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.[3]

[1] “It is not improbable that there is some admixture of aboriginal blood
    in the actual population (of Fuh-Kien), but if so, it cannot be much. 
    The surnames in this province are the same as those in Central
    and North China....  The language also is pure Chinese; actually much
    nearer the ancient form of Chinese than the modern Mandarin dialect. 
    There are indeed many words in the vernacular for which no
    corresponding character has been found in the literary style:  but
    careful investigation is gradually diminishing the number.” (Note
    by Rev. Dr. C. Douglas.)

[2] Note by Mr. C. Phillips.  I omit a corroborative quotation about
    sugar from the Turkish Geography, copied from Klaproth in the former
    edition:  because the author, Hajji Khalfa, used European sources; and
    I have no doubt the passage was derived indirectly from Marco Polo.

[3] Note by Mr. G. Phillips.

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.[NOTE 1] 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 maintained 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.  Enormous 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,[NOTE 2] which is greatly frequented by the ships of India with their cargoes of various merchandize; and from Zayton 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. [NOTE 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.