Chusan

Chusan, the chief of the group of islands called the Chusan Archipelago, a mile off Ningpo on the E. coast, of China. The island is 51 miles long, with an average breadth of 8 miles, and is 51 miles in circumference. It is picturesque, fertile, and well watered, and much rice is grown, as well as tea and cotton. Near the S. shore is the capital Tissghai, which is surrounded by a wall and ditch, except at one point where the spur of a hill projects into the town, and renders it easily accessible. It was occupied by the British from 1841 to 1846, and again in 1860. The silver wares and carved work of Chusan have some reputation.