PC_256_Poe_1910_1911_Typescript_043

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my Confusian books from Mr. Kung awaiting me. Spent sometime
getting my itinerary straight for a few weeks ahead and in
late afternoon made the magnificent ascent to the top of
"the Peak". The view just before sunset was about as pretty
as anybody ever sees in this world. Miles and miles of fleecy
clouds of which we saw only the silver lining. Below them
the water of the harbors, thick dotted with ships, while here
and there a peak emerged from above the cloud masses. At din-
ner ran up with my friend G. Baron Ash. Shortly after 9:00
I boarded my steamer for Canton.

November 30th.
Woke up this morning to find our steamer anchored three hours
from Canton instead of being at Canton wharfs as promised--
and a fog so dense that we could hardly see the water from
the deck. The fog bell had troubled me during the night,
but I didn't know we had stopped. It was sometime after break-
fast before we could proceed and then but slowly until about
11 o'clock. At noon we reached Canton and I was met by my
guide who rejoices in the name of Ah Cum John. Had five hours
sight-seeing through Canton's narrow, ravine-like streets
and didn't so much regret not having more. Visited Hall of
500 Genil, Chun ancestral Temple, five-storied Pagoda, etc.,
etc., and also saw silk spinning, jadestone grinding, weaving,
carving, execution grounds (skulls in a barrel) fantan gamb-
ling, etc.

December 1st.
Went to Cook's, arranged about my tickets, and then called to
present my letter of introduction from Ambassador Bryce to