We passed over several well-made bridges, and along a paved causeway, having on either side a succession of beautiful gardens and fertile rice-fields, while before us rose a hill covered with trees, out of which peeped a number of very pretty-looking villas.  When we reached the top of the hill we had a fine view over a large portion of the island--several towns and numerous villages were seen, with country-houses and farms scattered about.  Altogether, we formed a very favourable opinion of the island and the advanced state of civilisation among the people of Loo-Choo.