THE
CHINESE REPOSITORY.
Vol. I.—Canton, August, 1832.—No. 4.
REVIEW.
When particularizing, in our second number, the several parts of the Mantchou-Chinese Empire, we considered the whole as consisting of three principal divisions, viz: China Proper, Mantchouria, and the Colonial possessions. The first of these we have already briefly described. It remains to sketch the extent, boundaries, and characteristics of the other two.
Mantchouria or Mantchou has generally been classed by geographers, with the other countries of central Asia, under the general name of Tartary,—a name which is used to include a great variety of countries, speaking very different languages; and which is almost as erroneously, as it is extensively, applied. The Mantchous, who now govern the whole Chinese Empire, are in fact of Toungouse origin; and have scarcely existed for more than three centuries, as a distinct and independent nation. Their country is mountainous, barren, little cultivated, and very thinly peopled. It was formerly divided among a number of petty chieftains, who seldom remained for any long period at peace with each other. Hence the people, habituated to the exercises of the field, and always leading a wandering and predatory life, became a much more hardy and vigorous race than their neighbours, the Chinese; who were enervated by the consequences of long-continued peace, and oppressed by the tyrannical representatives of their indolent and unprincipled monarchs. It was at such a period, when the empire was torn by dissensions between the Imperial princes, and by revolts among the people.
- ↑ Continued from page 42.
