The tract of country on which it stands
is sandy and barren; but the Grand Canal is well adapted for the purpose
of feeding its vast population with the produce of more fertile
provinces and districts. A very large portion of the centre of the part
of Pekin called the Northern City is occupied by the Emperor with his
palaces and gardens, which are of the most beautiful description, and,
surrounded by their own wall, form what is called the "Prohibited City."
[Illustration: GRAND CANAL AT THE ENTRANCE TO PEKIN.]
The Grand Canal, which runs about five hundred miles, without allowing
for windings, across the kingdom of China, is not only the means by
which subsistence is brought to the inhabitants of the imperial city,
but is of great value in conveying the tribute, a large portion of the
revenue being paid in kind. Dr. Davis mentions having observed on it a
large junk decorated with a yellow umbrella, and found on enquiry that
it had the honour of bearing the "Dragon robes," as the Emperor's
garments are called. These are forwarded annually, and are the peculiar
tribute of the silk districts. The banks of the Grand Canal are, in many
parts through which it flows, strongly faced with stone, a precaution
very necessary to prevent the danger of inundations, from which some
parts of this country are constantly suffering.
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