The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2 / Page 281 (Color Image)

0281	The Book of Ser Marco Polo : vol.2

CHAP. LXXXI. THE CITY OF FUJU

231

k The fierce lions are, as usual, tigers. These are numerous in this province, and

tradition points to the diversion of many roads, owing to their being infested by

tigers. Tiger cubs are often offered for sale in Amoy.*

CHAPTER LXXXI.

CONCERNING THE GREATNESS OF THE CITY OF FUJU.

Now this city of Fuju is the key of the kingdom which

is called CHONKA, and which is one of the nine great

divisions of Manzi.' The city is a seat of great trade

and great manufactures. The people are Idolaters and

subject to the Great Kaan. And a large garrison is main-

tained there by that prince to keep the kingdom in peace

and subjection. For the city is one which is apt to revolt

on very slight provocation.

There flows through the middle of this city a great

river, which is about a mile in width, and many ships are

built at the city which are launched upon this river. E nor-

mous quantities of sugar are made there, and there is a

great traffic in pearls and precious stones. For many

ships of India come to these parts bringing many

merchants who traffic about the Isles of the Indies. For

this city is, as I must tell you, in the vicinity of the Ocean

Port of ZAYTON,2 which is greatly frequented by the ships

of India with their cargoes of various merchandize ; and

from Layton ships come this way right up to the city of

Fuju by the river I have told you of ; and 'tis in this way

that the precious wares of India come hither.3

The city is really a very fine one and kept in good

order, and all necessaries of life are there to be had in

great abundance and cheapness.

*Note by Mr. G. Phillilhs.

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