in the province of Fo-kien in China, form an archipelago between the port of Emouy and the island of Formosa. A Chinese garrison is kept here, with one of those mandarins who are called literati, whose principal employment is to watch the trading vessels which pass from China to Formosa, or from Formosa to China.

As these islands are only sand-banks or rocks, the inhabitants are obliged to import every necessary of life; neither shrubs nor bushes are seen upon them; all their ornament consists of one solitary tree. The harbour is good, and sheltered from every wind; it has from 20 to 25 feet depth of water. Although it is an uncultivated and uninhabited island, it is absolutely necessary for the preservation of Formosa, which has no port capable of receiving vessels that draw above eight feet of water.

POINARD, a little pointed dagger, very sharp edged; borne in the hand, or at the girdle, or hid in the pocket. The word is formed from the French poignard, and that from poigne, "handful."—The poniard was anciently in very great use; but it is now in a good measure set aside, except among assassins.—Sword and poniard were the ancient arms of duelists; and are said to continue still so among the Spaniards. The practice of sword and poniard still make a part of the exercise taught by the masters of defence.