338 JOHN BOIT
very nice in his calculations, and no part of his affairs appear to be unnotic'd by him. In making a bargain they are very shrewd; when closed they are faithful as to quantity, but for quality you must be constantly on your guard or else 'tis certain the Goods will not turn out as expected, and the only satis- faction you will get from them is that you ought to have looked sharper, and at the same [time] will try to console you by this remark, that on another Voyage you will be better acquainted with the mode of doing business at Canton. Upon the whole, the Candour that is about the Chinese merchant makes some amends for the general complaint against them, that they will cheat you, if they can therefore your business is to see that they shall not.
"Tis surprizing to observe the business that is going on in the Suburbs of Canton; the streets are generally thronged with people, all busily engag'd in their several avocations ; the Shops well stock'd with Goods, and appear to meet with en- couragement. Few Women are to be seen. These (if Chinese) have the small crippled feet, the Ancle looking like an Horse's hoof. If Tarter, the feet is of the natural growth. So much has been said about Canton, and the Manners and Customs of the Chinese, that 'tis needless for me to make any further re- marks on the subject.
FROM CANTON TOWARDS THE STRAITS OF BANCA
February 2. This day the Pilot came on board and took charge. Unmoor'd and stood down the River. Left but 7 Ships behind, all English and Swedes.
4. Anchor'd this day below the Bars. Wind gradually in our teeth, work along with the tides.
6. Anchor'd just above the Boca Tigris; in the Night the Chinese rasscles cut the cable, although we kept a good watch. Let go another, and brought up. In the morning, the Buoy being taken away, cou'd not recover the Anchor. Therefore left it with 9 fm. Cable.
7. Pass'd the Boca Tigris, and stood for Macao roads.
8. Ran through Macao Roads, and stood to sea. The Pilot left us. Took a departure from the Macao Fort, it lying in
