“ At sundown he dons this piece of military raiment, and, armed generally with a pike, or maybe a rusty musket without ammunition—as much probably for his own safety as that of people in the neighborhood—he sallies forth to do duty as a watchman and assist in preserving order in the street to which he belongs, but in the event of actual hostilities he would probably have to join the regular military forces. ”

“ In the adjacent city of Canton (observes the same authority) a most complete and searching census of the population has been taken, and every house made to furnish its military contribution; in every family or house at least one man must exercise himself in the use of arms ”

“ After passing these, on proceeding up the back reach of the river, there are some formidably armed forts of approved modern construction protecting the Macao passage. At the place known as Birds-nest Fort, the island itself, situated in mid-stream, has been fortified; but at this point the main defences are on the mainland. On the other reach of the river—that usually taken by the river steamers—are strong earth works, faced with masonry ”