PANORAMA OF HONG - KONG.
MR. BURFORD has filled the largest circle of his Panorama in Leicester Square with a View of the Island and Bay of Hong-kong; which, as the newly-acquired British territory in China, and a trading-port of considerable importance, is an object of interest. It is a striking and animated scene, painted with powerful effect, by Mr. BURFORD and his coadjutor Mr. SELOUS, from coloured sketches taken on the spot by Lieutenant WHITE of the Marines. Several visiters on the private day, who had been at Hong-kong, bore testimony to the general fidelity of the view : and, regarded as a picture, it is greatly to be admired for the perfection of its aerial perspective, mellowness of tone, and finishea execution.
The view is taken from the harbour, commanding the North side of the island, and showing the new town of Victoria, which extends nearly two miles along the narrow and irregular strip of shore ; granite cliffs of fantastic shapes, and partially clothed with herbage, rising abruptly to the height of nearly two thousand feet in some places, with shelving declivities and vallies intervening. Streams of fresh water trickle down the steep sides of the rocks: hence its name, Heoug- heong, the Island of Crystal Streams. The houses are mostly of granite, roofed Chinese-fashion, with tiles ; with here and there villas and official residences perched on little eminences. The bay is almost encompassed with lofty hills of strange shapes, forming part of tbe main- land of China ; and opposite Victoria is the small Chinese town of Kow- loon, whence there is cot only much trading, but emigration of the na- tives to Hong-kong. The bay is diversified by the shipping and craft of the two nations, presenting apicturesque variety of vessels: the tight
compactness and trim elegance of the British men-of-war, contrasted with the clumsy, ricketty uncouthness of the Chinese junks, exhibit the superior solidity and precision of the European marine to advan- tage; though the cold, colourless monotony of our ships is rebuked by the rich display of fanciful devices and bright hues that decorates the Chinese junks. The Mandarin-boat is more akin to our City-barges ; and the trading-junk from Cochin, shaped like a crescent, may be classed among provincial shipping : the opium-galley, with its bank of oars, floats like a painted insect on the water ; while our steamers dart to and fro with the speed of arrows.
The effect of a morning-sun breaking through clouds and dispelling the vapours, is beautifully represented in the painting : the atmosphere is luminous, the water translucent, and the management of the light and shade and reflections is masterly. As a work of art, apart from the interest of the subject, this panorama is well deserving of attention : many of our easel-painters might take a lesson from Mr. BURFORD.
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