(2) The Governor-General at Foochow presents a Memorial in reply to instructions sent to him to undertake the clearing out of the old lake to the west of that city. The lake has existed from the reign of Tai Kang, (ad. 280-290), and has deen cleaned out periodically ever since, the last time being just sixty years ago, when a stone wall was built along its north and west sides for a length of 12,365 feet. The bed vf the lake has for many years been cultivated and its level raised by the vegetable refuse left in it. Its borders have also been encroached on, houses being built and gardens enclosed, which have been sold from one person to another as though they were their own property. It is thus become useless for its proper functions of storing water in time of drought and receiving surplus water in time of Hood. Its restoration to its proper state is of importance not merely to the north-west corner of the city, but to the whole country round. Were it not for the lack of funds it would have been attended to last year atthe same time as the canals. Nothing can be done at the present moment because of the height of the water in summer, but work will be commenced at the beginning of autumn, and proceeded with as the means \at hand permit.
Where encroachments have been made, the government will resume possession of the land, for which, however, it will give the occupiers a price. The old stone embankment will be renews and the accumulated soil removed from the bed of the lake.
May 6th.—No documents of interest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.