9 Japanese, kidnapping 20, including 2 Japanese ; and ' libel, perjury, and false accusation cause the detention of 21 natives; and transgressors against the opium laws number 20 natives. Prison breaking and the concealing of criminals accounts for 8 natives, and one bright youth attempted the private manufacture of imitation Taiwan Bank notes with the inevitable result. Miscellaneous offences, detention awaiting trial, etc., makes up the balance of 144 1 including 1 79 Japanese. The female prisoners included

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY. 6ll

in the above number 10 Japanese and 73 Chinese. One peculiar feature as compared with foreign lands is the large number of robberies and the few-cases of fraud.

Prison statistics give us an idea of the class of Japanese that visit the island, when we note that 14 in a thousand spend their time in prison ; while native prisoners number but 1 in a thousand of population. It should be mentioned, however, that the majority of offences against the law committed by Chinese are never heard of by the authorities, and even many known criminals guilt)' of armed robbery are never apprehended, whereas there are probably very few Japanese who escape punishment for their misdemeanors. The total cost of prison administration, including repairs to buildings, is some 500,000 yen a year.

Each prefecture possesses its Police Department, which has control over the police affairs of the district ; and each Bemmusho has its smaller police office. Branch offices follow, and lastly the village stations. There are at present 839 offices and branch offices; and 731 villages possess permanent police stations. In addition, there are very small villages in which the village head man is expected to keep order, and which are visited by police patrols daily. The force is made up as follows: Police inspectors 222, assistant police inspectors 307, police 4,381, or a total Japanese force of 4,919. Two years ago the experiment of utilizing native assistant police was tried, and it met with such success that at present no less than 569 natives are thus employed. The native police are supplied with board, clothes, and a salary varying from 6 to 14 yen according to length of service, together with a money gift to near relatives in case of a native meeting with death while in the performance of his duties ; and furthermore he is pensioned in case of permanent injury. The men are well paid, appear to take pride in their position ; and, in the up country districts especially, seem to be selected from the better class of residents. The writer personally has much admiration for this little band, and feels that they are a valuable agency towards ultimate peace and perfect protection in every part of the island. It is stated that the number of native police will be greatly increased.

The Japanese police, besides board and clothes, receive a monthly wage of from 9 to 15 yen according to the length of service. The pension laws for Formosa police are specially liberal. The term of service for police or jailors necessary to draw a pension is put at 7 years. Those who retire from active service at the age of 45, or those who are retired owing to sickness or disablements are granted a yearly pension equal to five months pay, and if in the service for a period exceeding 7 years, an additional allowance is made for each year equal to \o% of the salary. In case of officers dying in the service either from sickness or wounds, 5 months salary is presented to the family ot the deceased. The whole force is armed with swords, and possesses for niglit use or in time of emergency Murata rifles. In addition, there is an artillery corps of 30 Japanese police who are trained in the use of mortar pieces, and are temporarily detailed for services on the savage border; being now stationed at Taikokan (Tokoham), the savages of this district being, at present

6l2 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

writing, in a disturbed state. In addition to the ordinary police dealt with above there is a corps of savage protection guards numbering 1,539 men stationed on the savage border, and described full)' in the chapter on camphor.1 There are also 1,700 gendarmes in the island, and though this corps is a branch of the army, it is frequently called upon in Formosa to render police service.2 There are thus available for police duty a total of 8,727 men including the savage border guards. The total cost of the bormosa police service for 1900 was 2,228,125 yen.

SANITATION.

The Japanese, on their arrival in Formosa, found nothing more urgently required than an immediate improvement of sanitary conditions. Chinese filth is proverbial, and the Japanese found the task of cleaning up the cities a huge one. With the exception of a lew missionary institutions, which will be referred to later, there were no hospitals in the island, and the sick were cared for by ignorant Chinese doctors, who practised the most primitive forms of superstitious quackery. The first steps taken by the Japanese were to clean the streets, and to improve, so far as they could, temporarily, the sanitary conditions of the cities. Hospitals were established by the central government at Taihoku, Kelung, Shinchiku, Taichu, Kagi, Tainan, Hozen, Pinan, Gilan, and the Pescadores. Nearly a half million yen was expended in the cost of hospital buildings, the Taihoku hospital, costing $262,000, being the largest. This is quite a commodious structure, the rooms provided for first class patients being furnished in European style and quite luxurious. There are fifteen specialists of different diseases and some forty trained nurses employed in this hospital. The number of cases treated in these hospitals last year exceeded 60,000, nearly 14,000 being Formosa Chinese. Destitute Chinese receive free treatment, and some 1 1 ,000 patients availed themselves of this privilege during the year. In addition to these hospitals, there are institutions maintained in the smaller places by local funds. Further-more, there are some eighty-three physicians employed by the government, who are stationed at various places in the island to give free treatment to the needy. There are also four hospitals for the examination and treatment of prostitutes, and one special hospital for the treatment of plague, small-pox, etc. It is proposed to organize a special police force to be engaged in sanitary work. The above hospitals refer only to civil hospitals. The military maintain their own medical establishments throughout the island, and some of these institutions, especially the Central hospital at Taihoku, and the branch at Sulphur Springs, are well built, commodious, and have the best of equipment. There is also a government medical school for natives esta-blished at Taihoku.

Although sanitary improvement works have been carried on to some extent throughout the island, only one city, Taihoku, the capital, has been

1. For description of system of defence against savage deptedations see pages 430 aud 436.

2. See section relating to defence.

Fort overlooking Kelung Harbor. A View in the Pangkio Garden. Japanese Bath Houses near Taihoku.

»***' !.

y

2^l

? ~ ~ it irrtrnr ■ l l ■/-■ f — i— -f —

s .'

\

Japanese Police Station at Kinpori. Christian Church at Sintiam. Government Hospital at Taihoku.

thoroughly equipped with a modern system of sewerage. The system of open sewers, so satisfactory in Singapore, was adopted here, and some ten miles of drains were constructed at a cost, including road improvement, of 350,000 yen. Taihoku, and its surrounding suburbs, are very fortunate in possessing an abundant supply of fine water. By sinking a pipe from 140 to 200 feet, a fine artesian well is obtained, with a bountiful flow of water. As it costs from 35 to 40 yen to construct these wells, good water is within the reach of everyone. A number of public wells with large reservoirs have been constructed by the government. At Kelung and Tamsui, where water is not so abundant, water works have been constructed at a cost of 500,000 yen in the former, and ] 10,000 yen in the latter. It is intended to introduce sewerage and water works in all the principal cities in the island.

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 3 OF 6)

Reference should be made here to the hospitals established by the missionaries. In 1880, Dr. Mackay constructed a hospital at Tamsui, and a large number of patients have been treated there during its existence. Dr. Mackay in his travels was always provided with simple remedies to administer to the sick when called upon to do so. Medical work has been associated with the English Presbyterian mission in the south from the very first day of its existence. In 1878, Dr. Peter Anderson took charge of the mission hos-pital, and has since carried it on with the happiest results. A handsome and capacious building has been erected, which is the best private hospital in the island, and Dr. James L. Maxwell, M.D., arrived last year to associate himself with Dr. Anderson in medical work. There were some 9,000 cases treated at this hospital during last year. A branch hospital attached to the mission exists at Changwha (Shoka).

Owing to the large loss of life to women and children during child birth, there appeared to be a very pressing call for skilled ministrations during this period, and owing to the aversion of Chinese women to male medical aid, it became necessary that the attendants should be women. Appreciating the world of good to be accomplished in this work, two lady members of the mission made a careful study of the subject, under the direction of a regular medical practitioner. Thus equipped they have been practising in the south of Formosa with unprecedented success, I am informed, and case alter case can be quoted, where but for their intervention, mother or child, often both, must have inevitably died.

Though not directly in the line of medical work, I wish to record here a very worthy service rendered by the Spanish priests in the rescue of Chinese children. Infanticide of female children is reported as very frequent in Formosa. I am informed by a medical friend that if not immediately killed, the general digust at, and indifference to girl life, when this sex is thought to unduly predominate in a family, leads to such cruel neglect and bad treat-ment that fatal results are soon brought about. For some years the Catholic mission has been doing much to combat this evil. It is known that the priests are willing to receive all discarded children and take full charge of them, the parent having no further responsibility. Up to date, between 5,000 and 6,000 children have been thus rescued.

6 14 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

In addition to the hospital described above, there are nine private Japa-nese hospitals, and one charity hospital at Taihoku, supported by contributions from foreign and Chinese business establishments.

The Japanese on their arrival were confronted with a great problem in the opium question. The smoking of opium is very prevalent in Formosa, it being estimated that about 7 per cent of the total populace were addicted to the habit. The authorities were at first inclined to entirely prohibit the practice. It required but little examination into the condition of affairs, however, to find convincing evidence that any heroic measures would involve very serious results. A prohibitive policy would cause constant friction between the authorities and the Chinese, and as many of the smokers were among the better class, it would drive from the island just the element which the authorities wish to retain. Furthermore, it was very evident that it would be impossible to totally prevent the import of opium. Smugglers would swarm on the coast, prepared to risk arrest in view of the large profits to be obtained in the trade. It was then decided by the Formosan government to permit the smoking of opium by the Chinese under certain conditions. The smoking of opium is entirely prohibited to the Japanese, and offenders against this law are very severely dealt with. At first it was decided to determine by medical examination those smokers who were hopelessly addicted to the use of the drug, and to limit the supply of opium to such persons. It was thus hoped that the younger generation, being unable to obtain supplies of opium, and not having acquired the taste for the drug, would not practise the vice, and thus in fifty years or so, the practice could be entirely wiped out. This principle is still maintained, and only persons provided with certificates showing that they are habitual opium smokers are allowed the use of the drug. Further, the general sale of opium was limited to dealers who had complied with the law and obtained a certificate to that effect. Although this principle was a very perfect one in theory, there were lound to be many obstacles when it was put into practice. Great difficulty was encountered in detecting a probable smoker when this individual resided in the same house with some one holding a certificate. Thus but one certificate would be obtained by a large household where there were many smokers, and the law was easily evaded. With this in consideration, and desiring to obtain a complete register of all smokers, the government relaxed the stringency of the regulations somewhat, and issued certificates to all adult applicants who declared themselves habitual smokers. The import of opium is reserved by the government as an official monopoly. The penalty for the import, or manufacture of opium, is very severe, the punishment being no less than imprisonment at hard labor for a term not exceeding eleven years, or a fine not exceeding 2,000 yen. There are over 30,000 licensed retailers in the island, and over 160,000 certificates have been granted to smokers, which is about 6 per cent of the population. Opium to the value of some 5,000,000 yen a year is consumed. The plant is not grown in the island, the supplies being imported from Persia, India, and China. There has been, however, some discussion as to the advisability of growing opium locally, and the government has purchased a small plat of land in the south of the

Formosa

Received from

Total Represent-

Revenue.

Japan.

ing Expenditure

Yen.

Yen.

Yen.

935,679

28,962,026

29,897,705

2,711,822

6,940,275

9,652,097

5,334,224

5,959,048

11,283,272

8,297,420

3,984,510

13,281,960

11,701,918

3,000,000

14,701,918

13,127,872

2,598,611

15,726

14,401,979

2,386,689 53,831,189

10,788,668

50.500,914

110,332,103

island for the purpose of trial cultivation. The government obtains an annual profit from the monopoly of nearly 3,000,000 yen.

FINANCE.

The revenue of Formosa has shown a most satisfactory growth during the short period of Japanese occupation, and if the future brings a similar increase, it will not be many years before the island will, so far as ordinary expenditures are concerned, pay its own way. At present, of course, the island must be put in shape. Railways, harbors, roads, etc., must be constructed ; and it is the expenses for these improvements that makes Formosa a drain on the imperial exchequer. The revenue and expenditures since 1895, excluding Army and Navy items which are included in the National expenditure of the Government, have been as follows : —

Fiscal Year 1895

19011

Total

The chief items of Revenue, as appearing in the 1900 Budget, were as follows: Inland Taxes 1 ,652,000 yen, Customs Duties 1,840,000 yen, Ton-nage dues 19,000 yen, Legal Stamps 73,000 yen, Licence fees 10,000 yen. Monopolies 4,049,722 yen.

The three Monopolies appear in the 1901 Budget as follows: —

Revenue. Expenditure. Profit to Govt.

Yen. Yen. Yen.

Camphor* 4,571,561 2,127,611 2,443,950

Salt .. .. 723,708 474,698 249,010

Opium 3. 4,287,888 2,931,126 2,931,126

Total 9,583,157 5,533,435 4,049,722

Of the Inland Taxes the returns (1900 Budget) from the Land Tax were put at 824,000 yen, the Tea Tax at 411,000 yen, and the Sugar Tax at 230,000 yen. This gives a total for direct taxation of 1,465,000 yen.

Taking the population at 2,600,000, we find the impost on each individual as follows: Land Tax 34 yen cents, Tea Tax .15 yen cents, Sugar .09 yen cents. Total for each individual .58 yen cents. In addition to the above, there are small district and village imposts which persons owning property within city or village limits pay. The well-to-do resident is also expected,

1. Budget estimate.

2. In actual working during the years 1900 and 1901, the camphor monopoly has not yielded the revenue expected. This is due to a temporary spurt iu the manufacture of camphor in Japan, the high prices ruling under the monopoly in Formosa, inducing the Japanese to search out every|rcmainiug tree and stump. This difficulty caunot be of long duration, however, as every available treeju Japan will soon be disposed of, there being no forests, save under government control, as exist in Formosa.

3. Owing to the difficulty of entirely preveuting smuggling, and the sale of cheap inferior opium brought into the country iu this manner, the income from this source has beeu lowered considerably.

6l6 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

though not required, to make some contribution toward the cost of schools, etc.

An idea of the local taxes and the share paid by natives and Japanese, may be gained from a review of the taxes of Taihoku prefecture, which are perhaps the highest of any of the Prefectures. The local Taxes are the land tax, house tax, business tax, and miscellaneous tax. Now the amount of land tax collected from Japanese in Taihoku-ken for the year 1899 was 248 yen, paid by 58 Japanese, and the amount collected from Natives was 167,986 yen paid by 58,83 1 natives; so the share of each Japanese is on an average 2.15 yen and that of the natives 2.16 yen.

The amount of house tax collected from Japanese was 1,256 yen paid by 997 Japanese, being 1.57 yen per head, on an average, and the amount collected from Natives was 153,926 yen, paid by 94,547 natives, being an average of 1.63 yen per head.

The total amount of business tax collected from Japanese was 44,940 yen, paid by 2,381 persons, which is an average of 18.87 yen per head, and the amount collected from natives was 95,096 yen, paid by 15,2 1 7 natives, an average of 3.25 per head.

In regard to miscellaneous taxes, the amount collected from Japanese was 4,292 yen, paid by 8,16 r Japanese, an average of .56 yen cents per head, and the amount collected from natives was 59,340 yen, paid by 42,385 natives, an average of 1.44 yen per head.

The total amount of these various taxes levied on Japanese will therefore amount to 10,070 yen, which apportioned among the Japanese residing in the prefecture, gives 54 yen cents per head, and the total amount of taxes levied on the natives was 478,353 yen, or 66 yen cents per head.

The Formosa revenue is utilized for the ordinary expenses of the admin-istration, which includes the cost of various local improvements, such as road and street work, sanitary measures, buildings, government agricultural work, schools, hospitals, etc., etc. In addition to this, a comparatively large sum is being expended for Railway and Harbor works, and the latter make up what is known as the Fxtraordinary Expenditures. To meet these, the Formosa Industrial loan, which was issued in 1900, provides 35,000,000 yen, and the Imperial Exchequer will be called upon for 15,006,284 yen, and this sum (50,006,284 yen) is to be extended over a period often years.

In addition to the funds expended by the Central Fbrmosan Government for improvements, each prefecture has certain funds which it expends for similar purposes ; thus, the single prefecture of Taihoku expended 44,525 yen on country roads and 6,736 yen on bridges, during 1900. Important road and bridge work, however, is generally met by appropriations made by the Central Formosan Government. The total expenditures by prefectures on improve-ments, independent of the Central Formosan Government, may be placed at some 100,000 yen.

With the above statistics in view, we find that there has been the sum of 53,831,189 yen brought into the island from Japan, and if we include the

money expended for the Army and Navy attached to the Formosan Govern-ment, and add the local revenue invested in die island, we obtain the sum of 144,673,182 yen, which represents the total expenditure for the island during the past years of Japanese occupation. A small portion of the above has doubtless gone out of the island in the lorm of savings from officers' wages and the profit to Japanese- firms who have branches in Formosa. A larger sum represents the payments in Japan and foreign lands for the supplies, machi nery, etc.; but by far the largest portion of the whole amount was expended in the island and reached the pockets of the inhabitants. It is the circulation of this large sum ot mone\ which has raised prices in Formosa and which has increased the purchasing power of the masses. To arrive at the total revenue for the single year 1901, we must take the following items as given in the Budget : —

Funds received from local revenue.. .. .. .. .. .. 14,401,979 Yen

„ ,, „ Imperial Exchequer . . . . . . . . . . 2,598,611 ,,

,, „ „ „ „ for Military and Naval expenses .. 8,130,000 ,.

Raised by Formosau Industrial loan .. .. .. .. .. 4,100,0'JU ..

Total

Salaries and General Expenses Military Branch

„ „ ,, ,, Gendarme branch

Extraordinary expenditure for fortifications New Barracks Field Expenses

Total

The following: table will show the relative cost of various branches of the administration taking 1,000 as a basis of calculation.

Government Laboratory (includes cost of ( v. -torn Houses 18.90

opium) 238 27 Hospitals 18.66

Salt Bureau 173 30 Educational expenses 1

I'olice 113 20 Police aud Jailors School In TV

Communications S2.50 Marine Works

Civil Department 45.13 Relief Fund 4 0 J

Prefectures and "Chos" 43.00 Public Physicians 3.08

Prisons 37.00 Medical School 2.08

Bemmusho 36 08 Observatories 2.00

Formosa Government Railways 33.77 Harbor Sanitary inspection 1.69

Repayment of Government Funds . . . . 28.3S Miscellaneous repayments .03

Court of Justice 25.00 Funds on deposit 24^7

The chief financial organ in Formosa is the Bank of Taiwan (Taiwan Ginko), which occupies in Formosa a position somewhat similar to that held by the Nippon Ginko in Japan. That is, while the stock is held chiefly by private parties, its connection with the government is very close, and its functions in some respects appear to be ol an official, rather than private, nature. In March, 1^99, a special law relating to the Formosa Hank was enacted, by which it was provided that the Government should subscribe for one fifth of the total amount of the Bank's capital, that it would allow the dividend on its shares to be included in the Bank's reserve for five years, and that it would loan to the bank for live years without interest, silver coins to the value of two million yen. In return for these special privileges, the Bank was to take up Formosan Government Bonds to the value of live million yen.

. 29.230,590 Yen

. 5,590,000 Yen

G06.000 ,.

1,357,000 „

519,000 „

50,000 „

B,130,000Yen

6l8 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

The Bank accepts deposits and does a general banking business. It has branches in the larger Formosan Cities, as well as in Amoy, China, Hongkong, and Kobe, Japan. The bank also issues silver certificates in several deno-minations.

Considerable confusion exists in Formosa owing to the presence of three currencies ; the Gold Yen of Japan, the local silver currency, and the so-called " Tamsui dollar." The Japanese < »old Yen circulate rather freely, but chiefly among Japanese. The old silver yen coin of Japan, the Mexican silver dollar, and the Taiwan Bank's silver notes are found throughout the island and arc-principal circulating mediums. The " Tamsui dollar " has practically become a fictitious coin, inasmuch as but few are ever seen. Most of the Chinese trade however, is conducted on a basis in which the Tamsui dollar is taken as a standard. When actual cash transfers, however, are required the equi-valent in Silver Yen or Silver Notes is paid: Tamsui dollars owe their existence to the old custom of Chinese firms of mutilating with a metal punch, " Chopping " as it called, every dollar that passed through their hands. By constant chopping, the coin loses in weight, and eventually becomes a thin bowl shaped piece of junk, with little resemblance to a coin. It is now called a " Chopdollar " or a " Tamsui dollar." Before mutilation, the coin is known as a "clean dollar." Owing to the refusal of the Government as well as Japanese Banks to accept " chopped " coins of any kind, the custom has gradually fallen into disuse. The Tamsui dollar still remains, however, as a standard for calculation. It is generally some 3 to 4^ below the clean silver yen in value, and mercantile houses, especially the tea merchants, believe, and not without reason, that they obtain as much in return for the Tamsui dollar as they would tor the clean silver dollar, were the former abolished.

While Japan was under the silver standard, the difficulties of Formosan finance were not so great, but with the establishment of the gold standard, and the withdrawal of silver yen from circulation, there promised to be great inconvenience felt. 'This was owing to the unwillingness of the Chinese to accept Japanese paper money. ¥ew of the masses read, and the national note to them was only a piece of paper of indefinite face value and without intrinsic worth. The first attempt to circulate paper yen was an expensive experiment. The Chinese refused to accept it save at a great discount over silver coins, amounting to as much as iofa in some cases. It consequently became absolutely necessary to issue for Formosan circulation, silver coins, and accordingly the Government brought from Japan silver coins to the value of several million, and made them legal tender in Formosa. This relieved the situation, the national note returned to its proper value as compared with silver, and the silver yen notes issued by the Bank of Taiwan were accepted' by the Chinese because they found that they were convertible into silver.

DEFENCE.

The defence of the island is entrusted to three mixed brigades, each complete with cavalry, artillery, and infantry. Brigade headquarters are at

Taihoku, Taichu, and (Tainan).' No definite information is available as to

the strength of this force; but it has been stated that each brigade consists of upwards of five thousand men. The only fortifications in this island are at Kelung, Tamsui, Takow, and the Pescadores, all of which were taken over from the Chinese, and some of which have been improved by the Japanese. A squadron of several men of war are on the Formosa station with a rendezvous at the Pescadores. Tie military are armed with the small calibre Murata rifle, and the artillery with breach loading mountain guns, no field artillery being used in the island The military have all their important posts connected by well built roads suitable for the moving of cavalry and artillery; and furthermore commissariat stations in districts not reached by rail are connected by narrow gauge tramways."

The transport of troops to and from Japan is entrusted to the Nippon Yusen Kwaisha and Osaka Shosen Kwaisha, steamship companies running boats between the island and Japan. The nearest important port on the mainland is Nagasaki, and it is possible to land troops in north Formosa from that port in about 48 hours.

The maintenance of peace is generally entrusted to the police and it is only when the disturbance is beyond their power to control that the military are called out. Such occasions are decreasing yearly, the disturbances of late being limited to small skirmishes with banditti, in which usually but a dozen or so of men are engaged. Government arsenals are located at Taihoku, Tainan, and Taichu, for the repair of arms, etc.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS.

Prior to the arrival of the Japanese, the means of communication were very limited. In the south there were a k\v stretches of heavy road passing through the sugar fields and suitable for buffalo carts; but these roads were for the convenience of the sugar growers, and could scarcely be called public highways. In other parts of the island, with few exceptions, roads were practically non existent. Rice fields are divided into small plots separated by an artificial earth ridge which presents a surface sometimes not over a foot in width. These ridges were frequently the only highways : and consequently travel, other than on foot or by chair, was impossible. On the arrival of the Japanese the military were at once set to road building, and a large number of men were engaged in the work. The roads built were wide, well graded, and the streams encountered were bridged with temporary wooden structures. Several hundred miles of road were thus constructed during the first few years of Japanese occupation. Later, squads of surrendered banditti were' put to work on the roads and added many miles. In addition

1. Although the distribution of troops depends upou the state of the country, permanent garrisons are now to be found at Taihoku, Kelung, Shinchiku (Teckcham), in Taihoku prefecture ; Giran (Gilau) iu Giran sub-prefecture ; Bioritsu (Miaoli), Shoka (Ohangwha), Uuriu. Riukiho (Limkipo) and Caiohn iu

Taichu prefecture; Tainan, Kagi, Hozau (Pithau), and Takow in Tainan prefecture; Boko iu Bokoto (Pescadores) sub-prefecture, and Pimm (Pilam) iu Taito prefecture.

2. See section on internal communications.

to this, the several prefectures have had a large force of men constantly engaged in road work, and thus by different means over eight hundred miles of road have been constructed during the six years of Japanese occupation.

Some of the roads, such as the mountain road leading from Taihoku to Gilan, have been of a very difficult nature. At present over a thousand miles of road are in process of construction at a very considerable cost.

The roads in and near Taihoku (Taipeh), the capital city, are the best in the island. Within the city walls, the roads are splendidly macadamized and possess open sewers built of stone and cement on either side. These roads are the best in the island, and are not excelled by any on the mainland itself. With the exception of mountain roads to Gilan, practically no road-work has been undertaken within the savage district. Owing to the very high hills and the hostility of the savages toward outsiders, the work is full of difficulties. The east coast of Formosa is being developed, however, and undoubtedly the Japanese will ultimately find roads across the mountain a necessity.

The Japanese have constructed over 200 miles of narrow gauge tramway in the island for the transport of military supplies, as well as general freight and passengers. The mainline runs from Shinchiku ( Teckcham) in the north to Tainan in the south, a distance of some 140 miles. There are two branch lines, one from Kozitsu, a village south of Taichu, to Tokatsukutsu, and another from Tainan to Anping. Station houses have been erected at all important points, and passengers and freight are carried at fixed rates. The yearly expenditure on this account is some 250,000 yen The passenger cars are provided with seats for four, and are covered with a light awning. They are on a very miniature scale, and are pushed or pulled by relays of Chinese coolies. Young Hakka girls are frequently employed for this work, and fairly good time is made considering the method of operating. The average charge per passenger is some 4 yen cents a mile.

The first Formosa railway was built by the Chinese government and was completed in 1893. On the arrival of the Japanese, the line, some 62 miles in length, came into their possession. It was found to be in such wretched condition, however, that a satisfactory train service could not be maintained. Ihe rolling stock was also limited and entirely unsuited to the requirements.

Accordingly work was commenced on the line at once. The Kelung-Taihoku branch was completely reconstructed as so to avoid the numerous short curves and the steep grades. The line leading from Taihoku to the south received also some attention, the total cost of these improvements reaching nearly two million yen. The railway was at this time under the direct control of the Military Department. In 1897, it came under the control of the Civil Department. It was the intention at one time to hand it over to the private railway company organized in Japan for the purpose of completing the Formosa railway system. The private railway company, however, failed to obtain public support, and in 1898 the Formosan government announced its intention of carrying on the work itself Under the able direction of Chief Engineer Hasegawa the plans were soon formulated, and in 1899 work was

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY. 62 I

commenced on the soutern line from Takow north to Tainan, a distance o( 28 miles This section was completed in November, 1900. The Kelung and Shinchiku (Teckcham), lines were repaired, much rolling stock was added, and in the fall of 1900 work was commenced on the short branch line from Taihoku, (Taipeh) to Tamsui, (Hobe), which was completed in June 1901. There is a great deal of traffic between the port Tamsui and Taihoku and its suburbs, Banka and Daitotei (Twatutia). The new line runs via Maruyama, Shirin, Hokuto, and Kantau . Maruyama is a picturesque park on the Kelung River, much frequented by Japanese merrymakers. Hokuto ( Pak-tau) is a village at the entrance of the well known North Formosa sulphur district. There is an excellent Japanese inn here — perhaps the best in the island — and the sulphur springs provide hot mineral baths, healthy and delightful. 'The Japanese have recognized the value of the place as a sanitary resort, and extensive barracks and bath houses for the troops have been erected.

Beyond the springs lies a gorge reeking with sulphurous fumes. 'I he ground appears to be but a thin, ashy crust, vegetation does not exist, the rocks are burnt out and ash like, and sulphur has permeated both rocks and earth. Numerous geysers, roaring and hissing like the escape valves of a hundred steam boilers, throw out quantities of hot sulphur and steam. The effect on entering the gorge is at first somewhat terrifying; but later, as confidence is regained, the scene becomes one of great interest, and numerous visitors are attracted to the place. Hokuto is the scenic resort of North Formosa, and with railway communication will doubtless grow greatly in popularity. From this district is shipped monthly some 200 tons of sulphur, the product ot three Japanese extracting plants.

The sulphur-spring district, as well as Maruyama, present many attrac-tive residential sites ; and if the train service is convenient, it is quite possible that the city business men may elect to have their residences at one or the other of these interesting places.

'The mainline when completed will run from 'Taihoku in the north to Takow in the south. In addition to the Kelung and 'Tamsui branches now constructed, it is the desire of the railway department to build a line on the east coast from Karenko to Pinan and connect it with the mainline by means of a branch running across the hills. Also to extend the line to the extreme southern point Garambi and to build from Taihoku to Suao via Gilan. Work on the mainline is now being carried on from both the Shinchiku and 'Tainan ends. In the south the section as far as Kagi will be completed, it is expected, during 1901, and in the north probably as far as Bioritsu (Miaolil. The central portion of the line will require numerous and expensive bridges and some thirteen tunnels. The improvements include a large railway bridge across the Tamsui river, 1,198 feet in length.

The cost of the mainline is estimated at 30,000,000 yen, and the Japanese I Met granted this sum in 1 899, the expenditure to cover a period often years. It is expected, however, that this term will be greatly shortened and that cars will be running over the main line in about five years. ( >ver 7,000,000 yen

62 2 THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

have already been expended on the Formosan railways by the Japanese. A

splendid station is now being erected in Taihoku, where the general offices are located. There are large and well equipped repair shops ; and the cars, with the exception of the iron work, will also be constructed here. It is the intention to have a foreign style hotel connected with the station, and when the railroad is completed more will be erected at other places on the line. 'I he rolling stock consists of cars built on the English model, and American and English locomotives. The rails are American, and the bridges American and English.

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 4 OF 6)

Posts and Telegraphs. — Under the Chinese regime there was no postal service in the island. If it was desired to send a letter to an interior city, a special messenger was required, and the expense of this was naturally considerable. Under the Japanese every village has a post office, and mail matter is delivered to any city in the island at the regular rate existing in Japan proper. There are 109 post offices. The telegragh is under govern-ment control and is run in connection with the posts. Over 2,000 miles of telegraph and 600 miles of telephone wire, with cables between Formosa and the Japanese mainland and the Pescadores, have been laid. The cost of maintenance of the posts and telegraphs is about one million yen.

In addition to this, a large sum is being expended yearly in the construe tion of post offices. The central post office in Taihoku is a fine structure costing some 88,000 yen. The foreign mails are carried from Kelung, by the mail steamships of the Nippon Yusen Kwaisha, and Osaka Shosen Kwaisha, direct to Japan, and by the Douglas Steamship Company and Osaka Shosen Kwaisha from Tamsui and Anping to China ports.

SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION.

Formosa is unfortunate in possessing no really good, natural, harbors. Tamsui can be entered only by ships drawing less than fourteen feet of water, owing to a troublesome bar at the entrance. Takow is even less accessible, and the other ports, so far as seagoing steamers are concerned, are merely open roadsteads, with the exception of So-o (Suao), which affords fairly sale shelter save from south east gales. Kelung, if not always safe, is at least commodious ; and is by far the best, in fact, the only harbor for big ships, in the island. The large mail steamers running between the island and Japan have Kelung as their Formosa terminal. The steamers destined for Hong-kong and other China ports sail from Tamsui and Anping. To encourage navigation and to provide frequent communication with Japan and China, the Japanese government grant the following subsidies : —

In ippou Yusen Kwaisha 2 trips a month to Kobe, Japan, via Moji .. .. .. .. 50,000 yen

Osaka Shosen Kwaisha 2 trips a mouth to Kobe, via Moji .. .. .. .. .. 78,000 .,

,, , ,, 3 trips a mouth to Kobe, via Moji and Ujiua .. .. .. .. 170,000 ,,

,, ,, „ 2 trips a mouth to Kobe, via Ishikawa, Naha and Kagoshima .. 75,000 ,,

,, ,, „ 2 trips a mouth, East Coast Line I 1 «> 5 000

,, ,, ,, 2 trips a month, West Coast Line) " " " "' ' "

,, ,, ,, 2 trips a mouth, Kelung to Takow, via Pescadores .. .. 40,740 ,,

„ ,, ,, 2 to 4 trips a month, Tamsui to Tokatsuiaitsu. . .. .. .. 5,000 ,,

,, ,, ,, 3 to 4 trips a mouth, Tamsui to Hongkong, via Amoy and Swatow. . 123,000 ,,

,, „ ,, 2 trips a mouth, Anping to Hongkong via Amoy and ! Swatow .. 60,000 ,,

„ „ ,, 3 trips a month, Tamsui to Foochow, via Amoy 70,000 ,,

The total annual expenditure for navigation amounts thus to 826,740 yen, giving some 25 to 27 steamers a month. The Osaka Shosen Kwaisha's Japan lines are required to provide the military with free transportation for men and supplies.

Of the many improvements that the island requires, none is more important than the construction of harbors. The first necessity, from a Japanese point of new, is to obtain a harbor sufficiently commodious to shelter a naval fleet and transports; and, secondly, a harbor which will offer every facility to large merchant steamers. Kelung appears to be the only natural harbor that can be made, at any cost within reason, to yield these advantages. Consequently, the Japanese have given their first attention to the improving of Kelung harbor. A number ol dredges have been purchased and are now at work, large work shops are being erected on shore, and the preliminary surveys have been completed. The first expenditure, 2,000,000 yen, is to be devoted to dredging, pier and quay work, that safe shelter for a limited number of merchant ships may be obtained as soon as possible. The inner lagoon, with at present but two or three feet of water, will be deepened to eight or nine, and will be the anchorage for junks and like craft. The remainder of the harbor will all be dredged to thirty-five feet, and be divided into the inner and outer harbors. Running parallel with the cast shore of the inner harbor will be a landing pier, some 1,000 feet in length, which will accommodate several steamers, and is intended for domestic shipping — that is, coastwise and Japan steamers. Along the east shore of the outer harbor will be erected a quay with two piers, affording a total water line of 3,000 leer, which will accommodate seven or eight oceangoing steamers, the depth, thirty-five feet, being sufficient to accommodate the largest craft. The railway will be laid along both pier and quay, making it possible to handle cargo direct from car to steamer. A roofway will be erected to shelter cargo during the rainy season, and hydraulic and steam cranes will be provided that cargo may be handled quickly and safely. A large freight station will be erected near the pier and quay. This work, it is believed, will be completed within three years; later both piers and quay will be extended in length as required. Although these improvements will provide good shelter for steamers at the piers or quay, ships lying at anchor in the outer harbor would not obtain sufficient protection during northeast gales. Consequently, it is the intention to erect near the mouth of the harbor a breakwater over 4,000 feet in length. It will project from the northwestern point of Palm Island, across the low rocks known as Bush Island, and extend to a point nearly opposite Image (Imagi) Point, leaving an entrance of nearly 1,000 feet. The construction of the breakwater is a large undertaking, costing some 8,000,000 yen, and about six or seven years will be required for its construction. On the west side of the harbor will be erected docks and slips and piers for army and navy use. These improvements include the reclaiming of some 250 acres of land. The com-pletion of the work will give Kelung a safe, commodious harbor, and will undoubtedly benefit trade.

While the Kelung harbor work is of first importance to the island, the

improving of Tamsui harbor, is, from a local, commercial, point of view, urgently required. Tamsui, from its location, is the natural port of shipment for the products of North Formosa, and is also the most convenient for the import trade. It is at the mouth of the Tamsui river, and but nine miles by river from Daitotei (Twatutia) and Banka. These cities are the chief markets for the export and import trade of the northern half of the island. Thus the importance of possessing cheap and convenient means of shipment can be easily understood. Although some parts of the lower river have considerable depth, only steamers drawing thirteen feet or less can gain entrance to the anchorage, owing to a troublesome bar at the mouth, and only then at high tide. During stormy weather the bar is generally impassable, and it is always more or less dangerous. To remove this bar and erect such works as will prevent it from forming again are the principal requirements for this harbor. The Japanese have made careful surveys with these improvements in view, and while the plans have not as yet been definitely determined on, the engineers engaged are of the opinion that it will be necessary to lead the river out into deep water by constructing jetties, which will project seawards from each bank the required distance. The bar would then be removed and the present anchorage deepened by dredging. River works include considerable bunding; and the erection of a qua)'. The harbor if thus improved would give comfortable accommodation to steamers of from two to three thousand tons.

South Formosa is in even a more unfortunate state regarding harbors. Takow can be entered only by small steamers, and Anping is practically an open roadstead. Takow harbor is a shallow bay, or lagoon, several miles long. This bay is separated from the sea by a sand bank which, continuing below sea level opposite the entrance to the lagoon, constitutes the "bar." There is a depth of less than fifteen feet of water on this bar at high tide, and about the same depth in parts of the lagoon. The entrance is very narrow, and the Japanese contemplate widening this and dredging the bar and lagoon sufficiently to offer shelter to four or fixe large steamers. Ulti-mately it is intended to erect a breakwater to protect the entrance. Anping is a port of more or less importance, situated on a line of low flat coast, through which runs into the sea a small stream, the mouth of which is utilized for shelter by small cargo boats, launches, etc. Parallel with the coast line is a bar with but a few feet of water on it even at high tide. Only small cargo boats, launches, etc., can pass it in fair weather, and when the sea is somewhat rough only bamboo rafts are used, and in time of storm even this craft cannot venture across. A good harbor could, undoubtedly be made, but only at a cost out of all proportion to the advantages to be gained, and I cannot learn that the Japanese have ever taken the subject into consideration. On the east coast the ports, with the exception of So-o (Suao), are open roadsteads, and harbor improvements there have not as yet been discussed.

FOREIGN TRADE.

Since 1S95, when Formosa was ceded to Japan, there has been but little increase in exports, though values have advanced in some lines; but the

*<•-

®f%P M%

"

^3

Kailway acicss Kelung River slxwing Temporary Bridge on the Narrow-

Chinese Gold-Washers at work. Gauge Line.

Railway Station at Taihoku (TaipeM.

Station on the Narrow-Gauge Line. Passenger Push-Cars on the

Narrow Gauge Line.

Japanese occupation has had a stimulating effect on imports. Of that statistics give abundant evidence, and of all nations, Japan, the United States, and Great Britain have reaped the most benefit from this. Under the Chinese regime imports were not generally classified as to place of origin, and, accordingly, statistics of the trade of the three countries mentioned are incom-plete. As regards Great Britain and Japan, we can, however, by referring to the principal articles ot import, note the great increase in these items. As the import of American goods during the Chinese regime was practically limited to the two staples, petroleum and flour, definite information is available regarding the trade of that country. In 1894, the last year of the Chinese regime, the total imports into Tamsui and Kelung ( North Formosa) amounted in value to 5,736,060 yen. Of this 900,000 gallons of kerosene, valued at 161,177 yen, and 16,651 cwt. of flour, valued at 64,790 yen, a total in value of 225,967 yen, were goods from the United States. In South Formosa (through Anping and Takow) out of imports valued at 3,517,950 yen, the United States sent 603,710 gallons of kerosene, valued at 137. | yen, and 3,567 cwt. of flour, valued at 17,890 yen, a total in value of 161,000 yen. Thus the whole island consumed American products to the value of only 386,967 yen. In 1899 under the Japanese regime, the United States sold to the island 2,315,855 gallons of oil, valued at 599,474 yen, and 83,400 cwt. of flour, valued at 334,491 yen, or a total of 933,965 yen for these two items alone. The total value of imports during this period more than doubled. In 1900, United States imports reached in value to over 2,000.000 yen. < me striking feature, however, in the change of rulers was the opportunity offered for the introduction into the island of new products. Under the Chinese, the shipping (excluding native sailing craft) was limited to one English line, running four steamers between the island and Hongkong, and the foreign goods brought to the island, were, with the exception of oil and flour, chiefly of English or German origin, ami obtained from Hongkong importers. Local contracts with the Chinese for government supplies were practically controlled by German and English firms, and the import of American goods, excluding the two staples mentioned, was absolutely nil. Now, eleven steamers connect Formosa with Japan, lour care for the trade with China, and Hongkong, and four run around the island visiting the various important coast ports and the Pescadores, and a dozen or so of large sea going launches keep up communi-cation with the smaller coast ports. Government experts now make their purchases where they believe best value can be obtained, and many countries are represented. The Japanese have, to some extent, introduced to the island the use of foreign goods, and the large amount of outside money, which, prior to 1900, was brought into the island by the Japanese adminis-tration, has increased the purchasing power of the masses. The benefit which might have been derived from all this, at least so far as concerned imports, was to some extent nullified by the imposition ol a very largely increased customs tariff. This is specially apparent in the decreased imports of Chinese staples from the neighboring China ports; but this is doubtless satisfactory to the Japanese who wen- largely able to supply these wants from Japan, imports from the latter being free of duty. Still, regardless of

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

the disadvantages of increased duties, the import trade has shown a large increase in man)' lines, and is in a generally flourishing condition.

VALUE (IN JAPANESE YEN) OP IMPORTS PROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES VIA HONGKONG AND CHINA.

Country.

IS! I.j

1897.

1898.

1899.

1900.

Great Britain

l.l 16,828

1,375,777

1,017,050

1,098,688

1,898,014

United States

594,889

8 1 1 ,660

870,109

992,841

1,517,980

Germany

223,224

IS 1,362

299,695

91,230

91,313

Australia

58,698

11,813

85,226

52,226

114,013

Russia

—

—

—

22,123

—

Austria

6 'l

1,70-5

12.GG8

0,193

1,2 17

France

7,768

10,010

9,283

4,590

2,890

Denmark ..

1,291

—

Switzerland

3,271

2,305

3.103

5,395

Cliina

1,094,390

7,303.550

10,103,0 i 1

6,296,718

5,997,286

1 tougkong

290,013

■111,101

954,197

415,200

608,870

Annum and other French

Asiatic Possessions

112,535

105.505

509.357

2. 105,390

102,340

Russian Asiatic

10,697

69,356

90,206

72,059

278,816

British India

604.957

139,098

189,006

37,957

164,086

Korea

42,420

43,140

'24,011

19,013

12,820

Philippines

17,7.01

18,405

14,608

7,992

1,617

Siam

68,073

51,920

66,767

8,236

8,869

Other Countries

991,917 8,631,001

1,548,866

1,738,501

2,739,939

2,964,131

Total

12,659,298

10,879,190

14,270,588

13,571,223

Countries with a trade of less than 1,000 yen have not been inserted in the above. Owing to a partial failure of the Formosa rice crop in 1899, there was a large import of rice from the French Asiatic possessions, which explains the very large returns credited to the latter for the year mentioned. A portion of the imports from Hongkong should he credited to Great Britain, the United States, Germany, or other countries ; as goods from these countries which may be purchased in or received via Hongkong by Chinese shippers, are frequently, through ignorance, declared as of Hongkong origin. It is necessary to explain here that, with the exception of a few of the staples, such as Hour, oil, etc., which come to the island chiefly via Hongkong, many ot the goods formerly arriving via that port, are now shipped to the island via Japan, and therefore do not appear in the customs returns. Consequently the decrease in imports shown by some countries in the above table is due to a transfer of the trade to Japan-importing houses rather than to a decrease in the consumption. The above table practically refers only to imports.arrivin^ from or via China and Hongkong.

1 he value in yen of the principal import items, and the; chief countries supplying same excluding. China and Japan for the year 1902, as given in the customs returns, are as follows : —

Articles.

Total Impobt.

Chief Places of Origin.

Opium

Piece Goods (as follows) .. ' '■ il tun drills „ mints ,, satins ,, velvets

Y.2,310 424

1,713,901

... ''.I"!

li.3- 0,883

197, 195

1,253

I Persia,1 1.500,000; British India 408,849 ; Turkey,8

( 310,1100.

Great Bt itaiu,

Great Britain, G.005.

Oivat Britain, 189,553; Germany, 7,934.

Great Britain, 8,168; Germany, 1,052.

HiU.MOSA UK TO-DAY.

AltTICLES.

Shirtings, grey . .

,, white

„ dyed T-cloths . . Turkey-ted cambrics Victoria lawns . .

All other cotton tissues

Trimmings

Woollen and worsted yarns of all kind

Alpacas ..

Camlets, lastings and crape lastiugs.

hong ells. .

Spanish stripes

Woollen and \vorslcd cloths ..

All other woollen and worsted tissues

Oil, kcioseue

Vessels, steam Bails aud fittings thereof Sugar (as follows) . . Sugar

,, refiued A. . .

,. B

,, rock candy

Flour

Uiee . .

Lead, pig, ingot aud slab

Unclassified machinery and parts thereof

Gioseug

Bails aud fittings thereof

Materials of bridges and buildings

Locomotives, engines, and parts thereof

Goudensed milk

'finned plate or sheet

Blankets

Bar aud rod, steel or iron

Shrimps

Gunny bags

Cotton threads

Furnitures

Confectionary and awe* tmeats ..

Sandal wood

Yarns and threads, unenuinerated

Clothing and accessories..

Mangrove

Cement, Portland . .

Plate and sheet metal

Old iron or mild steel

Kailway freight cars or parts thereof

Nails

Tin, block, ingot aud slab

Implements and tools of farmers and

mechanics Screws, bolts and nuts Lamps and parts thereof. .

Steam engines, boilers and parts thereof

Umbrellas (European ~t\ le) Cutch aud gambier

Caudles

Smokers articles . .

Chief Pucks of Obioin.

ndl

165,249

278,103

22,411

1,198

1,167

2,553

818,570

18,875

1,266

118,842

12,523

1,849

38,5 1 3

29,522

841,0G'J

57-1,326

153,842

34,227

179,692

221,551

18,372

3 19,728

94,863 70,471 62,210

47,370 12 159 41,634

38,708 29, 179

24,281

21,639

20,062

19.10G

16,1 15 14,957 13,539

12,61 'J 12,230 11,257 11,025 9,545

8,374

7.874 7. 195

7,337

6,915

0,G2<J

0,158 0,012

Great Rritaiu, 163,067; Germany, 2,181.

Great Britain.

Great Britain, 7,901. tain.

( treat Britain.

i treat Britain. I Gn il Bril lin, 20,240; Hongkong, 17 . '( many, 3, 185.

; iiY, 4,0 16.

Germany, 9,7 19 : Gn at Britain, 8,061.

( treat Britain.

i treat Britain, 117, 17S ; Germany, 1,6

Great Britain.

( treat Britain.

Germany, -'7,171 : Great Britain, 11,342. ii Britain, 1 1,516; < term inj . 5, 1 16. 1 U.S.A., 562,4 10; Dutch India, 242,880; R i A-ia. :; 1,430; Ru ia, 2 12

Great Britain.

5.A., 134,343; Great Britain, 74,773'

1 1 ugkong. I [ougkoug.

I bingkolig.

Hongkoug, 2,026.

i .S.A.

French India, 12,655; Briti I] lulu, 13,701.

Australia.

Great Britain, 'JO, 827.

r s \., 31,105.

U.S.A., 431,313; Great Britain, 74,773.

U S.A.

Great Bri

Great Britain.

Great Britain.

Great Britain, 32,385, Germany, 6,261.

Great Britain, j Australia, S,G5'J; U.S.A. 6,978; French India, I 1,416.

Hongkong, 4,554 J British India, 1,273. I Great Britaiu, 9,429; Belgium, I rmany,

) 1,804.

Hongkong, S.G25 ; Austria, 2,148

II mgk ing, 3,8 12 : Great Britain, I Philippines, S, 171 ; French India, 1,001. Great Britaiu, 2,063.

French India, 2,485; British Iudia, 1,313. Hongkong,

tain, 6,314; U.S.A., 5,'JIG. Hougkoug, 7. sol

Bi tiaiu, 11,025.

O.S.A , 1. Great Britain, 1,1GS.

U.S.A., 1,488,

Ll Britain. 1,560; US. A., '2,713. ( termairj , 3.213. j U S.A, 3,731; Hongkong, 2,260; Great Britain } 1,345. Hongkong-British India, .

Britain, 2,721; Germany, 1,027; Belgium, i.i i2. Germany, 2,110.

1. aud 2. estimated.

62S

THE isi. and OF KOKMosA.

China, so far as imports are concerned, has a very large trade with Formosa, second only to that of Japan. Owing to the heavy duties imposed on foreign goods, China is rapidly losing her Formosa Trade, while Japan which enters her goods free of duty is the gainer.

The value in Yen tor the year 1902 of the principal imports from China is given in the following table : —

Articles, Vw.i k.

Bricks and tiles 48,133

Salt, crude 41,554

Lard, tallow and grease .. .. .. 35,2(13

Oil, bean 34,046

oil, tea 38,313

Flour, meal, and starches .. .. 32,978

Oils and waxes, uiiciiumcratcd .. .. 31,083

Lily-flowers 28,410

Foils and powder of metal .. .. 25,400

Hemp-bags .. .. .. .. .. 22,856

Ginseng 21,553

Umbrellas, paper .. .. .. .. 20,501

Linen tissues .. .. .. .. 18,946

Mats and mattings .. .. .. 18,442

Sugar 16,025

Tea 16,242

Wood, manufactures of .. .. .. 16,197

Sugar, rook candy . . .. .. .. 15,463

Trimmings .. .. .. .. .. 14,589

Eggs, fresh 14,561

All other tissues, manufactures of .. 14,417

Bone, animal .. .. .. .. 13,996

Beans, other thau soja .. .. .. 13,642

Shirtings, dyed 13,509

Confectionery and sweetmeats .. .. 13,311

Yarns and threads unenunierated .. 13,098

All other clothings and accessories .. 12,744

Gunny bags.. .. .. .. .. 12,713

Lacquer, Chinese .. .. .. .. 12,670

Indigo, liquid .. .. .. .. 12,230

Vessels, sailing and boats .. .. 12,0'J1

Gypsum .. .. .. .. .. 11,09 1

Animals, other than hogs .. •• 11,160

Chinese liquors .. .. .. .. 11,109

Boot 9 and shoes, unfinished .. .. 10,029

The above statistics cover only the imports received from or via China and Hongkong, and represent either the products of those places or foreign goods which have come in over that route.

To obtain a comprehensive view of the island's commerce, the large and rapidly growing trade with and via Japan must be included, and this is of special interest to us, as a considerable quantity of foreign goods arrive by this route. The trade with Japan has grown rapidly. In 1896, aside from supplies for the army, the import was trilling. In 1897, goods arrived to the value of about one million yen; in 1898 this trade had reached 4,599,311 yen; and in 1901, 8,782,258 yen, which is more than a third of the total imports.

That we may arrive at the total imports of leading goods, ihe following table gives both the foreign and Japanese trade, for the past three years, China being included among the foreign countries.

Articles.

Value.

tissues, Chinese

. . 085,928

429,950

407,030

Paper foils

.. 384,277

l'u per (as follows) : —

282,074

Chinese

.. 228,445

Packing

19,925

Tea-box . . :

19,049

All other stationery

14,055

Tobacco, leaf

.. 242,683

Rice

.. 17 3, 175

Drugs and medicines, unclassified

.. 101,529

Linen and cottou tissues..

.. 147,010

Grass cloths

.. 142,178

Porcelain and earthen-ware

. . 132,088

Silk goods (as follows) : —

115,212

Silk threads. .

11 ,083

Silk satins

8,986

Silk satins figured. .

12,791

Other silk tissues

82,352

Tobacco, cut

.. 113,811

Fish, salted. .

.. 113,013

1 'alls . .

.. 88,177

Tea box boards

87,004

Vermicelli ..

80,040

Beans, soja

70,805

Oil-cake

74,797

Joss-stick

.. 73,137

Boots aud shoes, Chiuesc. .

70.222

Mats, packing

68,269

1 !ol [in raw, ginned

65,264

Fruits, fresh or dried, and nuts . .

57,847

Fire works of all kinds

. . 50,589

Fungus

. . 56,034

I l IRMOSA OF TO-DAV.

VALUE IN YEN OF THE PRINCIPAL IMPORTS FROM FOREIGN I OUNT] AND JAPAN FOR THREE YEARS.

Articles.

fFrom foreign countries ..

Piece good*, nil kinds and raw material thereof

or via Japan

1899.

1900.

1901.

2,028,024

2,157,008

2,204,527

280,317

367,998

888,088

( Ipium

Timber or boards

Kerosene Oil

Rice

Tobacco, cut aud cigarettes

Sake (llicc wine) Vessels, steam . .

Comestibles, unclassified

Paper aud stationery ..

Sugar

Kails and fittings thereof

Fish, salted

Hogs

Paper foils Flour

Total

- K

-

3,152,010

From foreign countries .. 2,775,809 3,392,002 2,310,421

f From foreign countries .. 525,312 is2 130,281

J „ or via Japan .. .. 578,706 1,220,149 785,967

Total

.. 1,104,018

1,758,631

1,216,218

("From foreign countries ,, or via Japan

091,217

1,199,050 37.:

811,009 49,800

Total

094,217

1,2 16

.

j From foreign countries ,, or via Japan

.. 2,584, H 836,713

107. -515,410

500,502

Total

.. 3,453,631

712,792

730,334

f From foreign countries

449,981

87,755

113,931

,, or via Japan

£52,208

512,585

612,127

Total

702,189

ill)

726,058

From Japan

586,510

625,805

720,209

From fori ries

47,667

. 1 -

f From foreign countries

391,129

' S25

-

„ or via Japau

448,515

312,088

343,217

Total

339,674

705,919

028,028

fFrom foreign countries ,, or via Japan

374,110 63,928

350,971

302, 1 13 194,073

j Total

..

.773

196,186

f From foreign countries

,, or via Japan I

27H.4O0 1,090

8,511

Total

I

f From foreign countries

„ or via Japan

272,096

372,914

211,410

Total

I

fFrom foreign countries

,, or via Japan

153,723 98,522

89,201

-

Total

I

fFrom foreign countries

252,245

284,477

or via Japan

000,549 1,925

2,908

I,

Total

665,47 1

505,034

From China

From forcigu countries

207,721 331,055

355,511

11,976

--

571,320 37,980

00". 1, 300

311,517

454,592

108,170

1,547

109,717

-339,728

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Articles.

Dings anil medicines . . Soy and Miso

Tobacco leaf

Machinery, unclassified and

parts thereof.

Beer

Wines and other liquors

Matches ,

Oils and waxes other than kerosene

Porcelain and earthenware ..

Boots and shoes

Beans, peas and pulse. .

Clothing and accessories

Cement and lime

Lead .. . .

Vermicelli

[ From foreign countries ,, or via Japan

1899. 1900. 1901. 198,510 218,355 227,461 283,832 100,310 111,474

Total

482,312 318,095 338,935

From Japan 'From foreign countries „ or via Japan

102,777 191,010 203,733 20,259 110,891 242,683

2,720

Total

26,259 116,891 215,408

| From foreign couuLrius ! ,, or via Japan

9,210 3,009 94,663 114,558 144,104 130,023

Total

123,774 117,113 224,880

f From foreign countries 1 ,, or via Japan

12,206 299 526 105,212 212,470 213,755

Total

177. lis 212,769 211,281

' From foreigu countries . 1 „ or via Japan

15,111 12,410 20,034 23,962 21.274 52,651

Total

39,073 33,684 72,088

From Japan ' From foreigu countries ,, or via Japan

210,121 198,485

196,641 211,029 125,908

— 82,851 53,849

Total

J90.011 293,883 179,817

'From foreign countries ,, or via Japan

107,410 121,138 133,003 22,103 40,807 11,602

Total

129,519 J02,U05 178,205

rFrom China

„ Japan

75,190 70,001 81,187 21,347 40,553 06,671

Total

97,537 111,214 147,808

'From foreigu countries ,, or via Japau

153,901 153,877 90,447 — 35,248 50,655

Total

153,901 189,125 141,102

{ From foreign countries [ „ or via Japan

36,502 47,732 58,336 4,071 68,430

Total

30,502 51,800 126,772

From foreigu countries „ or via Japan

7,951 109,530 12,019 07,790 250,248 98,877

Total

75,741 359,778 111,496

From foreigu couutries 'From foreigu countries ,, or via Japan

104,603 117,023 100,801

113,577 95,078 8G.646

1,275 6,486

Total

96,953 93,132

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY.

Articles.

1899.

1900.

1901.

Pans, iron

From China

71,792

09,636

88,537

Tea-box boards..

From China

84,218

84,462

87,601

From foreign count 1

58,115

68,647

52,219

Bricks and tiles

j ,, or via Japan

160,987

86,1

.

Total

219.102

155,333

87,514

("From foreign countries

18,291

12,915

8,710

Glass, manufactures of

,, or via Japan

26,476

53,107

08,004

Total

44,767

66,052

76,774

Mats, packing

From China

48,628

26,840

74,881

Joss sticks

From China

64,037

71,819

73,137

Ginseng

From foreign countries

58,088

53,430

70,171

(From foreign countries

70.5CG

60,440

59,019

Fruits, fresh and dry, and nut

. j ,, or via Japan

—

—

6.505

Total

70,506

60,440

65 524

Coal and coke

—

16,804

63,186

( From foreigu countries

19,328

18,832

20,062

Furniture, trunks, etc.

,, or via Japan

—

1,765

39,542

Total

—

20,097

59,604

Fireworks of all kinds..

From foreigu couu tries

37,272

54,406

.-. > ■

Fungus of all kinds

From foreigu countries

38,083

51,368

From foreign countries

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 5 OF 6)

19,406

20,526

16,759

Tea

,, or via Japan

14,716

20,252

35,269

Total

34,122

40,778

52,058

Condensed Milk

From foreign countries

41,263

39,711

12,559

Tinned plute or -sheet . .

From foreigu countries

10,853

22,073

41,634

Salt, crude

From foreign countries

51,002

110,136

1 1 ,55 1

Lard, tallow and grea-e

From foreign countries

56,011

38,517

.

] From foreigu couutrii s

15,891

11,697

9,822

Nails

j ,, or via Japan

.

20,032

19.710

Tola!

31,729

.

(From foreign countries

.

—

12,670

Lacquered ware

„ or via Japan

1,154

21,306

24,918

Total

4,154

21,306

37,588

(From foreigu countries

6,003

4,107

Watches, clocks and acces

,, or via Japan

1,150

2,430

18,495

sones

Total

7,453

6,527

.

Jinrikisha

From Japau

.

18,657

18,712

Kartlieu ware drain pipes Oil cake . .

. From Japan

From China

17,540

20,646 1,686

18,292 13,996

Gunpowder and explosive ) prom ,

compounds . . . . (

From foreign countries Total import -! or via Japan

. 14.27 1,099 . 8,011,826

27.156

13,570,663 3,189 -

-12,8

Total

. 22.284.91S

..

21,5 -

On a previous page, the imports via Hongkong and China have been classified as to country of origin. It is impossible to give the same information for the above table, though such is required to ascertain the total of each country. In the case of goods imported via Japan, no declarations are required as to place of origin. The extent to which each country profits by this trade can be judged only by the material one sees used in government undertakings, the wares one may see exposed for sale in the shops, or being carted through the streets. The United States, German}', Great Britain, of all countries seem by profit most largely by this trade.

Of American goods one finds the following : — Lumber, agricultural implements, sugar mills, telephones, watches including Waltham and other expensive movement, clocks, photographic supplies, acetylene apparatus, fire arms, ammunition, bicycles, condensed milk, patent medicines, groceries, tobacco, California wines, canned fruit and other canned goods, nails, hard ware, soap, stationery, blankets, books of reference, lamps, confectionery, dental supplies, leather, hats and caps, lubricating oils, celluloid novelties, perfumes, sewing machines, oil stoves, rubber loot ware, railway material, locomotives, etc., etc. German chemicals have a large sale among the Japanese; and cutlery, cheap jewelry, and miscellaneous novelties bearing the familiar " Made in Germany " are also important among the foreign goods displayed, English photographic plates and papers imported via Japan are used almost exclusively throughout the island, and English books of reference have a considerable sale among the Government Departments. English toilet articles, patent medicines, scientific instruments, hats and caps, paints, condensed milk, hardware and chemicals, in addition to machinery, bridge material and locomotives are also found. France is represented by perfumes, soaps and wines; and France, Holland, and Denmark supply tinned butter. The above goods are purchased from wholesale merchants in Japan, and are usually imported together with miscellaneous Japanese supplies. With the exception of a very few items, the goods described are not imported in large quantities, but the trade is doubtless a growing one, and is oi value in introducing to the large Chinese population many foreign lines with which they were formerly unfamiliar.

GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES.

Supplies for the government are purchased in Japan, and the articles generally enter one of the mainland ports and pay chit)' there, ami are then transported to Formosa without passing through the local customs. We are thus without information from official sources as to the country of origin, value etc., of some of the most important items of import entering the island. From private sources, however, information has been obtained regarding the most important items. Regarding railway supplies the United States has supplied 4 locomotives, the bulk of the rails and bridge material for the new railway. England has supplied 6 locomotives, machinery for shops, a considerable quantity of bridge material, and the dredgers now at work in Kelung harbor. Up to the present no other foreign countries have been favored with any government orders.

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY.

FORMOSAN EXPORTS.

The principal exports from the island arc tea, camphor, rice, gold, coal, fibres, and sulphur from North Formosa ; and sugar, dyeplants, and fibres from the south. Six years ago this trade was conducted almost wholly via China and Hongkong. In 1896, excluding the old established trade in sugar, some 200,000 yen covered the value of exports to Japan, in 1897 this trade had increased threefold, and in 1898 it had reached to over 2,700,000 yen. This last large increase is accounted for by the very heavy and unusual export ol rice to supply demand created by the failure of the rice crop in Japan. In 1899, Japan received I ormosa commodities to the value of 3,650,475 yen including sugar to the value of 1,748,878 yen in 1900 to the value of 4,402, 1 10 yen, and in 1901 to the high figure of 7,345,956 yen which nearly reaches the total export via Hongkong and China.

The following table oives for three years the value of the leading items of export to Japan and to foreign countries, in which China is included.

VALUE IN YEN OF THE PRINCIPAL EXPORTS TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND JAPAN AND TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES VIA JAPAN.

Articles.

1899.

1900.

1901.

Tea

Camphor

Camphor oil

Brown sugar

White sugar

Rice

China Grass and other fibres. .

Sesame . .

Coal

Lungngans Oil cakes

Hides

f To foreign 1 ,, and vin

countries Japan

5,308, 275,488

11,812

3,517,300

[

Total ..

5.583.765

5.32 t.MS

4.228

f To foreign J „ and via

countries Japan . .

1,732,739

292,261

1,385,645 i.383

-1.571,496

!

Total ..

2.025.000

2.331.028

.

f To foreign ] ,, and vin

countries J:ipan

1,32s 1,074.5!

962.643

1.3.

Total ..

1 .075,857

962.643

1,325,836

f To China ! ,, Japan

1,216,061 1,748,878

452,723

1,537.837

678,369 2,243,452

i

Total ..

2 964.939

1 .990.560

2.921 -

f To China ] „ Japan

370, SS4

216,521

352,944 49,145

1

Total ..

370.884

216.521

1iij.ii- 1

fTo China 1 .. Japan

1,265,727

62.622

2,276,359

.118

1,182,419 1,02

Total ..

1,328,349

2,369.477

2,156,751

C To foreigu i ,, Japan

countries

298,406

3,654 1.176

382,798

Total ..

..

1.830

f To foreigu 1 ,, and via

countries Japan ..

31,179

61,341

-14.118

Total ..

31.179

62,054

228,001

To f

countries

97,489

134,706

184,6s7

To China

161,867

- -

To China

101,872

77.203

121,476

[ To Japan J „ China

18. J -

57.05S 18.1 -

60,809

42.1S7

I

Tm1.i1 ..

"..5-5

70,< | 0

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

Articles.

Turmeric

Salt

Beans, peas, etc.

Sckikasai

Sulphur

Fish

Pine Apple fibre

Timber and Lumber

Sundries free of duty

Rattaua

Kerosene-oil

Bamboo Sprouts

Ground-nut Oil

Pith-paper and Pith

Jute ribbons and fibre

Sundries for ships use

Matches

Wheat

Glass manufactures

Drugs

Vegetables aud Fruits

Rape Seed

Various uuenumerated articles-

Grand Total

1899.

1900.

1901.

; To China

J .. Japan

125,587

128,732 20.939

91,186 10.210

|

Total ..

128.910

149.071

101 wo

To Japan

—

49,958

87,147

To China

. .

41,517

47,241

45,304

("To China I To Japan

..

2,080 25.997

32,800

4,151

37.193

Total ..

SI .077

:t2,s.so

41.344

fTo foreign

! To and via

countries Japan ..

12,820

10,080 26.801

34,355 2.009

i

Total ..

13.214

43.487

30,904

To Chiua

5,558

1,497

27,910

To China

10,520

18,470

26,166

fTo China 1 ,. Japan

11,204

29,627 1,448

25,143

Total ..

11.430

31.075

25.943

To foreign

countries

7,293

47,070

25,301

To foreign

countries

15,072

17,372

23,184

To China

—

12,521

19,088

To China

21,578

22,79,0

18,027

To China

2,710

—

17,834

To foreign

countries

19,987

18,558

17,738

To China

7,393

11,530

22,969

To China

14.GG9

To China

..

2.98G

8,087

14,210

To Chiua

25,027

28,313

11,292

To China

4.C08

7,340

To China

..

1,054

3,043

0,251

To China

2,200

1,319

3,613

To China

. .

2,833

0,110

2,350

fTo foreign | ,, and via

countries

Japan ..

51,701 119,034

134,540 17.434

114,772 18,424

Total ..

170,794

151.974

m.i'.io

fTo foreign 1 „ and via

countries Japan . .

. . 10,978,G73 3,031,125

10 434,282 4,248,594

8,218,544 7,103,178

Total ..

.. 14,609,798

14,082, S7G

15,381,722

Only a small portion of the gold production is declared at the customs, but for 1 901 the export of this mineral may be taken as exceeding 1,500,000 yen in value.

It is interesting to note that the 34 exports given above show a con-siderable increase during the three years reviewed, with the exception only of tea, brown sugar, turmeric, bamboo sprouts, pith paper pith, wheat, and rape seed which show a decrease.

TOTAL TRADE OF FORMOSA.

With the above statistics before us we find the; total import and export trade (values stated in yen) for the six years of Japanese occupation to be as follows: —

Imports from or Iiupoi 1 - from or 1 irta to Hon ■ Export lo

fia Hongkong, via Japan. total kong, China and and U» foreign

China, etc. countries via ri- aud

(Custom (Harbor Imports. riaChinafCiutoni Japan (Ilarboi I- Iinpo

Returns, 1 Returns.) il Rctui

1896 8,631, uul 600,000* 9,131,001 11,402,226 1,485,976 12,

1897 .... 12,659,298 1,000,000" 13,659,298 .. - 2,438,788 15,198,081

1898.... 16,875,404 4,599,311 21,474,715 12,821 i 104 38.50

1899.... 14,273,092 8,011,826 22,281,918 11,114,921 1.175 11.7., 050,814

1900.... 13,570,663 8,439,032 22,009,695 10,571,285 4,402,110 II 36,983,090

1901 .... 12,809,794 8,782,258 21,592,052 8,298,800 7,310.950 15,611,750 37,236,808

* Estimated.

The above tables show a steady increase in the total trade of Formo for the period reviewed, this increase being equal to some 62 per cent.1 TOTAL TRADE WITH VARIOUS COUNTRIES COMPARED.

No exact statistics can be obtained to show the total annual trade between Formosa and the various western countries, but a rough estim which can claim to be no more than an approximation is as follows: —

( Sounl

imports via Hongkong.

I£xports of camphor t".

Exports oft

Total Trade.

1,11.

V. a.

Yen.

Ven.

I nitc'd States

1,515,007

517,' iuu

5,80o,u00

7,S3i,6u7

Great Britain

2,109,443

460,20 :

600,000

3,16

Germany . .

126,634

684,000

—

Frauee

1,923

310,000

—

320,923

There are small unrecorded exports reaching the various countries, and

there is a large import of foreign articles from Japan, statistics for which are unobtainable. Excluding material for certain large government undertakings, which is a temporary trade at the most, the total of these items doubtli does not exceed some 2,600,000 yen in value. Without any accurate source ot enquiry but estimating merely from information obtained from mer-cantile friends interested, J am led to believe that the United States has about 45 per cent of this trade, Germany 20 per cent, England 20 per cent, and other western countries 15 per cent. Adding this to the above figures we would obtain for the three countries chiefly interested a total trade in round numbers as follows: — United States, 8,740,000 yen; Great Britain, 3,600,000 yen ; German)', 1,1 10,000, yen.

FORMOSA PORTS.

Formosa now possesses twelve open ports, though only tour — Kelung, Tamsui, Takow and Anping — are utilized by merchant steamers engaged in foreign trade. The remaining ports are visited by coasting vesssels, and by Chinese and native owned junks engaged in the China and Formosa trade.

The following tables cover the trade of these [torts, excluding the coast-ing trade in Formosa produce, for the six years of Japanese occupation : —

1. lu 189i, the last year of the Chinese regime, the entire import of piece goods including yarns, threads, raw material, Ac, from foreigu countries including China and Japan amounted in value to 988,759 yeu, against 1,708,043 yen under the Japanese in 190J. Kerosene oil rose from 391.500 yen in 1894 to 1,209,056 yen in 1900, Hour from 82,680 yea to 355,511 yeu, and the total imports from 9,251,010 yeu to 22,009,095 yeu. It should be noted, however, in comparing the total trade, that much of the "junk " trade which did not, under the Chinese, pass through the Chines: Customs, is included in the present Japanese returns. The items given above, however, passed through the Chiucso Customs, and can therefore be taken as tail examples of the general increase. Purth irm ire, comparing the first year of Japanese occupation with last year, thus obtaining for both years a like standard of calculation, we iiud the total imports for 1896 to be 9,131,001 yet H 09,694 yeu for 1900, which shows thai the

increase is real. Exports for the mum. period show an increase of nearly 3,000,000 yen. During the last five years of the Chinese occupation, wo find imports increased from 7,127,531 yen to 9,254,010 yen, thus showing a nominal increase of less thau 30 p cr cent., agaiust over 110 per cent, for a similar period uudei Japanese rule.

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

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•1061

FORMOSA OF TO-DAY'.

CARRYING TRADE.

The carrying trade, excluding junk traffic, is chiefly in the hands of the Japanese lines which receive a substantial subsidy from the Formosa govern-ment. The Douglas Company, an English line, which has since the year 1S71 been closely associated with the trade of Formosa, has found competition with the subsidized lines to be unprofitable, and has consequently withdrawn several of its steamers. The shipping between Formosa and Japan is wholly controlled by the Japanese, and it is only on this Tamsui line which connects the north of the island with Amoy, Swatow and Hongkong, that the British Company is at present interested. Much ot the Formosa tea is shipped over this route to Amoy, and the foreign merchants interested have in the past very wisely given sufficient support even at slightly advanced rates to justify the British Company in running one of its steamers. It is hoped that this support will continue, for although merchants have received very satisfactory service from the Japanese line, it is to the best interests of the shippers via Amoy that no single line be given a monopoly of the trade. The shipping trade of Formosa for 1901 was as follows: — '

Trade with

Foreign Trade,

Japan. Jap mesc

Japanese

British

Formosa

China

Bi

-

steamers.

steamers.

junks.

junks.

sailing

steamers.

Total.

No. Ton.

No. Ton".

No7

T in

vessels.

No. Ton.

NoT

Ton.

No

. Ton.

Ton.

6 9.9SG

1 2,961

—

—

130 20

232,746

2G 21,034

8 7,787

GO

2,427

1,513

si 116,380

Tamsui

51 43,449

45 33,140

2.71G

—

—

■J 1,349

94,519

Makung (Pescadores)) ..

—

— —

2,061

—

—

54 77,543

79,733

Takow

—

1 4G

—

—

47 65,521

67,297

Tokatsukutsu (Goolie)..

—

— —

3,620

2,591

—

—

—

-

Rokko (Lolciang) ..

— —

__ —

2,608

1,194

—

—

— —

3,802

Toseki (Taugchio) . .

— . —

1,218

1,315

—

—

— —

.

Kakoko (Eli tikau)

— .

—

1,480

—

—

— —

-

Toko (Tangkang) . .

1 ,630

—

—

— —

2,118

Kiuko (Kukang)

. —

1,268

—

—

— —

1,660

Koro (Aulang)

— —

— —

1,513

— —

1,303

Total

83 74.4G9

55 43,934

18,940

1,097

35,449

317 469,789 644,101

TE A .

The arrival of a steamer in Kelungto load tea direct for the United Stab s came somewhat sooner than was anticipated when the chapter on tea was written. On June 20th, 1902, the British steamer Merionethshire, engaged in the New York, China and Japan trade, entered Kelung and obtained aliberal cargo of tea and camphor. The Merionethshire is the first steamer to carry Formosa cargo from the island to an American port. ( >dier steamers ol the Shire line will call during the present tea season, and it is very probable that some vessels engaged in the Pacific trade will call during next season.

1. If we compare the shipping returns for 1901, with 1894 the last year of the Chinese occupation, we

find a large increase. Tim- in L901 n wi re L55 iteamers of 588,192 tous cleared from Formosarj ports

for Japan or foreign countries against 269 steamers of only 168,918 tons which cleared for Chiua or foreign countries during 1894.

Whether the experiment, considering the present condition of Kelung harbor, will prove a success or not the present season will doubtless tell. At all events only some two or three of the tea firms are prepared at present to do their matting and marking here, which is necessary tor direct shipments. The other firms with large vested interests in Amoy, China, will doubtless find it to their advantage, for the present at all events, to continue shipments via that port, as in the past. With the completion of the dredging at Kelung, some two or three years hence, a secure berth in the inner harbor will be obtainable, and the facilities offered for loading will be exceptionally good. The railway is increasing its rolling" stock rapidly, and the authorities express their confidence in being able by that time to handle as much tea as will be offered. When this time comes, Kelung will undoubtedly be a cheaper and, it is believed, a more convenient port of shipment than Amoy, and it is doubtless safe to prophecy that Kelung will ultimately be the port of shipment for practically the whole trade.

Since the chapter on tea was written there have been one or two developments of interest. The Japanese firm mentioned on page 389 has withdrawn from the island, and the tea trade is now in the hands of three American and three English houses. These firms have been long established in the East, have numerous connections in America, and are consequently thoroughly in touch with the trade in all its branches, and it is unlikely, so far as the American market is concerned, that Japanese export houses will again enter in competition.

As regards new markets, something may be done by the Japanese houses. Considerable interest has been taken, for instance, in the manufacture of Formosa tea dust into brick tea for shipment to Russia. The Agricultural Department of the Formosa Government sent a small shipment of tea dust to a Japanese brick-tea factory where it was manufactured, and the product was reported to be superior in some respects to Japanese brick tea. The adhesive quality of the Formosa dust made possible the production of a strong block, uniform in shape and dark in color, which are important requirements, I understand, though the liquor produced, was reported in some quarters to be rather too bitter to suit the Russian taste. As a result of these experi-mentsa Japanese merchant undertook the manufacture of Brick tea in Daitotei (Twatutia) during the season of 1901, and shipped some 58,000 pounds of the product. Owing however to lack of capital he withdrew his establishment from the island at the close of the season. Although at present there is no brick-tea factory in the island, considerable quantities of dust, amounting to 363,088 pounds during 1901, were shipped to a brick tea factory in Nagasaki. What the result of these shipments wall be it is difficult to foretell, but should they result in a demand for a large part of the Formosa dust, it would be a help to the trade in many ways. Following the exhibit of Formosa tea at the Paris Exhibition, a few small orders were obtained from France, but it is not anticipated that a demand of any importance has been created. Another event of some interest to record is the shipment during 1900 and 1901, on Chinese account, of two small lots of tea to London.

CHAPTER XXXI (PART 6 OF 6)

The most notable development in the tea trade will be the construction, during the coming winter, of a model tea factory. Government experts have been studying the situation in Ceylon, and it is declared that the cost of production can be considerably reduced. While it is the intention of the government to introduce only such machines as will perform work of similar nature to that done at present by hand, the experts are not absolutely confident that the exact character of present tea so far as flavor and quality is concerned can be maintained. In this case- the original plans will be aban-doned, and only such of the machines retained as can with advantage be utilized. It is stated, however, that definite information on this subject cannot be actually obtained without establishing an experimental factory, and if it is later found that the favorable characteristics of Formosa Oolong have not been altered, the yam in the decreased cost of production will be so great that it is good policy to make the test even at a considerable expenditure ; and at the risk of failure. The total cost of production in Formosa for the entire crop for an average season is stated to be about 465,000 yen. By utilizing machinery the cost would be reduced to about 179,000 yen, which includes a liberal interest on the cost of the factory. The machinery necessary to accomplish this result is stated to be as follows : —

100 sets of dessicating machinery at 1,620 yen a set, requiring as labor 250 men.

200 sets of assorting machinery at 455 yen a set, requiring 100 women. 200 sets of cutting machinery at 195 yen a set, requiring too girls. 200 sets of packing machinery at 455 yen, requiring 100 girls. Steam power sufficient for the above at a total cost of 24,000 yen and requiring 20 men.

With the above machinery distributed in factories throughout the tea district and taking the tea season as lasting for 200 days a year, the total crop of Formosa tea could be handled at a cost of yen 1.77 a picul (133'.; pounds) including interest, against the present cost of some yen 2.8S a picul.

The government model factory will be the smallest sized factory capable of making a practical test, and will contain according the present plans the following machines: — A Japanese machine similar to that at present used in Japan for performing the first firing. 1 set of withering machines of Japanese manufacture, i Jackson's Rapid Tea Roller. 1 Davidson's Desiccator. 1 Assorting machine. 1 Cutting machine. 1 Packing machine. Steam power for the above. Such a plant will have a capacity of about 300 pounds of Oolong tea a day, and the appropriation made by the government tor the cost of the plant and its up keep and other expenses connected with the experiment for the first year is 46,000 yen. The location of the factory has not been definitely decided upon, but Anpeichin (Anpingching), a station in the tea district on the Shinchiku (Teckcham) line between Chureki i.Tionglick) and Yobaireki (Vumoilick) will probably be selected. It' the factory proves a success the Chinese planters will be encouraged to combine and establish similar or larger factories at convenient points. The government possess

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA.

an experimental tea garden which is splendidly located in the hills near Toshien (Toahong). The garden covers some 10 acres, and is divided into various beds in which tea is bein<r grown under various conditions, as to soil, fertilizer and pruning. Among the experiments made at the garden, has been the manufacture of green and black tea. The result in both instances was satisfactory, but it is not thought that it would be profitable to replace any part of the present Oolong production by such teas.

The tea trade is, at present, practically conducted wholly in Formosa, whereas but four years ago (1898) about half of the crop was purchased in Amoy, China. The settlements in Amoy for the past three years were as follows : —

Season 1899 - - 32^ | Season 1900 - - 6% \ Season 1901 - - $%

Even the teas covered by the very small percentages for the last two years were nearly all tea which had been purchased on the Formosa market by Chinese holding definite orders from Amoy foreign firms. It may thus be said that Amoy has ceased to be a market for Formosa teas.

'Ihe following statistics of the tea export for the past three years are a continuation of statistics given on pages 395 and 396 : —

Season.

1899'

Export Formosa

l lolong to the

United States

in pounds

(Trade Returns).

. 15,358,425 . 16,439,090 . 15,268,208

Export Formosa

Oolong to

Europe in pounds (183$~ pounds)

(Trade in Tamsui currency

Returns). (Consular Returns).

Average Invoice (Total Export Total Export all kind* cost per pioul Formosa Fauofaong Formosa Tea

502,317 037,355 396,839

fMO.83 $37.89 «34.74

in popnds

(Custom Retains).

2,911,636

3,341,059

2,927,600

in pounds for

calendar year

(Custom Returns).

19,837,331 19.913,549 20,085,038

The returns for the calendar year 1901 in Customs are as follows : —

Shipped via Anmy.

detail

as

by the

Shipped via Japan.

Total Exports.

Tea, Oolong . . Pauchong Bauclia.. Dust

Stalk .. Green .. Brick . .

Total

Quantity iu

His.

13,766,061

2,927,546

161,501

6,786

108,473

Value in yen.

2,996,002

505,061

10,130

5,718

Quantity in lbs.

2,092,078

363,388

58,520

Value in yen.

084,749

19,831

6,485

Quantity in lbs.

16,458,139

2,827,599

161,501

370,174

108,473

58,520

Value in yen.

3,680,751

505,076

10,130

20,053

5,718

6,485

10,970,999 3,517,300 3,114,039 711,080 20,085,038 4,928,380

C A M P H O R .

The government monopoly of this article described on pages 397 to 443 has not proven the success that the authorities had anticipated. At the time the monopoly was first proposed (1898) the production of Camphor in Japan had decreased until it almost ceased to remain a factor in the trade, Formosa supplying at that time practically the world. This was due to the fact that the Camphor trees in Japan easily available had been almost

1. Some discrepancy will be noted between the 1899 figures given herewith and the figures given on page 395 for the same year, due to the latter being merely estimates as stated, whereas iu the case of the present statistics it has been possible to obtain complete returns.

FOkMOSA OB TO-DAY. 641

entirely consumed. The institution of ihe Formosa monopoly, however, with the greatly increased prices established, stimulated the production in Japan. Camphor workers found under the new conditions that it was well worth their while to seek out the remaining trees in the more inaccessible forests. They even went to the extreme ol purchasing trees growing in private gardens and temple compounds, and also in digging up the stumps and roots of trees cut down years before. This increased the Japan production to such an extent that merchants holding the Japanese supply found they could sell under the monopoly prices and still make a profit. This naturally interfered with the sale of Formosa Camphor and necessitated a change in the terms of sale held with the selling agents.

As the income' from the Camphor monopoly hail been depended upon as one of the chief sources of income for the support oi the Formosa government, the Japanese cabinet gave its approval to a hill emanating from the Formosa government which was to eive the latter control ot both Japa-nese and Formosa Camphor. By the terms of the bill the Formosa government would not derive profit from the sale of Japanese Camphor. It simply provided for the regulation of the supply, and the maintenance ol a price to be decided upon by the Formosa government. This would naturally put a stop to the competition existing between the Japanese and Formosa products. The bill passed the Lower I louse, but was thrown out without discussion by the Upper House owing to a technicality. It is understood that the same bill will in 1903 be placed again before the Parliament.

In regard to the Camphor production in Japan it is reported by a government expert that, without the present high monopoly prices, the industry in Japan could not be carried on. Although there are considerable forests of Camphor in Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka prefec-tures of Kyushu, the trees are said to be generally small and the expense oi production comparatively great. It is estimated that Kagoshima posses 700,000 to 800,000 trees and Miyazaki 2,000,000 newly planted trees. There are also Camphor trees in Okinawa prefecture. It is estimated that if every Camphor tree in fapan were felled and utilized in the manufacture ol the drug, the total production would be over 400,000 piculs t.vv.Cv^.i.l l^s.) which at the present rate of consumption would supply the world's require-ments for some six years. It can thus be seen that even should legislation fail in granting to Formosa the control of Camphor production in Japan, the competition could not be of long duration.

Camphor trees are found in several forests in China, but owing to the comparatively small number of trees and the low yield oi Camphor obtained from the wood, China has never been considered a competitor worthy of mention. The increased prices, however, following the establishment ol the monopoly, heightened interest in the production of the drug, and it has been reported that a Japanese syndicate has entered into negotiations to obtain control of the sale of the product, the manufacture, however, to remain under Chinese control as before. It is also intimated that the Camphor and oil produced will be sent to Formosa lor rciiuiiuiiacture and

642 THE ISLAND Of FORMOSA.

shipment. It is estimated that the maximum production <>l China Camphor will not exceed 200 piculs (26,600 lbs.) a month, and that the average will d< »ubtless be much less.

Obstacles which the future may place in the way ol an indefinite continuation of the monopoly on its present basis are the invention" of artificial Camphor (German chemists have already achieve! some success in this line), the prodnction of Camphor in the United States, Ceylon, the Canary Islands and other countries where trees have lately been planted, and the discovery ol other and cheaper chemicals which can replace Camphor in man_\- of its uses. So far as the present is concerned the horizon is clear, and barring the production of a successful artificial Camphor, it is the opinion of the writer that the great resources of the Formosan forests and the cheap labor obtainable will give Formosa the practical control of the market for a great many years to come.

The following statistics are in continuation of those given on page 443.

THE WORLD'S OAMPHOR PRODUCTION.

Export of KxportofFor- Total camphor Export o( Total Export Total Export TotalProduc-

Japanese mosacamphor Export Formosa of of tion for export

Year. camphor via Japanese from camphor Formosa Japanese frombothJapau

in pound. in pound Japan. direct cumphor. oamphor. ami Formosa.

1893.. .. 1,167,179 2,510,991 3,678,167 4,264,985 6,775,976 1,107,179 7,913,155

19G0.. .. 1,933,544 2,440,743 4,374,287 2,094,933 4,535,676 1,933,514 G,4G9,220

1901.. .. 2,055,414 3,498,899 5,554,343 1,162,976 4,661,875 2,055,444 0,717,329

The following table gives the approximate shipments of Formosa Camphor to various countries during 1901, and does not necessarily represent consumption, owing to the tact that considerable quantities are reexported from Hongkong, Germany, England, Japan, etc.

German)-, 1,000,000 lbs. ; United States, 737,000 lbs. ; Great Britain, 569,000 lbs. ; Hongkong 1 for shipment chiefly to India), 458,000 lbs. ; France, 401,706; Japan, 504,530. A large portion, if not all, of the Japan shipments ultimately reached foreign markets.

SUGAR.

There is but little to add in regard to this product that is not dealt with in the special chapter devoted to the subject. It is of interest to record, however, that His Excellency Baron Kodama, the Governor-General, spent a few weeks in the southern sugar district during the present summer (1902), and on his return a very extensive plan ol government irrigation works was announced. An immediate appropriation of 100,000 yen was made which is to cover the cost of investigations, as well as preliminary work at Soko in Hozan (Hengchun) district; Kotosan in Tainan district; Naikinai and Jurinto in Yensuiko (Kiamtsui) district; Rokuto in Kagi district; Rashi in Shoka (Changwha) district; and other places. A portion of this amount will also be devoted to embankment works near the mouth of the Toseki (Tangchio) river. The total cost of the complete works will reach several million yen, and the construction will be extended over a period of several years. When the works are completed the production of sugar will be largely increased.

FORMOSA OF TODAY.

rH3

Consistent with the government's intention to introduce modern machi-nery, Dr. Nitobe, the Chief of the Sugar Bureau, purchased in America a complete sugar mill of the most modern construction. This machine will crush 60 tons of sugar a day, and will be set up in the south during the coming spring. The machine laid down in Formosa represents an expenditure of 20,000 yen ( >ther small crushing mills to replace the native stone mills will also be introduced next year.

The subsidized sugar mill at Koshito, South Formosa, was in successful operation during last season. The output ranged in value from 4.65 yen a picul to 9.35, the latter representing a white sugar of No. f8, Dutch standard. The bulk of the product was supplied to refineries in japan.

In continuance of the statistics given on pages 457 and 458, I append a table showing the export of the various grades of sugar from the chief ports for the last three years.

F0RM0SAN SUGAR EXPORTS.

Brown Sugar. Export from Anping to China and Hongkong Export from Anping to Japan Export from Takow to China and Hongkong Export from Takow to Japan Export from other ports to China and Hongkong Export from other ports to Japan

Total Export from all Formosa to China and Hongkong Total Export from all Formosa to Japan Total Export from all Formosa to all countries White Sugar.

Export from Anping to China and Hongkong

Export from Anping to Japan

Export from Tnkow to China and Hongkong

Export from Takow to Japan

Export from other ports to China and Hongkong

Export from other ports to Japan

Total Export from all Formosa to China and Hongkong

Total Export from all Formosa to Japan

Total Export from all Formosa to all countries . .

1899.

1900.

1901.

lbs.

27.950.8G0

lbs.

7,372,643

lbs.

2, 119,076

Ven

1,050,835

yen

287,521

Veil

468,457

lbs.

15,107.1110

U.S.

12,94 -

Ills.

Veil

584,815

v™

Nil.

lbs.

2,400,

ii.s.

178,039

Yen

81,013

Veil

lbs.

29,4 1 ■■

lbs.

24,632

lbs.

55,771,200

Veil

1,035,460

yen

966,07 1

Veil

-

lbs.

5,208,399

lbs.

lbs.

5,224,176

Ven

165,2-25

Yen

84,189

Veil

194,854

Nil.

lbs.

131.021

lbs.

Vrll

Veil

- -

lbs.

33,159,259

lbs.

10,431

lbs.

- -

Veil

1,216,000

Veil

152,723

Veil

lbs.

44,909,973

lbs

lbs.

V.n

1,620,276

Jfen

1,473,834

Veil

!

lbs.

78,000, j ;j

lbs.

18,187 1 ■

lbs.

if en

2,830,330

yen

■,

Yen

2,921,821

lbs.

6,926,835

lbs.

3,710,5 11

ll>s.

5,716,769

Veil

370,884

yen

215,980

yen

150,969

lbs.

2,424,987

lbs.

1,137 - i 1

lbs.

Veil

128,602

Veil

6 1,004

Veil

-

Nil.

Nil

lbs. Veil

- i . 1,707

Nil.

Nil

Nil.

Nil.

lbs.

9,707

lbs.

.

Veil

Veil

21 s

Nil.

lbs.

lbs

184,000

Yen

1,000

Yeu

ll.s.

6,92(

3,7 2 .

lbs.

5,751,088

Vei

Veil

216,521

Yen

-

lbs

2,424,987

1,15:

lbs.

Vel

128 G02

N en

0,1,(101

19,145

ii.s.

9,351,892

lbs.

1,872,826

.

Yei

499,160

Yen

280,525

Veu

602,08'J

THE ISLAND OF FORMOSA. FORMOSAN SUGAR EXPORTS.— Continued.

Summary.

Total Sugar Exports from Anping . .

lbs. 52,769,722

lbs. 25,163,132

lbs. 38,931,848

Yeu 2,1 35, 130

Von 1,069,427

Von 1,896,865

Total Sugar Exports from Takow ..

His. 29,442,93 1

lbs. 27,032,842

lbs. 36,281,831

Yen 1,035,460

Yeu l.(H7,08G

Von 1,382,647

Total Sugar Exports from other Ports1

lbs 5,209,399

il.s. 813,314

lbs. 6,177,9s9

V.n 165,225

Ven 90,569

Yen 244,398

Total Sugar Exports from Japan

U.s. 47,334,960

lbs. 38,857,4 47

lbs. 57,616.194

Von !,71S,MSO

Von 1,537,839

\\-n 2,21)2,51)8

Total Sugar Exports from Cliiua and Hongkong3

lbs. 40,086,094

lbs. 14,152,643

lbs. 23,775,379

Von L.586,945

Vou 669 245

Ven 1,031,313

Total Sugar Exports from to all Countries

lbs. 87,421,054

lbs. 53,010,090

lb-. Bl,391,573

Von 3.335.825

Von 2,207,084

Yen 3.323,912

COAL.

The first half of 1902 exhibited a considerable development in the export of Formosa Coal. During the first five months the export totalled 16,539 tons against 8,225 tons for the same period during 1901. A special steamer has been chartered by an English firm for trade, and makes regular trips between Tamsui, and Hongkong, and such China ports as provide a market for the Coal. It is expected that the export for the year 1902 will reach some 40,000 tons. The local consumption of Coal has increased steadily year by year, and the production in 1901 reached some 80,000 tons, the largest production known in the history of the island. To facilitate the transportation of coal the Formosa railway has opened a new station known as "Goto" near the Suihenkyaku (Suitengka) coal fields, and there has been constructed a short branch line connecting- with a trolly line leading up to the mines, and at Tamsui there is in course of construction a jetty from the railway leading out into the stream. With these conveniences it is thought the Coal trade can be handled easily and economically, and the future of the industry which but a few years ago seemed very dark indeed, is now more promising. If the rate of increase for the past three years can be maintained for a few years longer, Coal will be one of the leading exports.

The following statistics are in continuation of those given on page 490.

Se;ison.

No product of Formosa has shown such rapid growth and has such a bright future as Gold. From an output of some 600,000 jen in value in 1876, the production reached in 1901 to over 1,500,000 yen, and with the

Export in tons.

Purchased in port

for ships' use iu tons.

EbI [mated Total Production

tous.

24,001

G,453

52,435

20,205

8,331

80,000

GOLD.

1. The ports, exclusive of Anping and Takow, interested in the Sugar export trade are as follow : — Kakoko (Ehakau), 118,040 yon ; Toseki (Tangchio), 70,036 ; Kelung, 32,921 ; value of Brown Sugar shipped in 1901 ; and Suiting, 10,355 yen representing White Sugar.

2. During 1901, Hougkoug took 52,418 yen worth of white and 2,615 yen of Brown Sugar, or a total of 56,033 yeu, Cliiua took G75.754 yeu worth of Brown aud 300,525 yen of White Sugar, or a total of 976)279 yeu.

completion next year of the Kyufun plant described on page 470 which is

now in course of construction, the annual production i ted to exce

2,500,000 yen. During the present year (1902) Japanese have begun the development of the Shinjio deposits on the east coast (See industrial 111 which are thought to be very rich. The number of gold washers in the Zuiho and Kelung river districts has greatly increased during the past three years. There are some 2,000 men under contract with the Fujita Company and then- are several large Chinese gangs at work on the Kelung River, in addition to many private workers. It seems at present quite probable that within a half dozen years Gold will be exceeded in value only by tea among the island's exports.

S U L P H U R .

The production of Sulphur has likewise shown considerable increase during the past three years. The producing field has been extended to Kinpori (Kimpauli) where the manufacture is now carried on, though the difficulties of transportation there are great.

The exports for three years given below is in continuation of the statistics given on page 504.

Year.

Export via China and

Hongkong in pounds.

Value of China and Hi' Shipn in yen.

Export

via

in

Japan.

Value if Shipments

via Japan in yen.

Total Export

Total value in yen

. . 2,430,752

31,356

21,200

820.7 93

13,215

.. 1,112,306

16,886

1 ,600,000

20,801

2,812,300

43,687

.. 2,430,752

34,356

141,206

2,609

36,965

FIBRES.

The last three years have shown considerable development in several lines of fibre manufacture. The Taika rush described on page 528 to 530, has come in favor locally and in Japan, as a material for hat making, and the local production during the year 1901 exceeded 50,000 piculs. laika straw has been successfully bleached, and a hat made to conform with modern styles should prove a close competitor with the Panama hats now so much in demand. The screw pine (Pandanus) described on pages 537 and 538 has proven to be a most valuable material for the manufacture <>l hand cases, cigarette cases, and hats. Ribbons of pure color, soft, and nearly as flexible as Panama straw, are produced from the split fibre, ami the Japan company which has taken up the development of this industry, believes that it has a very promising future. The company have established at Banka a factory employing over sixty hands to work the product. Looms have been intro-duced by the government in several places, and the weaving of cotton cloth is taught to native girls. Several private plants haveas a result been established and furnish employment to quite a number ol Chinese -iris.

P A P P. R .

The Chinese method of paper manufacture as described on pages 543 and 544 is, highly wasteful and expensive, and the product cannot but be inferior. The Formosan government have accordingly, at an expenditure

exceeding 40,000 yen, established a model paper mill at Kagi which is run by water power and is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of Japanese Paper. Bamboo, Paper mulberry (Broussonetia Papyrifera), Wikstroemia (Seepages 543 to 547) and certain reeds are being experimented with as materials for paper making. It is the desire of the government to induce the native paper makers to adopt modern methods, the practicality of which will be exhibited to them at the government mill. A [apanese syndicate have also established at Kagi a small mill at an expenditure of some 20,000 yen, which is engaged in the manufacture of Japanese Paper.

MISCELLAN E( )US INDUSTRIES.

In addition to the industries described in previous pages may be noted the establishment of modern factories in North Formosa for the manufacture of Indigo in Bunzampo district by the W'ada Company, the establishment of a large plantation in Taito (Taitong) district, and a tobacco plantation in Tainan by the Kada Company, and the extensive nurseries, and the affores-tation works carried on by the Dogura Company in Kusshaku (Kuchu) district, and a pineapple tinning factory which has commenced operations on a small scale in Tainan.

The Agricultural Department of the Formosa Government will give special attention to the development of sugar, tea, paper, rice, China grass, and other fibres, tobacco, stock raising, forestry, etc. To further the work the government have established a number of experimental gardens and nurseries throughout the island. At the Tainan station man)- tropical trees of commercial value are growing in the nursery, and will be distributed to applicants throughout southern Formosa. Perhaps the most important station of all is the tropical nursery established in Koshun district in the extreme south of the island. The garden covers an area of some 250 acres, and a large variety of tropical plants such as teak, mahogany, anil sandal, ebony, rubber, cotton, various palms, etc. have been planted there. I he work is under the control of Y. Tashiro, Botanist, perhaps the most capable man for work of this kind in Japan.

In conclusion, I would express my belief that the work the new administration is doing, will not be without beneficial result. The improved methods of transportation, the post and telegraph conveniences, the advantages of modern education, the scientific medical treatment, and enlightened jurisprudence, will make life for the masses more desirable than during the old days, and the strenuous efforts of the government to foster industry and commerce, can not but meet with some degree of success, thus adding to the general prosperity.

Mistakes will be made, that js inevitable, but as Japan has advanced, so may we expect improvement in Formosa.

"DEAR ISLAND, FARE THEE WELL."

THE END.