a province of China, occupying nearly the centre of the empire: the river Yang-tsekiang traverses it from west to east; and divides it into two parts, the northern and southern. This province (the greater part of which is level, and watered by lakes, canals, and rivers) is celebrated for its fertility; the Chinese call it the store-house of the empire; and it is a common saying among them, that "the abundance of Kiang-fu could furnish all China with a breakfast; but the province of Hou-quang alone could supply enough to maintain all its inhabitants." Some princes of the race of Hong-you formerly resided in this province; but that family was entirely destroyed by the Tartars when they conquered China. The people here boast much of their cotton cloths, simples, gold-mines, wax, and paper made of the bamboo-reed. The northern part of the province contains eight fou, or cities of the first class, and sixty of the second and third. The southern comprehends seven of the first class, and fifty-four of the second and third, exclusive of forts, towns, and villages, which are everywhere to be found.