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This is certainly So-chew, near the entrance of the great wall in Shensi. Astl. Called by Forster Katasekt-schen, Sekt-scheu, Schel- scheu, or Su-tcheu. This commentary on tea is placed in the text of Forster, and is therefore here preserved in the same form, though no part of the original. An arpent is a French measure nearly one and a half of which are equal to an English acre. Astl.
As the roads through the country of the Mongals were very unsafe, owing to confusions and civil wars among the hordes, they remained ten months at So-chew, whence they set out at full moon in the month of Moharram, of the year 825 of the Hegira , and came in a few days to the Karaul at the pass leading into the desert, where their baggage was searched.
From Sakju, or So-chew, to Kamju , there are nine stages or days journey, and the dankji who resides in Kan-chew is superior to all the other governors on the frontiers. At each stage the ambassadors were furnished with 450 horses, mules, and asses, and fifty-six chariots or waggons.
So-chew is a large and strong city, quite square, in the entrance into Kathay. It has sixteen market places, each fifty cubits square, which are always kept clean. In these there are several covered halls or galleries, having shops on both sides; and a handsome hall of entrance, adorned with pictures.
From the karaul they went to Sekju or So-chew , where they were lodged in a large public building over the gate of the city; in which, as in all their other lodgings, they were amply provided with every necessary and convenience, as provisions, beds, and horses; and even the servants had mattresses and coverlets allowed for their beds.
At the gates there stand a number of fine youths, who, after regaling strangers, show them the temples. From So-chew it is ninety-five days journey to Cambalu, or Khanbalek, where the emperor resides, the whole way leading, through a populous country, insomuch that travellers always lodge at night in a large town. Throughout the whole way there are many structures named Kargu, and Kidifu.
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