Silver mist, Foochow

Opened up for trade after the Treaty of Nanking ended the first 'Opium War' of 1840-42, Foochow had become, by the 1860s, the most popular loading port for the fast ships involved in the tea trade. Hitherto, Whampoa and Shanghai had dominated the scene but as it became apparent that the new season's tea was available - for geographical reasons - slightly earlier at Foochow, it rapidly established itself at the expense of the other ports. Perfectly situated in the centre of the best growing area for the black teas so popular in England, the large anchorage at Foochow provided a haven for the most famous clippers on the China run as, each year, they loaded their cargoes prior to embarking on the legendary races home. Steam tugs were on hand to tow the clippers 'over the bar' and out into the estuary as soon as loading was completed and, at the height of every season, the anchorage at Foochow was as busy as any in the world.