8 'XvJMo *< CASE IV. Chinese lady of rank, with fan. Another lady preparing to smoke. Another with guitar. Two female domestics. Mother and boy of the middle class. Daughter of the above. i Shinese table handsomely carved, gilt, and painted. Specimen of citron, or linger fruit (Citrus Sacudactylus). Superbly embroidered silk screen. Lanterns suspended from the ceiling ;y.\ case v. Tragedian in splendid costume. Two juvenile actors, to perform the part of female charac- ters. Chinese juggler. Parasol used on State asions. Magnificent specimen of embroidered tapestry, and numerous specimens of theatrical caps on the wall 36 Itinerant barber at his avocation, with his whole apparatus. Itinerant shoemaker at his work, with work-bench, basket, tools, lamp, &c. Travelling blacksmith, with anvil, furnace, bellows, &c. Chinese boatwoman, carrying a child on her back in the usual mode. Another boatwoman, with pipe, mother of the above. On the wall several specimens of bamboo hats and rush coats, worn by the lower classes in rainy weather. Specimens of ploughs, harrows, axes, hoes, rakes, forks, shovels, spades, flails, mattocks, &C, «&c. These implements are, lor the most part, simple and rude, and are made chiefly of wood, merely shod with iron. On the wall are also displayed two fishing nets, made of B peculiar kind of hemp ; also fishing scoops -II CONTENTS. C vsic VII. page. A Chinese gentleman in a sedan, borne by two servants. Servant in attendance with lantern, &c. Chinese complimentary card 18 CASE VIII. The Pavilion. Interior of a Chinese gentleman's summer residence Cliinese formality in paying and receiving visits. Description of a Chinese dinner. Numerous figures. Furniture. Embroidered lanterns. Large porcelain jars on carved pedestals 50 cases ix — x. Lacquered ware and articles of vert u S6 CASE XI. Miscellaneous articles 01 CASES XII — XIII. China-ware 6-t CASE xiv. Models of Chinese boats. Model of the " Ta," or pagoda, near Whampoa. A Cliinese " Grand Chop," or port clearance 69 CASE xv. Models of Chinese summer-houses. Model of a domestic shrine, with gilt idols. Tablets on the wall 72 CASE XVI. A china-ware shop, completely furnished 71 CASE XVII. A two-storied house, and silk-mercer's establishment 71 CASE XVIII. A model of a large flower-boat. Model of bridge at Fa-tee. Double-handed swords. Tobacco and opium pipes. Sporting implements, &c 77 Model of a machine for raising water 8 ) CASE XVIII. A. A model of a Chinese war-junk in ivory. A pair of state chairs, footstools, &c. Superbly painted and gilt lanterns 81 CASE XIX. Ornithology t>l CASE XX. A superbly embroidered lantern, of large dimensions 82 Chinese camion, taken at Chusaii 82 CASES XXI — II. Ornithology 83 CASES XXIII — IV. Conchology 8-1 CASE xxv. Numerous articles of silver-ware, enamel, and carved ivory 85 CASE XXVI. N umerous articles of vcitu ' ' CONTENTS. 9 CASE XXVII. p agr . Small articles of fine porcelain 88 CASE XXVIII. Numerous articles of vertu 89 CASE XXIX. Small articles of fine porcelain 90 cases xxx — I. Specimens of silk and cotton manufactures, &c 91 CASES XXXII III. Musical instruments and.'minerals v92 CASE XXXIV. A set of joiners' tools, &c 94 CASES XXXV VI VII VIII. Specimens in natural history 94 CASE XXXIX. Cutlery, castings, &c 95 CASE XL. Chinese books, &c 96 CASE XLI, A. specimen of a dwarf tree. Edible bird's-nest. Fruits, teas, rice, &c 97 CASE XLII. Numerous specimens of Chinese summer and winter caps 101 CASE XLIII Chinese shoes 101 cases xliv — v. Miscellaneous small porcelain articles 102 CASE XLVI. Articles of vertu, &c 103 cask xr.vn. Miscellaneous articles 105 CASE XLVIII. A valuable " Joc-ce," and many specimens of fine carving 108 CASES XLIX & I.. Conchology 1 09 TASKS 1,1 II. Ornithology 109 CASF. I. III. Superbly embroidered military saddle, decorated candles, lanterns, &c, &c Ill I VSF- [.IV. Ornithology Ill A 10 CONTEXTS. CASE I.VI. Page. Model of a nine-storied pagoda, cawed in gypsum 112 CASE LVII. Entomology 112 CASES LVIII IX. Butterflies 112 CASE LX. Specimens of preserved fish from the waters of China 112 Description of Chinese lanterns 112 Maxims on the entablature and other parts of the Saloon 113 Chinese maxims compared 'with the proverbs of Solomon 116 Paintings — General remarks on the Fine Arts in China 117 Management of Silk Worms described, No. 1028 to 1030 118 Portrait of the Tae Ho-shang, or High Priest of the temple at Honan 120 View of the Grand Canal. — Native Map of China 121 Description of the City of Canton 122 Feast of Lanterns described. — Portraits of Taou-Kwang, Emperor of China, and Howqua 125 View of Whampoa Reach and Village 127 Representation of an inundation of Rice Grounds. — Description of the Chinese Deluge. . 129 View of Chinese Pleasure Grounds. — Four views of a Funeral Procession, with the rites described ; and a Chinese Sacrificial Prayer 130 A series of drawings upon the leaves of the Ficus Religiosu. — Chinese floriculture (1140) 132 Trial scene in Consoo House described 133 Description of the temple at Honan 134 Cultivation of the tea plant 137 Viceroy of Canton in state chair and bearers 141 Painting of a marriage procession 142 Picture of the Bocca Tigris. — Chinese furniture 146 Great Wall of China described 147 View of Honan. — View of the landing and entrance to the Fa-tee flower gardens. — Portrait of Newkooluh, late consort of Taou Kwang, Emperor of China 148 Portrait of Tingqua Ponkeiqua, a Hong merchant — Entrance to the city of Pekin on the west. — View of Macao 149 Portraits of a celebrated Chinese beauty, and of a well known money-broker in Canton . . 150 View of the Imperial Hall of Audience at Pekin. — Annual military review 151 Chinese windows 152 Chinese topographical history of the city of Canton 152 General remarks on the Government and People of China 156 Foreign intercourse with China 156 IHTRQBUJMTOrL At no period in tlje history of the world, has the attention of civilised nations been so fully directed towards China, its early history, and modern position, as at the present moment. The single fact, that that nation comprises within its limits, a popu- lation of three hundred and sixty millions of human beings, and that a struggle has ensued between Great Britain and the Celestial Empire, which may involve the mightiest results, both as regards commerce and Christianity, is of itself sufficient to awaken the deepest degree of interest in the mind, as well of the philanthropist, as the philosopher. These " latter days," as they are sometimes called, are, in the prophetic view of many, destined to be marked by events of most momentous importance : events calculated no little to facilitate the onward and upward march of civilisation, to penetrate with the light of knowledge and science the darkest portions of the earth, to soften the roughness of the savage, and subdue, into something like Christianity, the millions and tens of millions of human beings, who have yet to experience the benificent influences of a religion that has for its handmaidens, Faith, Hope, and Charity. With these views, and the long train of eagle imaginings that are likely to be kindled in the sanguine and far-seeing- mind by anticipations of what may be, prompted in some sense by what has already taken place, the aspect and destinies of China are calculated to excite the most attentive and profound consideration. It is a wonder, indeed, that a people so multitudinous, and an empire so vast, should — for many ages, and amid the numerous vicissitudes and conflicts that have prostrated thrones, revolutionised nations, and trod- den, as it were, kingdoms into the dust — have experienced but little 12 INTRODUCTION. change, comparatively speaking, and existed from century to century, with scarcely a phasis observable upon its general and national charac- teristics and surface. But, we think we hear some devoted missionary to the great cause of religious liberty and human happiness exclaim, that the doors of a new empire are about to be opened ! A living light is about to flash among the benighted millions, and the symbols and banners of the only true God, are about to be planted in a soil and among a people who are, in many respects, prepared for the reception of the sublime truths of the gospel. A new morning seems to break upon the religious world — a new triumph is about to be hymned among the cherubim and seraphim in the brighter region above us — another victory is to be achieved by the cross of Calvary — an empire, vast and wonderful, and hitherto barred from the general diffusion of missionary knowledge, is about to be thrown open to all who are willing to take the Bible in their hands, and engage in the delightful work of winning their fellow- creatures to the true source of both temporal and eternal happiness. These to some may appear wild expectations. But all, ay, all, may be fully and speedily realised. In any event, however, the people of China, their government, morals, manners, habits, customs, tastes, and characteristics, are, at the present moment, worthy of especial study. Hitherto, these have been measurably covered as with a veil ; the inner traits of the nation, the minute peculiarities, the fashionable boudoir, the literary coterie, and the domestic temples of this numerous people, have been hidden from the eyes of European and American curiosity and scrutiny. True, we have had valuable books from such pens as the Abbe du Halde, Lord Macartney, the editor of Lord Amherst's Em- bassy, Davis, Morrison, Bridgman, Gutzlaff, and many other writers. To these the literary and inquiring world are much indebted. But the authors referred to, have for the most part given the grand features of the empire, the lofty objects, the leading traits ; while it remained for an American gentleman, Mr. Nathan Dunn, of Philadelphia, to enter more minutely into the costume, the manners, habits, science, arts, trades, agriculture, and genius, of this wonderful people. The INTRODUCTION. 13 author of this hasty introduction, speaks from many years personal knowledge of Mr. Dunn, in China, and in the United States. He was intimately acquainted with him in both countries, as an extensive and successful merchant, and knew that while he resided in China, for a period of twelve years, his opportunities for collecting every information were indeed extraordinary, and that they were abundantly improved by patient research, indefatigable industry, tact, courtesy, and a degree of popularity amongst the Chinese, never surpassed in the history of any foreigner. He was assisted, moreover, in his commendable labours, by Howqua, Tingqua, and other Hong merchants of considerable note ; and who, in this particular, seemed to rise above the prejudices of their countrymen, and to take delight in imparting correct information. The design at first, was merely to collect a few rare specimens for his own gratification ; but the appetite grew with what it fed upon, and thus we may, without exaggeration, describe the result as the " Chinese World in Miniature." We feel satisfied that the expectations of those who may feel a desire to examine this Collection, to investigate its wonders, and thus in some sense, analyse the mental and moral qualities of the Chinese ; to gather some knowledge of their idols, their temples, their pagodas, their bridges, their arts, their sciences, their manufactures, their tastes, their fancies, their parlours, their drawing-rooms, their clothes, their finery, their ornaments, their weapons of war, their vessels, their dwellings, and the thousand et ceteras which make up their moving and living world, will not be disappointed. One, indeed, is astonished at the vast materials, the thousands of objects, which by years of patient labour and unwearied effort, the enterprising proprietor of this Exhibi- tion has collected. The mere catalogue, as will be seen by the extent of this volume, forms quite a study of itself. And yet, to those who really love to ponder on the results of ages of ingenuity and habit, espe- cially among an exclusive people like the Chinese, this brief outline will afford but an imperfect idea of the mass of materials, the variety of specimens, the beauty, rarity, novelty, and extreme singularity, that are combined in this vast magazine of curiosities and wonders. A single article will illustrate whole pages of written description. The 14 INTRODUCTION. visiter appears to have the living Chinese in the images before him, and, with a little imagination, to be moving and living among them. An hour passed with such curiosities will afford, even to the youthful and careless of inquiry, a mora definite and permanent idea of these Tartar-governed millions than volumes of ordinary details. The eye and the mind are both enlightened at one and the same moment ; and thus, as it frequently happens, an individual to whom it would be im- possible to convey a notion of a certain machine or piece of fancy-work, by a written description, has a full and perfect impression of the entire object at a single glance. As a means of education, this Collection is invaluable. It teaches by things rather than words. The images are visible and tangible, and, therefore, cannot be easily misunderstood. What immense labour, for example, and what intricate details would be necessary to give an individual, who had never seen such an invention, a correct idea of a ship in full sail. Yet, present the object to the eye, and a look would at once suffice to elicit admiration, and impart a more complete general knowledge than page upon page of the most minute and elaborate composition. So with this Collection. Here we have not one object, but thousands ; not a single production, but an empire with all its variety of light and shade, its experience, its mind, and the results of both for four thousand years. Writers of the highest cha- racter have been consulted in preparing this volume. It is designed as a sort of mute guide ; and as the observer passes from scene to scene, the interest may be varied from the eye to the mind, by turning from the object before him to the history or description of that object. A studious effort has been made to narrate nothing but facts, and thus to impart correct information. All fiction and romance have been carefully avoided ; and what is stated, has in no instance been committed to these pages, unless on competent authority. At Philadelphia, the Collection was visited by hundreds of thousands, and in every instance, it is be- lieved, with entire satisfaction. Many persons passed hours, nay, whole days in the room, and those who visited the Collection most frequently, seemed more delighted with every new return. The pro- prietor has been induced to transport it to England, at the suggestion INTRODUCTION, 15 of many of the most influential, scientific, and learned persons of the British metropolis and kingdom. He naturally feels a deep anxiety for the favourable verdict of the intelligent and discerning upon his labours. And although by no means solicitous for notoriety, or that noisy fame which so frequently accompanies mere excitement and clamour, he would be false to himself and to human nature, should he prove indif- ferent to the kindly expressions of that valuable portion of society who seek to make their fellow-creatures better, wiser, and happier. He has devoted the flower of his life to this Collection, and has never hesitated at expense. His effort in England has been to render, not only the Collection, but the saloon in which it is exhibited, worthy of the visits of the respectable of all classes. For this purpose he has built a spa- cious edifice, and endeavoured to make it as suitable and commodious as possible. But we must draw our hasty preface to a close. The details which follow, enumerate and furnish outlines of the leading objects of curiosity, taste, and skill in the Chinese world. As we remarked at the commencement, this wonderful people have latterly excited more attention, especially among European nations, that at any other period of their national existence. It may be, that a new and a nobler destiny awaits them ; that light, knowledge, and Christian civilisation, and a more liberal communion with the families of man in other portions of the earth, are about to form an epoch in their career. If so, who may foretel the result ? Who may predict what another century will accomplish ? The imagination pauses at the thought and while we contemplate the wonders of steam, and the many other im- provements, discoveries, and appliances of modern science, we are almost tempted to doubt the impossibility of any change in the progress of nations. But to the details of the Collection. We conclude this intro- duction with a few remarks on Chinese history, as an appropriate preli- minary to a study of " matters and things" in the Celestial Empire. The Chinese claim a national existence, coeval with the most remote antiquity. Much that is recorded in their annals, however, is admitted even by their own historians, to be doubtful ; while the authors of every other nation who have written upon the subject, pronounce the earliest \C) INTRODUCTION. so-called history of China as absolutely fabulous. Good authorities name Fuh-he, who flourished about 2247 years before Christ, as the first Emperor. Yaou, a virtuous sovereign, some centuries after, reigned 102 years. The empire then floated down the stream of time without any extraordinary event or national convulsion, while the morals of the people were greatly improved by the precepts and writings of their great philosopher, Confucius, who was born 550 years B.C. In the twelfth century of the Christian era, the Chinese used a paper currency, founded on Government security, being the earliest record we have of paper money. It has, however, been long discontinued, and its place supplied by the present metal coin, previously to which the shell of the tortoise and pearl oyster were used as a circulating medium in exchange for commodities, till about 200 years B.C., when the tseen above alluded to, was introduced, a description of which will be found in the following pages. A.D. 1246, Marco Polo, a Venetian, visited China, and shortly after, his brother joined him. They were received with favour by the Imperial Sovereigns. Catholic, and particularly Jesuit, missionaries, were afterwards permitted to reside in China for several ages ; but were at length expelled on the pretext, real or assumed, that they interfered with the government. In the thirteenth century, China was invaded by Ghengis Khan, who put millions to the sword ; and the nation finally submitted to the Mongul Tartar sove- reigns, A.D. 1280. In 1368, however, the Tartars were driven out, and a native dynasty continued until 1644. In that year the Mwan-chow Tartars invaded the empire, and placed their chief upon the throne, and the present monarch, Taou Kwang, is descended from that suc- cessful warrior. The Portuguese were the first European traders to China ; and they were soon followed by the British, French, American, and other nations. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION -^W^ GENEBAL VIEW OF THE INTERIOR OF THE SALOON. Note — The visiter is requested to commence with the screen at the entrance, and then take the large wall ruses on the right hand in the order in which they arc numbered, commencing with the temple. The paintings will be subsequently noticed by themselves. The Chinese Collection is situated in St. George's Place, Hyde Park Corner. The exterior of the entrance to the building is in the style of Chinese Architecture, taken from a model of a summer-house now in the collection. The apartment occupied by the collection is 225 feet in length by 50 in width, with lofty ceilings, supported by numerous pillars. On passing- through the vestibule, the visiter finds himself, as it were, transported to a new world. It is China in miniature. The view is imposing in the highest degree. The rich screen-work, elaborately carved and gilt, at either end of the saloon, the many-shaped and varied-coloured lanterns suspended throughout the entire ceiling; the native paintings which cover the walls ; the Chinese maxims adorning the columns and entabla- tures; the embroidered silks, gay with a hundred colours, and tastefully displayed above the cases containing the figures, and the multitude of smaller cases crowded with rare and interesting objects, form a tout ensemble, possessing a beauty entirely its own, and which must be seen before it can be realised. 18 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF SUPERB CHINESE SCREEN AT THE UPPER END OF THE SALOON. This part of the saloon is almost entirely occupied with a rare and admirable specimen of Chinese screen-work. It is of ample dimensions, and is richly and tastefully gilded ; the portion of the wood-work not covered with gold is painted of delicate green ; and the silk inserted in the panels is as gay as it can be rendered by a profusion of exquisitely executed paintings of the most delicate and magnificent eastern flowers. The whole view is redolent of the spirit and beauty of spring. The drawings and colouring of the flowers are admirable, and shew the perfection which has been attained in these branches of their art by Chinese painters. Besides the floral delineation, there is also a row of silk panels, if we may be allowed the expression, exhibiting views of naval architecture, both curious and instructive. The whole is sur- mounted by a richly carved and gilt fret-work of exquisite beauty and design. CHINESE TEMPLE AND COLOSSAL IDOLS. The three colossal figures in this section of a religious temple are the triad of Buddha San Paou Fuh — " The Three precious Buddhas," — "past, present, and to come." At the right hand is seated, Me-lih- Fiih — the first of the triad, whose reign is already past ; in the centre is Heen-tsae-Fiih — that person of Buddha, who now reigns over the world ; and at the left hand, We-lae-Fuh, whose reign is not yet come. These figures are eleven feet in height, and are representations of the divinities in the celebrated Honan " Joss-house."* The attributes of Buddha are infinite, and he is worshipped in many persons ; being sometimes male and sometimes female. The principal religion of China is Buddhism or Boodhism, which also prevails over Birmah, Siam, Ceylon, Japan, and Cochin- China. It is stated by Ward that Boodh, the founder of this religion, is described in Burmese books to have been a son of the King of Benares, that he flourished about 600 years B. C, and that he had, in various ages, * Joss is a Chinese corruption of the Portuguese word " Deos," and is by many persons supposed to be a Chinese word for " God or Spirit." w d B B K THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 1U ten incarnations. The Buddhists do not believe in a First Cause ; they think matter eternal ; that every portion of animated existence has its own rise, tendency, and destiny, in itself; that the condition of crea- tures on earth is regulated by works of merit and demerit ; that works of merit raise us to happiness and the world to prosperity ; while those of vice and demerit degenerate the world, until the universe itself is dissolved. They suppose a superior deity, raised to that rank by his merit ; but he is not governor of the world. To the present period they assign five deities, four of whom have already appeared, the last being Gandama or Boodh, whose pre-eminence continues 5000 years, 2384 of which are gone by. At the end of his 5000 years, another saint will obtain the supremacy. Six hundred millions of human souls are said to be canonized with each Deity, but Boodh took only 24,000 of his com- pany to heaven with him. The lowest estate is hell — the next, souls in the form of brutes ; and both these are states of punishment. The state above is probationary — that of man ; and still above degrees of honour and happiness, up to deities and demi-gods, to which man, if found worthy, ascends; or, on the contrary, goes into the lower states of punish- ment. The Buddhists believe there are four superior heavens; below these, twelve other heavens, with six other inferior heavens. After these comes the earth ; then the world of snakes ; then thirty-two chief hells, and one hundred and twenty hells of lesser torment. The Budd- hists believe that persons who obtain a knowledge of things past, present, and to come, have the power of rendering themselves invisible, and are absorbed into the Deity. Those who perform works of merit become great among men, and are received into some of the heavens, in all of which the enjoyments are sensual. But those who do evil go into a hell proportioned to their crimes. They believe that at the end of a ' Kulpu," — a length of time too great for human calculation — the uni- verse will be destroyed. Five commands are delivered to common Buddhists, — not to destroy animal life; to avoid theft, adultery, false- hood, and the use of spirituous liquors. Other commands, restraining dress, luxury, &c, are given to the higher classes. They all consider their adoration as paid to a being or beings of exalted merit — not to a Creator. Priests worship daily in the temples, and are forbidden to marry. Many of the Chinese consider the Grand Lama, as the highest priest on earth. This pont/fex maximus resides in Thibet, and the Tartar population of China pay him homage. Buddhism, though sometimes patronised by the Emperor of China, and supported by large and numerous monasteries, is nevertheless but little esteemed by men of letters. The God " Fiih," so much revered in China, as the founder of a religion introduced from India into the empire, in the first century of the b 2 20 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF Christian era, was miraculously born in Cashmere, 1027 B.C. He was deified at thirty years of age, and his priests are called Lamas, Sang, Talapoins, or Bonzes. He died at the age of 79, declaring to his dis- ciples, " Know then, that there is no other principle of all things, but nothing. From nothing all things have sprung, and to nothing all must return. There all our hopes must end." Such is the atheistical philo- sophy and belief of Fuh, whose followers recognise " the three precious ones," as the object of their supreme worship — the past, the present, and the future ; but the doctrines taught in his name are divided into exoteric and esoteric — the former distinguishing actions into good and evil, with rewards and punishments after death, and recognising the five precepts or commands of Boodh, already noticed ; while the latter teach the belief that all things sprang from nothing, and to nothing all things will return ; but in so returning will be absorbed into a pure essence, and become a part of the Deity. The next principal divinity to the triad before alluded to is Chin-te, a goddess represented with numerous arms, indicative of her power to save. The third, Kwan-yin, a merciful goddess, much spoken of, and fre- quently represented. The fourth, T'een-hwa Shin-moo, the sacred mother, who super- intends children afflicted with the small pox. The fifth, Hwuy-fiih Foo-jin, the patroness of childless women, and worshipped by them. Always represented with a child in her arms. The sixth, Tae-shin, the god of wealth ; together with other feigned deities, presiding over individual, local, and national interests to the number of many thousands. The priests live in monasteries connected with the temples of Fuh, practise celibacy, fast, pray for the souls of the dead, use holy water, worship relics, and pray in a strange tongue. In saying their prayers, or repeating passages from sacred books, they count the " Soo-choo," which is the name of the beads worn by these priests, and of which they have 108.* They consider also that the good and bad actions of men are placed to their accounts as in mercantile book-keeping — the good on the credit, and the bad on the debtor side of the page, which is finally balanced, and the persons whose names are inscribed, admitted to happiness or consigned to punishment, according to the merits of their respective accounts current. * These beads are also an ornament used by the reigning family, and by the highest mandarins. They seem to have a reference to the 108 ceremonies mentioned in Ward's "Hindoo Mythology." Vol. II., page 260. VISIT OF CEREMONY TO A SUl'tRlOR MANDARIN. THE CHINESE COLLECTION". 21 CASE lo No. 1, Mandarin of the first class and his secretary. 2. Mandarin of the second class. 3. Another mandarin, of the sixth class. Two massive arm-chairs, covered with crimson drapery richly embroidered. Square table, handsomely carved, with marble top. Specimens of crimson drapery, elegantly embroidered, hanging in front of the table. Cap stands and various ornamental articles. Chinese maxims on the wall. The principal figures in this case are three civil mandarins,* of the first, second, and sixth grades, bearing the title " Ta jin " (" great and distinguished men"), applicable to persons of the above class. The one highest in rank is seated, with his head uncovered ; the others, with their caps still on, are paying the customary respect to their superior, previously to the occupancy of an adjoining chair. The former is upon the left, this being the post of honour among the Chinese. A secretary is in waiting behind the principal, with official documents in his hand. The two dignitaries are attired in their state robes, which are literally stiff with embroidery, a liberal proportion of which is wrought with gold thread. The greater part of the splendour of their under dresses is hidden from the eye of the visiter by the loose outward garment of dark purple satin, called by the Chinese " Pow-kwa," to divest these figures of which would give the visiter an incorrect representation of these per- sonages as they invariably appear upon state occasions. Each has an enormous bead necklace, extending below the waist in front, with a string of "chaou-choo," or "court beads," attached to it at the hinder part of the neck, which reaches down to the middle of the back. The caps are dome-shaped, with the lower portion turned up, and forming a broad rim, which is faced with black velvet. The top of the cap is surmounted by a globular button or ball,)' from which there depends a sufficient quantity of crimson silk to cover the whole of the upper portion. The * The word " Mandarin," from the Portuguese, is significant with the Chinese term " Kuan," i. e., an officer of the government, whether civil or military. t Called •■ Maou-ting." 22 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF material and colour of the crowning sphere indicates the rank of the wearer. The cap is the most ceremonial appendage among the Chinese ; with the ball on its conical top, as elsewhere remarked, it is a distinctive mark of titular rank. As on most other occasions, their customs as to covering the head are the very reverse of our own. We consider it a mark of respect to uncover the head ; with them it would be a great violation of decorum, unless among intimates, and with leave previously asked. In warm weather, when friends interchange visits, and it is more agreeable to be uncovered, the host says to his guest, " Shing Kwan !" — raise, or put off the cap, — after which the scruple no longer exists. Besides this distinctive button, the removal of which by the Emperor would be to degrade the person from all rank in the state, each grade of man- darins has a characteristic badge, worn both upon the breast and the back. This is a square piece of purple silk, covered with various embroidery. Its centre is occupied with the figure of a bird, a dragon, or a tiger. The rank of the officer is designated by the kind and colour of the central figure. In the badges of the two mandarins (Nos. 1 and 2) for example, the figure in each is a bird ; but in one it is white, and in the other blue. The dress of a military officer is adorned with the figure of a tiger. It may be as well here to remark, that at the imperial court, and on all state occasions of pomp and ceremony, the figure of a dragon denotes the Emperor, and that of a tiger his ministers. The articles of furniture in this case are such as are usually seen in the houses of the higher classes. The wood of which the chairs and table are made is of a hard grain resembling rosewood. It is called by the Chinese " Muh-wang," or " King of woods," and is esteemed beyond all other trees. It is deserving of remark that, with the exception of the Chinese, chairs are not used by eastern nations. On the wall are suspended a pair of silk scrolls, bearing the follow- ing appropriate maxims: — "A nation depends on faithful Ministers for its tranquillity." "Mens* sons should rest on filial piety as their particular duty." The nobility of China are of two kinds, hereditary and official. The former class is not numerous, nor greatly influential. It consists chiefly of the relations of the Emperor, who are styled princes, and are bound to live within the precincts of the imperial palace. The real nobility, or aristocracy, of the country, are the mandarins. Of these there are estimated to be, on the civil list of the empire, not less than fourteen thousand. The mandarins are divided into nine ranks, or pin, each of which is indicated by a double badge — the colour of the globe on the apex of the cap, and the embroidery on the front and back of their official robes. The colours employed are red, blue, crystal, white, and gold ; and these, with certain modifications of shade, serve to distinguish THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 23 what are denominated " Kew pin," i. e., " the nine ranks," into which all persons possessing any rank in China are divided. The nominal rank, and of course the distinctive costume, of any of the official grades, may be purchased of the Emperor. The sum demanded for the distinction is, however, proportionately large. Howqua, for instance, the richest of the Hong merchants, whose likeness we have in the Collection, pur- chased his nominal rank at the enormous price of 100,000 dollars. Honours obtained by purchase, as in this instance, form a considerable source of revenue to the government during the reign of some emperors. Persons are selected for civil office in China with an almost exclu- sive reference to their talents and education. Strange as it may seem, there is probably no other country on the globe where cultivated talent exercises its legitimate sway to an equal extent. Wealth, titular nobility, and purchased rank have their influence, no doubt ; but, unless accom- panied by personal merit, and, above all, by education, their power is comparatively limited and feeble. The Emperor chooses for his officers none but men of the highest attainments and most commanding abilities. It is well known that the civil institutions of China claim to be framed and fashioned upon the exact model of a wise family government. The Emperor is invariably spoken of as the " father of the nation ;" the viceroy of a province arrogates the same title in reference to his satrapy ; a mandarin is regarded as holding a similar relation to the city which he governs ; and even a military commander is the " father " of his soldiers. This idea, with its corresponding sentiments, is sedulously instilled into every subject of the empire, from the earliest dawn of intellect, till its powers are extinguished by death. The " Book of Sacred Instructions," whose sixteen discourses are read to the people twice every moon, incul- cates the doctrine again and again. " In our general conduct," it says, " not to be orderly is to fail in filial duty ; in serving our sovereign, not to be faithful, is to fail in filial duty ; in acting as a magistrate, not to be careful, is to fail in filial duty ; in the intercourse of friends, not to be sincere, is to fail in filial duty ; in arms and in war, not to be brave, is to fail in filial duty." In fact, obedience to parents, filial piety, and duty to superiors, are placed at the head of all moral excellence. Mr. Davis observes, that fathers have virtually the power of life and death over their children ; for, even if they kill them designedly, they are subject only to the chastisement of the bamboo and a year's banish- ment ; if struck by them, to no punishment at all. The penalty for striking parents, or for cursing them, is death, as among the Hebrews (Exod. xxi.). It does not appear that this absolute power bestowed on fathers is productive of evil ; the natural feeling being, on the whole, a sufficient security against its abuse. 34 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE IIo No. 4. Priest of Fuh, or Buddha, in full canonicals. 5. Priest of the Taou sect, in full dress. fi. Gentleman in complete mourning apparel. 7. Servant of the above, also in mourning dress. S. Chinese soldier with matchlock. !). Archer of the imperial army of the Tartar tribe. Circular Chinese shield, made of rattan. Various military weapons on the wall. The two sects whose ministers are here represented, are, properly speaking, the only religious sects in China. There is, indeed, a third — the Confucian — but its doctrines constitute a system rather of philosophy than of theology. It has no priesthood but the Emperor and his civil mandarins, no modern temples, and no regular worship. Having previously noticed the religion of Buddha, we subjoin the following account of the Taou sect, together with the philosophy of Confucius. The Taou, or Rational religion, is indigenous in China. This religio-philosophic sect is numerous, and consists of the fol- lowers of the doctrines of Laou-Keun-tsze, who lived 560 B.C. The founder of this system has been called the Epicurus of China ; and, in some points, there would seem to be a resemblance between the doctrines of the Chinese sage and the Grecian philosopher. He inculcated a contempt for riches and honours, and all worldly distinctions, and aimed, like Epicurus, at subduing every passion that could interfere with personal tranquillity and self-enjoyment. Accord- ing to Mr. Davis, however, they could not even pretend to despise death, and, therefore, studied magic and alchymy, in the hope of dis- covering some elixir or other means of prolonging life. In this they failed, of course. Some of the leaders of his sect are called " Doctors of Reason," and many of their tenets and traditions are of an extremely fanciful and absurd character. Many of the Chinese believe in fatalism ; while ghosts, spells, charms, omens, talismans, and divination, are quite common among them ; besides many other branches of the occult sciences are practised, as geomancy, chiromancy, fortune-telling, &c, by persons who exercise great influence over their credulous countrymen. Meanwhile the Confucians or followers of Confucius (Kung-foo- tsze), the Chinese philosopher, who flourished about 500 B.C., teach the practice of every moral virtue, and a deep veneration for God, or the King of Heaven. The worship and the 'philosophy, rather than the religion, ol' Confucius, is greatly patronised by persons of rank in China. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 25 There are 1,560 temples dedicated to him, and 02,000 pigs and rabbits annually sacrificed to his memory ; though his worship is also practised without temples or priests, or indeed any form of external worship — every one adoring the Supreme Being in the way he likes best. The system of Confucius is the state religion. The Emperor is Pontifex Maximus ; the mandarins form the only priesthood, and the whole body of literati are its adherents. The doctrines of the Confucians are embodied in nine classical or sacred books, called " The Four Books," and " The Five Canonical Works." These contain a complete body of rules, first, for the govern- ment of one's self, and the regulation of social intercourse ; secondly, for the government of a family, and the education of a community ; and, thirdly, for the government of an empire and the management of its complex machinery. The sententious brevity of style that characterises these celebrated productions, renders the meaning often obscure, and has induced a mass of commentaries of formidable bulk ; but it cannot be doubted that they contain many maxims just in sentiment, wise in policy, and admirably suited to the genius of the people, — maxims which have conferred merited immortality upon the memory of their author, and done more for the stability of the empire than all other causes combined. Confucius, however, avoided, almost entirely, strictly religious subjects. Dr. Morrison says, that he admitted he did not understand much con- cerning the gods; and he adds, that his most celebrated commentator, Choo-foo-tsze, affirmed that sufficient knowledge was not possessed to say positively that they existed. Thus, it will be seen, that the three religions of China are by no means uniform ; and are much blended one with the other — that a species of Epicurean philosophy prevails, that atheistical doctrines are derived from Full, and that their idolatry is accompanied by the most debasing, absurd, and superstitious bigotry, both in precept and practice, notwithstanding the wholesome restraints and sound ethics inculcated in the writings of Confucius. And yet, on the other hand, it is but justice to admit that the Chinese, with all the faults, metaphysical difficulties, contradictions and absurdi- ties of their religions, have entirely divested their worship of the cruelties and other abominations that deform the rites of the gods of Hindostan, and add a still deeper dye to the crimes of idolatry. Their mythology is perhaps quite as ridiculous as those of the Greeks and Romans, though certainly not so offensive to good morals as some parts of those systems. No Sabbath is observed by the Chinese, nor is it intimated in their divisions of time. It will, however, he interesting to the Christian world to learn that by some of the Chinese our Saviour, Ya-soo, is ranked 26 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF among the number of the gods; while all the better informed classes, consider Him as a just and perfect man. The Virgin Mary (Ma-le-ya, or Maria) being placed by them in the same class. The figure in this case, representing a mourner, is habited in coarse sackcloth, the universal mourning apparel in China. The shoes are white ; the hair and beard are permitted to grow unshaven ; and an odd species of head-gear surmounts the cranium. He is attended by a ser- vant, or " heel attendant ;" the word being derived from Kan, " the heel of the foot," which they call the root of the foot. In this person's hand is carried a mourning lantern, of which the Chinese exhibit an abun- dance in their funeral processions ; they are distinguished from all others by the presence of the emblematic white. The full period of mourning for a parent is three years, but this is commonly reduced in practice to twenty-seven months ; a shorter period is allotted for other relations. Three years must elapse after the death of a parent before a child is permitted to marry ; and a similar period is allowed as a cessa- tion from holding office. On the death of an emperor, his hundreds of millions of subjects mourn for him as children do for their parent. All officers of govern- ment take the ball and crimson silk from their caps. The active principle of filial duty and affection before spoken of, is aptly illustrated in the following idea — " to sleep upon straw, with a sod for the pillow," as the Chinese are taught to do when mourning for their parents. The soldier has on a huge pair of coarse blue nankeen trousers, and a red tunic of the same, with white facings. The cap is of quilted nan- keen, with the edge turned up, and a red knot at the top. More com- monly, it is either of rattan or bamboo painted, being in a conical shape, and well suited to ward off a blow. He is armed with a rude matchlock, the only kind of hand fire-arms known among the Chinese. These they consider inferior weapons to the bow and arrow. They may, perhaps, be so, considering their appearance and make. "We occasionally," says Mr. Davis, " saw specimens of the military who had the word yung — 1 valour,' inscribed on the breast." This might be all very well, — but when the same individuals turned round and displayed the identical word inscribed on their backs, the position seemed particularly unsuitable. There is hung up on the wall a shield, constructed of rattan turned spirally round a centre, very similar in shape and appearance to our circular basket lids. Besides the matchlock and shield, a variety of weapons, offensive and defensive, are in use in China; such as helmets, bows and arrows, cross-bows, spears, javelins, pikes, halberds, double and single swords, daggers, maces, a species of quilted armour of cloth studded with metal buttons, &c. o «] a a o B a > ► d w H THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 27 The standing army of the Celestial Empire numbers about 700,000 men, of whom 80,000 are Tartars, the rest native Chinese, with about 18,000 military mandarins of all grades. The principal officers of con- fidence and trust are Tartars, of whom a proportion constitute the cavalry. They receive a higher rate of pay for their services than their Chinese fellow soldiers. In the selection of both, none are chosen but the healthy and robust, and a preference is given to the most sightly. The pay and allowance of the soldiery exceed the usual earnings of common people ; hence it is, that to enlist into the " Army of Heaven," insures to the recruit more of the comforts of life than he would other- wise enjoy. The arms, accoutrements, and the upper garment, are furnished by the Emperor to each soldier. The pay of a Chinese horse- man is about three ounces and a third (heavier than European ounces) of silver {three taels) with an allowance of fifteen measures or rations of rice every lunar month. A Tartar horseman receives seven ounces of silver, and twenty measures of rice for the same period. A Chinese foot soldier has one ounce and G-10 of silver, and ten measures of rice; and a Tartar of the same rank receives two ounces of silver, and ten measures of rice every moon. In addition to the regular pay and allowance thus quoted, they receive donations from the Emperor on particular occa- sions; viz., when they marry, and also at the birth of male children. At the death of their parents, they obtain " a gift of consolation;" as do their families when the soldiers themselves die. A singular feature in regard to the military officers of China must not be omitted. They are all subject to corporal punishment, and very often experience it, together with the punishment of the cangue, or moveable pillory, consisting of a heavy frame of wood, sometimes of a hundred pounds in weight, according to the heinousness of the crime, with holes for the head and hands. This parental allotment of a certain quantum of flagellation and personal exposure, is occasionally the fate of the highest officers, and must certainly be regarded as a very odd way of improving their military character. The archer represents a Tartar in the imperial army. The bow and arrow appear to have been in use from the earliest period, and are still used as weapons in the " grand army." The bow is made of elastic wood and horn combined, with a string of silk strongly twisted and wrought. The strength of Chinese bows is estimated by the weight required to bend them, varying from about eighty to a hundred pounds. The string, in shooting, is held behind an agate or stone ring on the right thumb, the first joint of which is bent forward, and confined by the middle joint of the forefinger being pressed upon it. The head of the arrow is of a spear-like shape ; but others at the soldier's side are of a different construction, having a horn tube at the point, perforated with 28 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF holes, which, when discharged from the bow, produce a whistling sound as they pass through the air — these are for amusement only. The visiter will observe at his feet, a cross-bow of ancient make but simple construction. The arrows used in this are short, and are dropped into the small aperture to receive them, and discharged successively with the greatest rapidity. Archery has always, from very remote times, been held in high esti- mation, and much cultivated by the Chinese. It is now, however, looked upon rather as an elegant accomplishment for gentlemen and military men, like fencing among some Europeans, than as a measure of defence or offence in actual warfare, when recourse is had to fire arms and swords. The bow is used in the army, on board ship, and in gym- nastic exercises. Practising archery on horseback is regarded as a high attainment, and is described with care in Chinese books treating of tactics. If numbers were the evidence of strength, China, in a military point of view, would be most formidable. Her exclusive system for so many centuries, though it has no doubt saved her much blood and treasure, has been the principal cause of her want of discipline and science in modern tactics. Courage and personal bravery are seldom found when these are wanting. Industry and cheerfulness are their characteristics ; good materials for a government. Of artillery they know next to nothing. They have no gun-carriages, their cannon being fixed immoveably in one position. When the Sylph and Amherst sailed up the coast, the Chinese soldiers threw up numerous mounds of earth, which they white- washed to give them the appearance of tents ! The costume of the Chinese, as displayed in the figures of this Col- lection, form an interesting subject of observation. The dress of every grade of society in China is fixed by usage. Persons in the lower classes w r ear coarse and dark-coloured fabrics ; while those who have been more favoured in the accidents of birth and fortune, seek the grati- fication of their taste in rich and costly silks, satins, furs, broadcloths, and embroidery. There is a great variety in the dresses ; yet the general model is not departed from, the usual articles being an under vest, drawers, a long gown or pelisse buttoning in front, stockings, and shoes. The shoes are singular; generally of embroidered cloth, some- times the uppers being of one colour, sometimes another. The lower portion of the soles is leather made of hogs' skins, while the intermediate space, commonly about an inch in thickness, is filled up with bamboo paper, with the edge painted white. They are quite light, notwith- standing their clumsy appearance. The Chinese have no covering for the hands li' ^ gloves; the hands being protected by the length of the sleeves, whkh terminate in a form well adapted for this purpose. The THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 29 Chinese seem to have a great partiality for blue in their costume. Fre- quently the whole garment is of this colour ; and even when such is not the case, the collar, cuffs, and lower edges of the drawers are, for the most part, of the favourite hue. The wealthier Chinese are extravagantly fond of showy dresses, and a well-provided wardrobe is an object of great pride. Handsome gar- ments often descend, as an heirloom, from generation to generation, and constitute the chief riches of a family. A deficiency of clean body-linen is not regarded as a calamity by a Chinaman. A fair outside is what he mainly covets, being little heedful of either the quality or condition of what is underneath. The change from a summer to a winter costume, and vice versa, is made simultaneously throughout an entire province, the viceroy setting the example by assuming the cap appropriate to the season. There is, therefore, one great fault in Chinese costume, namely, a want of linen or white cotton — little of which is worn. Though their garments of light silk will bear washing, they are not so cleanly as linen. No sheets are used in their beds, and no cloths are spread upon their tables. The skins of animals are used for winter apparel, particularly lamb skins from Tartary, some of which are of a very extravagant price, and many of the Chinese furs are extremely handsome. gzm CABl IIIo No. 10. Literary gentleman in summer costume. 11. Another gentlkman similarly attired. 12. Another gentleman with a fan. 13. Servant handing a book. 11. Mandarin of the fourth class. \~>. Servant. A pair of Chinese book-cases. Silk scrolls on the wall. This case contains a group of three literati in summer costume. Their dresses, which are light and free, contrast advantageously with those tight and high-collared garments with which fashion obliges us to encumber ourselves. The dress of the figure on the right hand exposes an embroidered pad or covering for the knee. These appear to have been formerly worn on special occasions only, when having to kneel much at 30 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF the rites of sacrifice. Similar coverings are now commonly worn by Chinese gentlemen, being always compelled to kneel in the presence of the officers of government. This figure is represented as reading aloud a translation of iEsop's Fables. The visiter will observe, in the hand of this philosopher, what he would naturally take for a smelling-bottle, but what is really a receptacle for snuff. Tobacco in all the forms of its preparation is extensively used; transmuted into snuff, it is carried, not in boxes, but in small bottles with stoppers, to which there is attached a little spoon or shovel. With this they take out the pungent dust, and place it upon the back of the left hand, near the lower joint of the thumb, whence it is snuffed up to the olfactories, there to perform its titillating office. Tobacco is said to have been introduced with the Yuen dynasty, A.D. 1300. A part of the furniture of this case consists of a pair of Chinese book- cases made of ebony, the panels and other parts of which are beautifully carved and highly polished. The books are kept in the lower section, where they are protected from dust by doors in front; the upper section is an open cabinet, divided into five unequal compartments, set off by divers ornamental articles. The books are placed in an horizontal posi- tion, and the titles are written on the end instead of the back, each work of several volumes being preserved in an envelope or case of blue nan- keen or silk. Between the book-cases are suspended on the wall, a pair of silk scrolls bearing the following maxims: — " The Sages taught four things — letters — morality — fidelity — truth,'" and " The highest pleasure is not equal to the study of letters." The education and literature of the " Celestial Empire," form, beyond comparison, the most interesting and instructive point of view in which the Chinese can be contemplated. We cannot, indeed, praise the kind of education practised in China. The studies are confined to one unvaried routine, and to deviate in the smallest degree from the prescribed track, would be regarded as something worse than mere eccentricity. Science, properly speaking, is not cultivated at all. There is no advancement, no thirsting after fresh achievements of knowledge, no bold and prying investigations into the mysteries of nature. Chemistry, physiology, astronomy, and natural philosophy, are therefore at a low ebb. The instruction given in their schools is almost wholly of a moral and political complexion, being designed solely to teach the subjects of the empire their duties. Within the allotted circle all are educated, all must be educated. According to Mr. Davis, a statute was in existence two thou- sand years ago, which required that every town and village, down even to a few families, should have a common school; and one work, of a date anterior to the Christian era, speaks of the " ancient system of THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 31 instruction." There are annual examinations in the provinces, and triennial examinations at Pekin which are resorted to by throngs of ambitious students. At these examinations, all who choose (excepting menial servants, their children, or grandchildren ; inferior police officers, called Ya-Yiih; and theatricals) may attend. These persons are also excluded from obtaining any of the above ranks. The prohibition, including menial servants, excludes a large number of persons. If such a person, however, becomes wealthy, the law is often invaded. To superintend the examinations, two persons, called Choo-kaou, are deputed from Pekin. The present dynasty, which takes great pains in training a standing army, has introduced a similar examination, and similar titles amongst the military. The whole empire is a university, a mighty laboratory of scholars. The happy men who pass successfully through the several necessary ordeals are honoured with distinctions. They are feasted at the expense of the nation ; their names and victories are published throughout the empire ; they are courted and caressed ; and they become, ipso facto, eligible to all the offices within the gift of the sovereign. The most learned are appointed to the highest degree of literary rank, the "Han-lin,"* or membership of the national college. All this means that the Emperor may "pluck out the true talent" of the land, and employ it in the administration of his government. The fourteen thousand civil mandarins are, almost without exception, the beaux esprits — the best scholars of the realm. The highest literary graduate is entitled to wear a white stone brought from India, called " Chay hew," on the cap, as a distin- guishing mark. The success of a literary examination is by them termed " plucking a branch of the fragrant olive," denoting the attain- ment of the rank of " Keu-jin ;" because that flower is in blossom in autumn, when the examination occurs. Educated talent here enjoys its just consideration. All other titles to respect, all other qualifications for office, are held as naught compared with this. This, undoubtedly, in connexion with the rigid enforcement of the doctrine of respon- sibility, is the true secret of the greatness and prosperity, the stability and repose of the Celestial Empire. For, as Dr. Milne truly remarks, they are the ambitious who generally overturn governments ; but in China there is a road open to the ambitious, without the dreadful alternative of revolutionizing the country. It is merely required of a man that he should give some proof of the possession of superior abilities ; certainly not an unreasonable requisition. * The term " Ilan-lin-yuen " (a college instituted in the time of Tang) signifies "the Forest of Pencils." 32 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF The Chinese are a reading people, and the number of their pub- lished works is very considerable. In the departments of morals, history, biography, the drama, poetry, and romance, there is no lack of writings, " such as they are." The Chinese " Materia Medica," of Le-she-chan, comprises forty octavo volumes. Of statistical works the number is also very large. Their novels are said to be, many of them, excellent pictures of the national manners. The plot is often complex, the incidents natural, and the characters well sustained. China has had, too, her Augustan age of poetry. It is remarkable that this brilliant epoch in Chinese letters was during the eighth century of our era, when almost the whole of Europe was sunk in gross ignorance and barbarism. We subjoin a single specimen of Chinese poetry, in a touching little piece, published in the second volume of the Royal Asiatic Transactions, and written 3000 years ago. Besides the pleasure its intrinsic beauty will afford, it offers a convincing proof of the substantial identity of human feelings in all times and countries. The piece bemoans the fate of a maiden, betrothed to an humbler rival, but compelled to become the bride of a rich and powerful suitor : — 1. The nest yon winged artist builds, Some robber bird shall tear away; So yields her hopes the affianced maid, Some wealthy lord's reluctant prey. 2. The fluttering bird prepares a home, In which the spoiler soon shall dwell ; Forth goes the weeping bride, constrained ; A hundred cars the triumph swell. 3. Mourn for the tiny architect, A stronger bird hath ta'en its nest ; Mourn for the hapless, stolen bride, How vain the pomp to soothe her breast ! In education, the Chinese glory is the inculcation of social and political duties. Their teaching is chiefly by authority. Hence the great use made of maxims. These are suspended upon the walls of every apartment, where they are constantly seen and read from early childhood to decrepit age. They say, " Good sayings are like pearls strung together : inscribe them on the walls of your dwelling, and regard them night and day as wholesome admonitions." The fourth principal figure in this case, is a mandarin of the fourth class, seated on a portable chair, called by the natives " Ma cha." THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 33 The costume of this mandarin is far inferior to those of the two principal figures in Case No. 1 ; his long silk petticoat is fastened round the waist by means of a belt, which is united in front by a clasp. The visiter will notice a variety of accoutrements attached to this belt, rather military in their appearance, but not at all so in reality. In fact, a Chinese never goes armed, as the jealousy of the government has denied the privilege of wearing arms to all except the soldiers on parade. The appendages referred to are, therefore, altogether peaceful, such as a silk fan-sheath, embroidered tobacco-pouches, &c. The cap is cone-shaped, but not turned up at the edge ; having crimson silk, pendant from the crowning ball. This is a summer cap. This officer is attentively listening to the fable, and is apparently in the full enjoyment of that calm and tranquil state of mind, which the almost universal custom of smoking tobacco is thought to produce. The servant is standing behind his superior, and presenting to him a red- covered official document. He is attired in a gown and spencer of dark nankeen, the common material of the dresses of the lower orders. S-Q&&&- CASE IY, No. 16. A Chinese lady of rank, with fan. 17. Another lady preparing to smoke. 18. Another with a guitar. 19 & 20. two female domestics. 21 & 22. Mother and boy of the middle class. 23. Daughter of the above. Chinese table, handsomely carved, gilt, and painted. Specimen of citron, or finger fruit. (Citrus Sacodaciylus.) Superbly embroidered silk screen to door. Lanterns suspended from the ceiling. The fourth case introduces us to a group of Chinese beauties. We have here three ladies of rank, in full costume. Their hair, which is turned up on the back of the head in bunches, and fastened with two bodkins crosswise, is gaily adorned with wreaths of flowers. There is considerable variety in their dresses, but they are all of the richest materials, and magnificently embroidered. They are exceedingly modest and becoming, concealing entirely the contour of the person. The expo- sure which fashion allows to European and American ladies, would be regarded by the Chinese women as a flagrant offence against true c 34 • DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF modesty. The " Golden water lilies," — " Kin-leen," as the small feet are called, figure, we cannot say " largely," but interestingly, in these fair ones. Their hands are very delicate; their eyebrows gracefully arched ; their features regular and oval ; their noses too flat for beauty ; but the. whole countenance, though rather pretty, and certainly not unamiable, is deficient in strength of expression. Their occupations are characteristic, one of them is fingering a guitar, another is smoking, while the third is amusing herself with a fan. From the waist depends the never absent tobacco-pouch, elegant in material, form, and work- manship. Each has three plain rings in either ear. The footstools upon which their " golden lilies" rest, are covered with embroidered silk. This case also contains two female domestics, Nos. 19 & 20, with feet of the natural size. One of them is bringing tea to her mistress, in a cup with a saucer-like cover, having just entered through a door- way, from the lintel of which hangs a superbly embroidered silk screen reaching down to the threshold, which is common in China. The usual mode of making tea in China, is to place a few leaves in each cup, and pour boiling water upon them. The cups are always provided with tops, to preserve the delicate aroma of the tea, and the infusion is drank without admixture of any kind. The lanterns suspended from the ceiling of this and the adjoining case (No. 5) are of a different character from those displayed in any other part of the saloon. They are constructed of a light frame-work of wire, and are covered with a thin gauze, glazed with the tenacious jelly or glue, made from the Gigartina tenax, a marine fucus, brought to China from the Indian Archipelago. These whimsical devices are gaily painted, and represent fishes, birds, &c. The women of China, as in all other countries not blessed with Chris- tianity, occupy a rank in society far inferior to that of the men. Never- theless, their place on the social scale is higher, their influence greater, and their treatment better than can be affirmed of the sex in any other Asiatic nation. Of school education the mass receive none, though there are occasionally shining exceptions ; but Gutzlaff ascribes to them the possession of a large share of common sense, and says that they make devoted wives and tender mothers. In the education of females, the first object of attention is their vir- tue; the second is their language; the third is their deportment; and the fourth, their appropriate employment. The generality of Chinese ladies cannot boast of great beauty. They make a free use of rouge, and this article is always among the presents to a bride on the occasion of her nuptials. The distinguishing marks of personal attractions among the Chinese, in a gentleman are a large person, inclining to corpulency, a full glossy face, and large pendant ears ; THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 35 the latter indicating high breeding and fortune. In females it is nearly the reverse, delicate forms are in them highly esteemed, having slender "willow waists." The eyes are termed "silver seas;" the eye-brows are frequently removed, and in their stead a delicately curved pencil line is drawn, resembling the leaf of the willow " Lew shoo," which is consi- dered beautiful, and used metaphorically for " Pleasure." Hence the saying — "deceived and stupified by willows and flowers;" i. e. by dissolute pleasures. In what circumstances the "golden lilies," the highest of personal attractions, originated, is not known. It is said, that it arose in the time of the Woo-tae, or five dynasties ; that Le-how- choo ordered his concubine, Yaou, to bind her foot with silk and cause it to appear small, andjin the shape of the new moon. The distortion is produced by turning the toes under the soles of the feet at birth, and confining them in that position by tight bandages, till their growth is effectually checked. The bandaging is continued through life, and the poor child suffers the most excruciating tortures. This is, no doubt, an absurb, cruel, and wicked practice; but those who dwell in glass houses should not throw stones. It is not a whit worse, nay, we maintain that it is less irrational and injurious, than the abomination of tight lacing. No vital part is here attacked, no vital functions disordered ; and on the score of taste, if the errors of Nature are to be rectified, and her graceful lines and proportions improved, we see not why the process of amendment may not be as reasonably applied to the feet as to the waist. Almost every family in China, however poor, has one daughter with the small feet, else she could not become a first wife. Head-dresses of natural and artificial flowers are always worn. No woman is so poor as to neglect, or so aged as to give up adorning herself in this manner. The culture of flowers for this purpose is a regular occupation throughout the country. The Chinese ladies in dressing their hair, make use of shavings cut from resinous wood, which being dipped in warm water the gum is drawn out and diluted, and then by applying them to the hair, the for- mation required is effected, as in the figures here represented. Wives are distinguished from unmarried females, by the latter allow- ing the hair near the forehead to hang down towards the eye-brows, as in the figure of the young girls in this case, while the former have theirs bound together upon the crown of the head. Among the accomplishments of the Chinese ladies, music, painting on silk, and embroidery, hold the chief places. The musical instruments are various in kind and material, and a supply of them is held to be an indispensable part of the furniture of a lady's boudoir. Painting on silk is a very common recreation ; and embroidery is an almost universal accomplishment. c 2 3G DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE ¥o No. 24. Tragedian in splendid costume. 25 & 26. two juvenile actors, to perform the part of female characters. 27. Chinese juggler. Parasol used on state occasions. Magnificent specimen of embroidered tapestry. Numerous specimens of theatrical c.ips on the wall. In the fifth case we have a specimen of Chinese theatricals. There are three figures of actors, an adult and two children, a Chinese juggler, a gorgeous state parasol, a number of theatrical caps, and a sample of embroidered tapestry. The costume of the Chinese stage is sufficiently appropriate to the characters represented, and on most occasions ex- tremely splendid. Gay silks and embroidery are lavished on the dresses of the actors, and as most of the serious plays are historical, and for obvious reasons do not touch on events that have occurred since the Tartar conquest, the costume, as in the case of the tragedian here repre- sented, shews the ancient dress of China, which, in females, is nearly the same now as ever ; but, as regards men, very different. The splendour of Chinese theatrical wardrobes was remarked by Ysbrandt Ides, the Russian ambassador, as long ago. as 1692. The dresses and adorn- ments of the actors here represented, are of rich materials and elegantly wrought with gold thread. Theatrical exhibitions are favourite amusements of the Chinese, and as among the ancient Greeks and Romans, they are chiefly, in China, connected with religion. The estimation in which they are held may be inferred from a single fact. The money expended upon them in one year at Macao, a place where there are but few wealthy Chinese, amounted to nearly seven thousand dollars. It is remarkable that there are no regular theatres. The actors are literally vagabonds, strolling about from city to city, and from province to province. In Canton, for example, the inhabitants of a certain quarter club together and make up a purse, with which a company is engaged. A temporary theatre is erected, and the whole neighbour- hood at liberty to attend. When the quid pro quo has been rendered by the actors, they move off to another quarter, and the same thing is repeated. It is customary to employ actors at private entertainments, which are never considered complete without a theatrical exhibition. Upon such occasions a list of plays is handed to the most distinguished THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 37 guest, who selects whichever most accords with his fancy. The principal inns and all large private establishments have a room expressly for this purpose. Females are not allowed to appear upon the stage. Visiters will perceive in the figure of the juggler, one of a large class of persons, who obtain a precarious livelihood by an exhibition of feats of dexterity and legerdemain. Jugglers are numerous in the streets of Canton, and are as varied in caste as the different feats they perform. The person here represented ranks high in his profession. On his head is placed a porcelain jar, having a narrow mouth. This jar is so nicely poised in an angular position, that the slightest movement of the jug- gler's head, or even the relaxation of a muscle, would cause a fall of the fragile burthen. In the right hand of the artiste are several pieces of bamboo, each about two feet in length. The main object to be achieved by the juggler, is, while he is standing perfectly still, to throw these pieces of bamboo to a great height with his left hand, in such a direc- tion that they all fall into the jar. This manoeuvre requires immense practice and steadiness, both of the eye and hand. The amusements of a people have ever been regarded as indications, to a certain extent, of national character, denoting their boldness, sim- plicity, or frivolity. Thus, the bull-fights of Spain, the boxing matches and prize fights of England, and the juggling and sports of China, are all in harmony with the chief, but widely different, traits of those nations where they are adopted as recreations. With this view, we proceed to mention a few other exploits of the most adroit Chinese exhibiters to the wondering crowd. A man produces from a basket the stuffed skin of a rat; this he exhibits to the multitude, and convinces them that it is exactly what he represents it to be. By placing the throat of the supposed animal between his finger and thumb, and pinching it, the jaws of the rat are forced open, and so exactly will the juggler imitate the squeak of a choking rat, that an observer, particularly if he be a foreigner, will at once suspect that he had been deceived as to the want of vitality in the apparently tortured animal before him. With a sin- gularity and quickness of motion altogether admirable, the exhibitor tosses it about his person, giving it the exact semblance of a rat endea- vouring to escape from the fangs of the destroyer ; and at the same time uttering such piercing and natural cries of distress, that the beholder is at last only convinced of the man's skill in ventriloquism, by an exami- nation of the inanimate skin. " The following scene occurred in the drawing room of a foreign resident at Canton. Two jugglers were introduced before the company assembled; after going through a number of surprising feats of skill and agility, one of these men handed to the other a large china basin. This basin, after a few flourishes above his head, and being turned 38 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF upside clown to convince the spectators that it was empty, the exhibiter suddenly allowed it to fall, but caught it before it reached the floor. This movement brought him into "a position resting upon his heels, the basin being now hidden from view by the folds of his garment. In that attitude he remained for a few seconds, with hands extended, but in no way touching the basin. With a sudden spring he stood up- right, and displayed to the astonished spectators the basin filled to the brim with pure clear water, and two gold fishes swimming in their native element. Another feat worthy of record, is one of a more exciting and thrilling nature. To be impressed on the mind with full effect, it should be seen under circumstances similar to those which attended the exhibition of it to the relater. Passing a motley crowd of persons in a public square near the foreign factories, the writer had his attention directed to a man apparently haranguing the bystanders. Prompted by curiosity, he soon found the performer to be a mean-looking person, who divested himself of his outer clothing as far as the waist. He spread a small mat upon the pavement, and taking a boy from the crowd, who was after- wards discovered to be his confederate ; he placed him in the centre of the rush mat. He then took from his basket a large butcher's knife, which he flourished over the head of the frightened boy, and with dreadful threats sprang upon his victim. The boy was thrown down, and the man knelt on him in such a manner as to secure his hands. Whilst in this position, he forced back the head of the poor child, and with the knife inflicted a severe gash upon his throat, from which the blood instantly gushed in a torrent, flowing down the breast of the mur- derer, and sprinkling the nearest spectators. The death-throes of the poor sufferer were painful to behold ; frightful and convulsive in their commencement, but diminishing with the loss of blood. The eye-balls start — the muscles are seen to work — there are twitches of the fingers — desperate efforts to free the confined arms — a change of colour in the face to an ashy paleness — a fixed and glassy stare of the eyes — then, a long, last spasmodic heaving and contortion, and all is over ; the body falls apparently a corpse ! On witnessing such a strange and revolting scene, the first impulse of the stranger, despite the surrounding crowd, was to seize the mur- derous culprit, but from this he was prevented by the deafening shouts of the applauding multitude, testifying their approbation of the dex- terity of the performers, by a shower of "cash." It is almost super- fluous to add, that the deception, aided by the admirable acting of the boy, consisted in the construction of the blade and handle of the knife ; so contrived, that by making a sawing motion on the throat of the boy, to produce a stream of coloured liquid resembling blood, pumped out of THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 39 the knife and handle. These and many other rare sights of the kind are daily practised for the amusement of the idle crowd in the streets of Canton. But, however ingenious the deception of some of these persons may appear, the jugglers from Nankin have a still higher reputation among their own countrymen. Several of their feats of skill and daring are, to the uninitated, truly astonishing, for instance : — Two men from Nan- kin appear in the streets of Canton, the one places his back against a stone wall, or wooden fence; the upper part of his person is divested of clothing. His associate, armed with a large knife, retires to a distance, say from 100 to 200 feet. At a given signal, the knife is thrown with an unerring aim in the direction of the person opposite, to within a hair's breadth of his neck, immediately below his ear. With such cer- tainty of success is the blow aimed, and so great is the confidence reposed by the one in the skill of the other, that not the slightest uneasiness is discernible in the features of him, whose life is a forfeit to the least deviation on the part of the practitioner. This feat is again and again performed, and with similar success, only varying the direction of the knife to the opposite side of the neck of the exposed person, or to any other point of proximity to the living target as the spectators may desire. Another, and the last feat to be mentioned, is equally exciting. A man is armed with an instrument, resembling a trident, or what is termed by sailors, "grains;" to which formidable weapon is attached a long- handle of hard wood. The juggler, with surprising strength of arm, throws this weapon perpendicularly into the air to a great height ; as it gains the greatest elevation, he measures with a practised eye and won- derful precision the exact spot on which it will fall. To this point he advances step by step ; in an instant the weapon descends with fearful velocity, scraping the edges of some protruding part of his person; thus giving proof of a singular daring, and successful effort, which surpasses in skill even the most celebrated rifle shots of the hunters of Kentucky. The large parasol in this case, beautifully enriched with embroidery and gold thread, is one of those carried on state occasions by the attendants of the officers of government. Parasols and umbrellas were first mentioned in books published about A.D. 300. It is said, that they took their rise from standards and banners waving loosely in the air. Some notice of the other national amusements will not be out of place here. The Chinese have fewer holidays than perhaps any other people; yet they have a number of festivals, which are enjoyed with a keen relish. The chief of these is the Feast of the New Year, which occurs on the first day of the first moon (about the middle of February), a species of Saturnalia, when the whole empire abandons itself to a 40 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF frenzy of merriment. All labour is intermitted for several days ; public business is suspended for forty days, that the prescribed ceremonials may be duly observed with appropriate solemnity and etiquette ; servants are dressed out in all the finery at their command ; visits of ceremony and presents are interchanged among friends ; the rites of religion are conducted with unusual pomp ; and, in short, gaiety and pleasure are the reigning divinities. On this day persons proceed from the temple with a lighted candle, with the superstitious impression that if they succeed in reaching their homes without extinguishing the light, that they will be prosperous during the year. They are, however, apparently regardless of any inauspicious omen, and will return to the temple again and again, to relight their candles, and, as it were, to compel the fates to terminate their labours by a more successful attempt. The Feast of Lanterns, which occurs soon after this, is a general illumination throughout the empire. The object seems to be to afford an occasion for the display of ingenuity and taste in the construction and mechanism of an infinite variety of lanterns. It is computed that, upon this occasion, there are not less than 200,000,000 blazing at the same time in different parts of the empire. The brillancy of this beau- tiful festival cannot be adequately conveyed to the mind or fancy of a reader, even by the most glowing powers of description. There are several agricultural festivals; an annual trial of skill in boat- racing; a festival in honour of the dead; and a sort of general thanksgiving, a holiday highly enjoyed, which takes place in September, at the commencement of the business year. Gaming prevails among the lower orders, but so much infamy at- taches to gamblers, that government officers and the more respectable of the people are free from this taint. They have a saying, that " gambling is allied to robbery." Dominoes, cards, dice, and chess, are favourite games. The venders of fruit often gamble with purchasers in the fol- lowing manner : — A boy wishes a half dozen oranges. The fruit and half the price demanded for it are laid down together. Recourse is then had to the dice-box. If the urchin throws the highest number, he pockets his money again, and gets the fruit for nothing ; if the seller, he in like manner sweeps the stakes, and the disappointed gamester may whistle for oranges, or try his fortune elsewhere. Quails are trained for fighting, and also a species of cricket. Two of these insects are placed in a bowl together, and irritated by a straw, when they attack each other with great violence, though the combat does not usually end in the death of either, but in the retreat of one. Hundreds of dollars are staked on the result of these miniature conflicts, and large sums are often paid for victorious warriors. The gamesters fight them for cakes, but in their w V. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 41 slang dialect, each cake is understood to mean a certain sum of money. Fire-works, and the tricks of jugglers, tumblers, rope-dancers, &c, are greatly relished. Of out-door games, the most popular is kite-flying. In this the Chinese excel. They shew their superiority as well in the curious con- struction of their kites, as in the height to which they make them mount. By means of round holes, supplied with vibrating cords, their kites are made to produce a loud humming noise, like that of a top. The ninth day of the ninth moon is a holiday especially devoted to this national pastime, on which day numbers may be seen repairing to the hills for the purpose of kite-flying, which after amusing themselves with, they let fly wherever the wind may carry them, and give their kites and cares at once to the wind. It is said that, in ancient times, a kind of foot-ball was introduced into " the army of Heaven," as an exercise for the soldiers. A game at shuttlecock, in which the feet serve as battledores, is also a favourite " field sport." In Pekin, during the winter, skating, and other amuse- ments on the ice, in which the Emperor takes a part, are among the national exercises. --^^— N CASE VIo No. 27. Itinerant barber at his avocation, with his whole apparatus. 28. Itinerant shoemaker, at his work, with work-bench, basket, tools, lamp, &c. 29. Travelling blacksmith, with anvil, furnace, bellows, &c. 30. Chinese boatwoman, carrying a child on her back in the usual MODE. 31. Another boatwoman, with pipe, mother of the above. On the wall are several specimens of bamboo hats and rush coals, worn by the lower classes in rain;/ weather. Specimens of ploughs, harrows, axes, hues, rakes, forks, shovels, spades, flails, mattocks, fyc, fyc. Tliesc implements ore, for the most part, simple and rude. They are made chiefly of wood, and merely shod with iron On the wall arc also displayed two fishing nets, made of a peculiar kind of hemp ; also fishing troops. This case presents to the visiter's observation some singular specimens of Chinese life. We have in it an itinerant barber, shoemaker, and black- smith, and two boatwomen, one of whom is carrying an infant on her back. The barbers in China are a numerous class. Every town is thronged with them. According to their records, the number of the 42 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF fraternity in Canton, in 1834, was no less than 7,300. The reason of this large number is, that, as the head, as well as the face, is shaven, no Chinaman ever shaves himself. The barbers are all ambulatory ; and no one is allowed to discharge the duties of tonsor until he has obtained a license ; each carries his shop on his back, and performs his opera- tions tonsorial in the open street. The usual implements are a stool, provided with a case of drawers, and a kind of tub, with a small char- coal furnace and a basin. We have the apparatus here complete. The operation is generally performed in perfect silence, a fact meriting the attention of our own practitioners in this line. The razor is a clumsy- looking affair, but is said to shave sufficiently well. It is sharpened on iron. No soap is used, the beard being softened by the application of hot water alone. The compensation is left entirely to the employer's generosity ; it is commonly from five to ten cash. In passing through the streets of Canton the barbers employ a peculiar call to gain the attention of the passing throng. The instrument used resembles a pair of long iron tweezers, having the connecting part made thin and broad, so that when twanged the tines will prolong the vibration. All trades in China are licensed, and none but a licensed and acknowledged work- man can be employed. The ambulatory shoemaker, with his rude tools and his enormous spectacles, is a study for a painter. He carries with him, in a basket, wherever he goes, all his implements, together with his whole stock in trade. A fan and a pipe, without which, it would almost seem, a Chinaman could not exist — complete his equipment. The visiter will notice the novel manner in which our shoemaker's spectacles are kept in their place. This is effected by no greater expen- diture of ingenuity than is involved in passing a loop fastened to the ends of the spectacles round each ear. They are sometimes retained in their position by silver cords slung over the ears, to which small weights are attached, to preserve the equilibrium. The glasses, or rather crystals, (for rock crystal, ground with the powder of corundum, supplies the place of glass), are perfectly circular in shape, and of enormous dimen- sions, which gives the wearer a very sapient appearance. By the side of the honest cobbler, we have an itinerant blacksmith, — par mobile fratrum. He also, when inclined to try his fortune in a new place, stows forge, bellows, anvil, tools, &c, into a basket, which he slings over his shoulder, and thus takes up his line of march. This figure, with the implements and appliances that surround it, will attract special notice. The anvil, instead of having a flat surface, is slightly rounded on the top, which causes the iron to extend more readily under the hammer. The bellows is a hollow cylinder, with a piston so contrived, that the blast produced by it is continuous ; with these simple means THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 43 he will repair cast iron vessels when cracked, — an art, so far as we know, not possessed by any other nation. The female figures in this case represent a large class in China, viz., the hoatwomen. One of them has an infant on her back, who finds a convenient handle to hold by in her long plaited cue. She carries also a painted block of wood, resembling a gourd, which it is usual to attach to the backs of young children who live in the boats, to prevent them from sinking, in case of falling overboard, till help can be afforded. The huge bamboo hats suspended on the wall of this case, deserve to be noticed. The bamboo is as useful to the Chinese as the rein- deer is to the Laplander. Of this gigantic grass, or reed, there are numerous varieties, and the uses to which it is applied are quite as various. Hats, baskets, shields, umbrellas, ornamental furniture, measures, ropes, paper, poles for scaffolding, temporary theatres, &c, are constructed of bambdo. The young shoots are used for food, being boiled, and sweatmeats are sometimes made of them. The small branches serve as pipe-stems ; and for every purpose wherein strength, combined with lightness is required, they are admirably suited, being formed upon the same principle as the bones of birds. Farmers make great use of the bamboo, many of their implements being formed of it ; and a silicious concretion (tabasheer), found in the joints, is an item in the Chinese materia medica. The rush cloak upon the wall is made of the leaves of the bamboo, to keep off the rain ; called by the natives " So e," " a garment of leaves." The poor wear a coarse kind ; government couriers use a finer sort, which are compressed into a small compass when not worn. Umbrellas also, made of reeds and bamboo leaves, are used in rainy weather, and as a protection from the sun, by the keepers of stalls for the sale of articles in the open air. The most cursory account of the Celestial Empire, should include some notice of its agriculture. Of all classes who labour with their hands, the husbandman is there the most honoured, being accounted second only to the literati of the realm. Nothing appears so strongly to have roused the wonder of the early missionaries to China, as the agri- cultural skill of the natives ; and in nothing, perhaps, did they so much indulge in exaggeration, as in their accounts of it. But whatever abate- ments truth may require to be made from their glowing descriptions, there can hardly be a doubt that the Chinese manage to get more out of an acre of ground than any other nation, the English alone excepted. It is stated on the authority of Amiot, that the cultivated lands of the country amount to about 596,172,500 English acres. This immense territory is divided into patches of a few acres eacli, generally owned by the occupants. A rigid economy of soil is practised. With the exception 44 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF of the royal gardens at Pekin, no land in the empire is taken up with parks and pleasure-grounds. Of meadows there are none ; of pasture- grounds, scarcely any. The few ruminating animals, scattered thinly over the country, gather a scanty subsistence, as best they may, on mountains and marshes unfit for cultivation. As wheel carriages are seldom used but in the north, the highways are but a few feet wide, and nothing is thrown away there. No fences are allowed to encumber the soil, no hedges to prey upon its strength. Sepulchres are always on hills too barren for cultivation. A narrow foot-path separates neighbouring farms, and porcelain landmarks define more permanently their respective limits. Even the sterile mountains are terraced into fertility, and glow with ripening harvests, intermingled with the brilliant foliage of clustering fruit trees. But their economising of the soil is not more rigid than the methods by which they seek to preserve or renovate its strength are new and various. Necessity may here truly be said to have been the mother of invention. Every conceivable substance, possessing any enriching qualities, is here converted into a manure. Not only lime, ashes, dung of animals, &c, but hair of all kinds, barber's shavings, horns and bones reduced to powder, soot, night soil, the cakes that remain after the expression of their vegetable oil, plaster of old kitchens, and all kinds of vegetable and animal refuse, are among the substances used as manures. These are all carefully collected and husbanded, being frequently kept in cisterns constructed for the purpose, or in earthern vessels sunk in the ground, where, covered with straw to prevent evaporation, and diluted with a sufficient quantity of water, they are left to undergo the putre- factive fermentation, after which they are applied to the land. The Chinese understand well the enriching effect of frequent plough- ings.* Horses or oxen are rarely attached to their ploughs ; more commonly a small species of buffalo ; and oftener still, men and women. Frequently the plough is not used at all, the spade and hoe supplying its place. In the irrigation of their lands, they display great ingenuity and diligence. Their numerous rivers are here of essential utility. In no country in the world is agriculture more encouraged, or deemed more honourable than in China. Not only does the Emperor himself plough a piece of land once a year, in public (in imitation of Shin-nung, " the divine husbandman "), but he is looked up to as pecu- liarly the patron and father of those who cultivate the soil, and upon him devolves a peculiar responsibility in invoking the gods, as will be * Sir Joseph Banks expresses his surprise that this principle is not turned to greater account by the Europeans. Repeated ploughings are almost the only fertilising process known among the Hindoos. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 45 seen by the following prayer, offered up by the present Emperor, Taou-Kwang, during the dearth of 1832. " I, the minister of Heaven, am placed over mankind, and made responsible for keeping the world in order and tranquilising the people. Unable as I am to sleep or eat with composure, scorched with grief, and trembling with anxiety, still no genial and copious showers have descended. I ask myself whether, in sacrificial services, I have been remiss ; whether pride and prodigality bave had a place in my heart, springing up there unobserved ; whether, from length of time, I have become careless in the affairs of government ; whether I have uttered irreverent words and deserved reprehension ; whether perfect equity has been attained in conferring rewards and inflicting punishments ; whether, in raising mausoleums and laying out gardens, I have distressed the people and wasted property ; whether, in the appointment of officers, I have failed to obtain fit persons, and thereby rendered govern- ment vexatious to the people ; whether the oppressed have found no means of appeal ; whether the largesses conferred on the afflicted Southern Provinces were properly applied, or the people left to die in the ditches. Prostrate I beg imperial Heaven to pardon my ignorance and dullness, and to grant me self-renovation ; for myriads of innocent people are involved by me, a single man. My sins are so numerous, that it is hopeless to escape their consequences. "Summer is past, and Autumn arrived — to wait longer is im- possible. Prostrate, I implore imperial Heaven to grant a gracious deliverance." Rice is their staple grain. They always obtain two crops a year out of their land ; sometimes three. When a third is not raised, the soil is nevertheless again taxed in the production of pulse, greens, potatoes, and other vegetables. Millet is extensively cultivated. Women labour on the farms equally with the men. A stout and healthy wife is, therefore, a great desideratum with a Chinaman, and the " working wives of Kiang-see " are said to be held in high estimation throughout the provinces. "The rice grown by the Chinese," observes Mr. Davis, "is of a much larger grain than that which is common in India, and consists principally of two sorts, the white or fine, and the red, or coarser kinds. They have a great prejudice in favour of their own native produce ; but, when it is scarce, are ready enough to purchase what comes from abroad. The Canton government encourages the importation of foreign rice, by exempting the ships which bring it from port charges ; but this advantage is, in a great measure, rendered nugatory by the dis- honesty and exactions of the lower mandarins, who have sometimes caused ships to proceed no further than Lintin, where the rice has been 46 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF sold to coasting junks. At other times, however, this mode of avoiding a portion of the heavy expenses of the Canton river has occasioned an importation of from 15,000 to 20,000 tons in ships of various nations — a small quantity, after all, for the demands of an enormous population. A considerable quantity of grain is used for fermented liquors and for distillation. The mandarins are such bad political economists as frequently to prohibit, when there are fears of scarcity, the appropriation of grain to these purposes ; being ignorant that, if really required for food, the price would prevent its conversion to the other purpose ; and, above all, that such a use of it always maintains a surplus supply, which may be resorted to in any case of extremity. The plough used in rice cultivation is of the simplest construction. A sharp coulter, or blade, in front of the share, is found needless, as the ground is of a light loamy description, and they never have to cut through turf. The plough is in some parts of the country, drawn through the soil by human strength ; in others by oxen, asses, and mules, yoked together indiscriminately. The ploughshare terminates at the back in a curve, which serves as a mould board to turn aside the earth. In the Canton province the soil of the rice fields is ploughed by means of a small buffalo, of a dark grey or slate colour, called by the Chinese shwuy-new, " water-ox," from its propensity for muddy shallows, where it wallows in the mire, with habits more allied to some of the pachydermatous than the ruminating tribes. When sufficient rains have fallen in spring to allow the rice fields to be laid under water, they are subjected to the plough in that condition, the buffalo and his driver wading through the wet and slime up to their knees — an operation to which the "water-ox" is admirably fitted by nature. After this, a rake or harrow with a single row of teeth, and frequently a man standing on it, is dragged through the soil in order to "break the lumps and clear the ground. " The rice is first of all sown in a small patch duly prepared and flooded with water, and subsequently transplanted to the fields where it is to grow. A short time previously to being sown the seed is im- mersed in liquid manure, which promotes its future growth, and renders it less liable to worms or insects. In two or three days after being committed to the ground, the young shoots appear, of a beautiful light green colour, and when they have reached a proper height, they are removed to the fields which have been prepared for their reception. The process of transplanting exhibits a division of labour that is per- fect, one person takes up the shoots about six inches in length, and hands them to another, who conveys them to their destination. They are there received by another party of labourers, standing ankle deep in mud and water, some of whom dibble holes, into which they drop the plants by sixes, while others follow to settle the earth about the roots ; THE CHINESE COLLECTION. -17 the distances between these tufts being six or eight inches every way. The field is then kept flooded according to its wants, or to the circum- stances of the season ; and any unusual deficiency of water is of course fatal to a grain which, from its nature, the planters of South Carolina call " swamp seed." The fields are weeded and otherwise attended to between seed time and harvest; and when the rice, by turning yellow, is known to be nearly ripe, the water is gradually drawn off, so that by the end of June or be- ginning of July, when it is time to reap, the fields are nearly dry. The tufts of grain are cut singly near the ground, by means of a species of sickle or crooked knife, and then carried off in bundles or sheaves to be thrashed. The floor employed for this purpose is of hardened earth, either with or without an admixture of lime. The grain has been said to be trodden out by cattle sometimes, but the most usual implement for thrashing is the common European flail. They have a winnowing machine precisely like ours, and this seems to be the best evidence for the fact, that we borrowed this useful invention from them.* To get rid of the tenacious husk of the rice, it is pounded in stone mortars, of which the cone-shaped pestles are worked by horizontal levers attached to them. A wheel moved by water turns a cylinder, to whose circumference are attached cogs which, meeting the extremities of the levers, strike them down alternately, and thus raise the pestles at the other end ; a similar process is also effected by the feet. For the second crop of rice the ground is immediately cleared of the old stubble and roots, and laid again under water, fresh plants are inserted as before, and the harvest is gathered in November. When other grains are sown, it is not by broad cast, but the drill method, with a view to economising the seed. One drill plough was observed by Mr. Barrow, different from the rest. " It consisted of two parallel poles of wood, shod at the lower extremities with iron to open the fur- rows ; these poles were placed upon wheels ; a small hopper was at- tached to each pole, to drop the seed into the furrows, which were covered with earth by a transverse piece of wood fixed behind, that swept the surface of the ground." The third annual crop obtained from the land consists of pulse, greens, and other vegetables, obtained during the dry and cold winter months. At this period the rice fields near Macao produce an abundance of potatoes, peas, and cabbages, for which the Chinese summer in that latitude would be too hot and rainy. In lieu of a spade, they use a large heavy iron hoe, which is a more ex- peditious but far less efficient instrument, as it barely turns the earth * A model was carried from China to Holland; and from Holland the first speci- men readied Leith. 48 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF to half the depth of the other. This hoe serves them instead of every variety of tool, for weeding, trenching, digging, or whatever may be the operation required." The Chinese name for rice is " Me," when out of the husk, when boiled " Fan." With them it is the " staff of life." Notwithstanding the immensity of labour bestowed on the cultiva- tion of the earth — and the Chinese agriculturists are like ants or bees in respect to both their number and industry — it seems incapable of sus- taining the swarming population of the empire. Hence every harbour, lake, river, and stream of whatever description, are literally thronged and darkened by fishermen, who resort to the most ingenious and novel methods of alluring and entrapping their victims. Nor do they forget or omit to take care that the waters be not, as it were, depopulated, by these ceaseless ravages. They take the utmost pains to collect the spawns of fishes, and to deposit them in convenient places for breeding. " Such is their toil, and such their busy pains, As exercise the bees in flowery plains, When winter past, and summer scarce begun, Invites them forth to labour in the sun." On each side of this recess is suspended a tablet, the one bearing the inscription, " If you would be rich, rear the five domestic animals, viz., pigs, cows, sheep, fowls, dogs :" — the other reads thus,- — " Labour induces reflection, and reflection virtue." ^"^H^~^ CASE ¥11, A Chinese gentleman in a sedan, carried by two bearers. Servant in attendance with lantern. Chinese complimentary card on the wall. This case, in depth, is about the average width of the streets in Canton, and is nearly filled by a sedan, in which the owner is comfort- ably seated, while he is borne gently along by a couple of coolies. A body servant is in attendance, who walks by the side of the lordly chair, having in his right hand a lantern (Tang-lung), such as is used when walking out, without which no person can appear in the streets after dark ; on it are inscribed the name and rank of the owner. The interior THE CHINESE COLLECTION 49 of the sedan is just large enough for the convenient reception of a single occupant. Instead of panels, the sides are covered with a coloured silk for lightness, and there is an additional covering of oil-cloth, to be used in case of rain. Two bearers place the light elastic poles upon their shoulders, and move, sometimes at considerable speed, with mea- sured tread, and a very steady motion. The sedan looks like the very home of comfort and repose. The illustrious FalstafF never took "mine ease in mine inn" more luxuriously than the rich Chinaman in his vaunted sedan. This vehicle is much used by the wealthy, and affords almost the only mode of land-travelling known, the horse being rarely, though sometimes employed. Wheel carriages are but little used in China, especially in the southern and eastern parts, and in the vicinity of lar£je rivers, where boats are made to serve in their stead. Private gentlemen are allowed only two bearers ; the host of civil officers, four ; viceroys, eight ; while the Emperor's dignity requires sixteen. Man- darins are preceded by men bearing pendant banners, with the inscrip- tion— " Tsin tow keu," i. e., " Clear the road" (See No..l216); others carry a hanging tablet " Teaou pae," setting forth the name and dignity of the mandarin. Gongs are frequently sounded by the servants in at- tendance, to give notice of the approach of civil officers and others, who are distinguished by the number of strokes given at certain intervals. The sedan chair (Keaou) has often been a bone of contention between the foreign merchants and the native authorities. The former have, again and again, demanded earnestly the privilege of using it ; the latter have as vigorously resisted the demand, and hitherto with success. CHINESE COMPLIMENTARY CARD. Upon the wall at the back of this case is suspended a complimentary or valedictory card, or ticket, addressed to the owner of this collection upon his leaving China. It was presented by the Tae Ho-shang (abhot or superior) of the temple liae-chwang-sze, at Honan. The centre of the card is a bright crimson, and the border is embellished with numerous figures and devices. Its dimensions (13 feet in length, by 8 feet in width) are indicative of the esteem and respect which it is intended to convey. 50 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE VIII. THE PAVILION. The interior of a Chinese gentleman's summer residence. Several figures, representing their mode of paying and receiving visits. Furniture. Chinese lanterns. Large porcelain jars on carved pedestals. This is a large apartment, forming the termination of the saloon, from which it is separated by what may be called a species of carved net-work. The carving penetrates entirely through the wood (laurus camphora, camphor wood,* called by the. Chinese " cheong nvuh"), and represents figures of animals, birds, flowers, fruits, &c. The colours of this open work are as gay, rich, and even gorgeous, as gilding and paint can make them ; yet so skilfully are they disposed, so well do they blend and harmonise, that their effect is altogether agreeable. The room thus enclosed is a perfect fac-simile of an apartment in a wealthy Chinaman's dwelling. In either opposite corner of the apartment is placed a large square carved table of hard wood, with marble tops, and hangings of embroi- dered velvet, on which a servant has placed some fruit for the refresh- ment of the guests. On the right of these stands a long high table similar to our sideboards, for the reception of ornaments, upon which rest ornamental stands and fruit. On each side of the apartment are chairs of a corresponding style and make, alternately arranged with small tea stands, with a footstool for each chair, besides flower-pots, cuspadors, porcelain seats, embroidered silk lanterns, &c, &c, while at the extreme end of the apartment is an aperture in the wall, of an oval form, surrounded with a carved and gilt fretwork, corresponding with the exterior ; through this doorway is seen a perspective view of Chinese scenery. Doorways of this description are common in China — and are of different devices, some being circular, others oval, while some are in the form of a mulberry leaf, with the stem resting upon the ground. On each side of this entrance is a superb china vase, about seven feet high, including the stand, which is also of hard wood, and richly carved. They are of a size and beauty such as we rarely meet with in this country. They are covered with a profusion of characteristic figures, * The camphor tree grows to a large size in the province of Keang se. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 51 among which the imperial dragon holds a distinguished place. In them are placed a variety of their favourite flowers and a large fan of peacocks' feathers. The walls are hung with a variety of decorations, chiefly long silken scrolls, with maxims ; and the tables are covered with a profusion of ornamental articles. There are six figures in the pavilion, intended to represent the mode of paying and receiving visits. Visiting is conducted by the Chinese with great formality, blended with much urbanity. Tea and pipes are always served on these occasions, and frequently sweetmeats or dried fruits. The common mode of salutation is to join the closed hands, and lift them twice or thrice towards the head, saying, " Haou — tsing, tsing;" that is, "Are you well? — Hail, hail!" and at other times, the words " Soo yang fang ming," or, " I have heretofore thought with veneration on your fragrant name ;" the latter said to persons of whom they have before heard, on first meeting them. The ceremony attending an invitation to dinner is somewhat formal, and may be interesting to many readers. The invitation is conveyed some days before, by a crimson coloured ticket, on which is inscribed the time appointed, and the guest is entreated to bestow " the illumina- tion of his presence." At other times the phrase, " I have prepared pure tea, and wait for your company to converse." The following description of a Chinese dinner, from the pen of Captain Laplace, of the French Navy, although rather a long extract, is given with so much of the characteristic vivacity of his countrymen, and so well conveys the first impression of a scene not often witnessed by Europeans, that it is introduced without further apology : — " The first course was laid out in a great number of saucers of painted porcelain, and consisted of various relishes in a cold state, as salted earth-worms, prepared and dried, but so cut up, that I fortunately did not know what they were until I swallowed them ; salted or smoked fish, and ham, both of them cut into extremely small slices ; besides which, there was what they called Japan leather, a sort of darkish skin, hard and tough, with a strong, and far from agreeable taste, which seemed to have been macerated in water for some time. All these et cceteras, including among the number a liquor which I recognised to be soy, made from a Japan bean, and long since adopted by the wine drinkers of Europe, to revive their faded appetites or taste, were used as seasoning to a great number of stews which were contained in bowls, and succeeded each other uninterruptedly. All the dishes, without exception, swam in soup ; on one side figured pigeons' eggs, cooked in gravy, together with ducks and fowls cut very small, and immersed in a dark-coloured sauce ; on the other, little balls made of sharks' fins, eggs prepared by n I' 52 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF heat (of which both the smell and taste seemed to us equally repulsive), immense grubs, a peculiar kind of seafish, crabs, and pounded shrimps. " Seated at the right of our excellent Amphitryon, I was the object of his whole attention ; but, nevertheless, found myself considerably at a loss how to use the two little ivory sticks, tipped with silver, which, together with a knife that had a long, narrow, and thin blade, formed the whole of my eating apparatus. I had great difficulty in seizing my prey in the midst of these several bowls filled with gravy ; in vain I tried to hold, in imitation of my host, this substitute for a fork, between my thumb and the two first fingers of the right hand ; for the chopsticks slipped aside every moment, leaving behind them the unhappy little morsel which I coveted. It is true that the master of the house came to the relief of my inexperience (by which he was much entertained) with his two instruments, the extremities of which, a few moments before had touched a mouth, whence age, and the use of snuff and tobacco, had cruelly chased its good looks. However, I contrived to eat, with tolerable propriety, a soup prepared with the famous birds' nests, in which the Chinese are such epicures. The substance thus served up, is reduced into very thin filaments, transparent as isinglass, and resembling vermicelli, with little or no taste. At first I was much puzzled to find out how, with our chopsticks, we should be able to taste of the various soups which composed the greater part of the dinner, and had already called to mind the fable of the fox and the stork, when our two Chinese entertainers, dipping at once into the bowls with the little saucer placed at the side of each guest, shewed us how to get rid of the difficulty." (We confess we were never witness to this slovenly manoeuvre, as the Chinese tables are generally supplied with a species of spoon, of silver or porcelain, sufficiently convenient in shape.) " To the younger guests, naturally lively, such a crowd of novelties presented an inexhaustible fund of pleasantry ; and, though unintel- ligible to the worthy Hong merchant and his brother, the jokes seemed to delight them not at all the less. The wine, in the meantime, circu- lated freely, and the toasts followed each other in rapid succession. This liquor, which to my taste was by no means agreeable, is always taken hot; and in this state it approaches pretty nearly to Madeira in colour, as well as a little in taste ; but it is not easy to get tipsy with it, for in spite of the necessity of frequently attending to the invitations of my host, this wine did not in the least affect my head. We drank it in little gilt cups, having the shape of an antique vase, with two handles of perfect workmanship, and kept constantly filled by attendants holding large silver vessels like coffee-pots. '■' After all these good things served one upon the other, of which it gave me pleasure to see the last, succeeded the second course, which THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 53 was preceded by a little ceremony, of which the object seemed to be a trial of the guests' appetites. Upon the edges of four bowls, arranged in a square, three others were placed filled with stews, and surmounted by an eighth, which thus formed the summit of* a pyramid ; and the custom is to touch none of these although invited by the host. On the refusal of the party the whole disappeared, and the table was covered with articles in pastry and sugar ; in the midst of which was a salad composed of the tender shoots of the bamboo, and some watery prepa- rations, that exhaled a most disagreeable odour. ' Up to this point, the relishes of which I first spoke had been the sole accompaniment of all the successive ragouts ; they still served to season the bowls of plain rice, which the attendants now, for the first time, placed before each of the guests." (It must be remembered that this was a formal dinner ; rice forms a much more integral part of an every-day meal.) " I regarded with an air of considerable embarrassment, the two little sticks, with which, notwithstanding the experience acquired since the commencement of the repast, it seemed very doubtful whether I should be able to eat my rice, grain by grain, according to the belief of Europeans regarding the Chinese custom. I therefore waited until my host should begin, to follow his example, foreseeing that, on this new occasion, some fresh discovery would serve to relieve us from the truly ludicrous embarrassment which we all displayed ; in a word, our two Chinese, cleverly joining the ends of their chop-sticks, plunged them into the bowls of rice, held up to the mouth, which was opened to its full extent, and thus easily shovelled in the rice, not by grains, but by handsfull. Thus instructed, I might have followed their example; but I preferred making up with the other delicacies for the few attractions, which, to my taste, had been displayed by the first course. The second lasted a much shorter time ; the attendants cleared away everything. Presently the table was strewed with flowers, which vied with each other in brilliancy ; pretty baskets, filled with the same, w r ere mixed with plates which contained a vast variety of delicious sweetmeats as well as cakes, of which the forms were as ingenious as they were varied. Nap- kins steeped in warm water, and flavoured with otto of roses, are frequently handed to each guest by the servants in attendance. This display of the productions of nature and of art, was equally agreeable to the eyes and the tastes of the guests. By the side of the yellow plain- tain was seen the lichi, of which the strong, rough, and bright crimson skin defends a stone enveloped in. a whitish pulp, which, for its fine aromatic taste is superior to most of the tropical fruits ; when dried, it forms an excellent provision for the winter. With these fruits of the warm climates were mingled those of the temperate zone, brought at 54 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF some expense from the northern provinces ; as walnuts, chesnnts, apples, grapes, and Pekin pears, which last, though their lively colour and pleasant smell attracted the attention, proved to be tasteless, and even retained all the harshness of wild fruit. " At length we adjourned to the next room to take tea, — the indis- pensable commencement and close of all visits and ceremonies among the Chinese. According to custom, the servants presented it in porce- lain cups, each of which was covered with a saucer-like top, which con- fines and prevents the aroma from evaporating. The boiling water had been poured over a few of the leaves, collected at the bottom of the cup ; and the infusion, to which no sugar or cream is ever added in China, exhaled a delicious fragrant odour, of which the best teas carried to Europe can scarcely give an idea." Other visits of ceremony are conducted with much pomp and for- mality. When a gentleman proceeds in his sedan to pay a visit, his attendants present his ticket at the gate, consisting of his name and titles written down the middle of a folded sheet of Vermillion coloured paper, ornamented with leaf gold ; and sometimes there is enough paper in one of these to extend across a room. According to the rank of the parties, the visiters and his host begin bowing at stated distances ; though, among equals, the ordinary mode of salutation is to join closed hands. Only mandarins or official persons can be carried by four bearers, or accompanied by a train of attendants. Soon after visiters are seated, an attendant brings in porcelain cups with covers, with a small quantity of fine tea leaves in each, on which boiling water has been poured, and the infusion is thus drunk without any other addition ; fruits are also brought on beautifully japanned trays. In some Chinese apartments there are broad couches, called " kangs," as large as a bed. In the centre of these, small tables are placed, about a foot in height, intended to rest the arm upon, or place tea-cups. On the conclusion of a visit the host conducts his guest to his sedan. Here terminate the cases that contain representations of men and women, except those at the silk mercer's shop at the commencement of the saloon. The figures are modelled out of a peculiar species of clay, admirably adapted for the purpose. They are highly creditable to the taste and ingenuity of the Chinese, who, though not good sculptors, are excellent modellers, and they afford specimens of a style of art altogether novel to Europeans. The attentive observer will have noticed a re- markable sameness of feature and expression running through the whole collection, though all are accurate likenesses of originals, most of whom are now living. High cheek bones, flat noses, small black eyes, a yellowish complexion, and a rather dull, heavy expression of countenance, are the general characteristics. Chinese physical nature is said to be THE CHINESE COLLECTION. no cast, as it were, in the same mould throughout the whole empire, not- withstanding its various provinces differ so widely in soil and climate. And this characteristic sameness extends to the mind as well as the body. The phenomenon has been ingeniously explained by the author of " Egypt and Mahommed Ali," who traces it to despotism as its primary cause ; for he reasons, that the multitude, all reduced to the same level, urged by the same wants, engaged in the same pursuits, actuated by the same passions, through a long succession of ages, necessarily assimilate, both mentally and physically. Corpulency in men, and small, delicate, taper fingers in women, are much esteemed as indications of gentility. There is a goodly rotundity of person in most of the figures in this collection ; the attentive visiter will be particularly struck with the characteristic smallness and delicacy of the hands, but in some instances the nails are allowed to grow to a length far beyond our ideas of what is either becoming or beautiful. The carefully cultivated and well braided cues, so long in some instances as almost to trail upon the ground, and affording admirable handles to an antagonist in a passion, form a curious subject of observation. The history of this singular appendage affords a remarkable illustration of those revolutions which sometimes occur in national taste and manners. Previously to the conquest of their country by the Tartars, the Chinese permitted the hair to grow over the whole head. Shun Che, the first of the Tartar emperors, issued an imperial edict, requiring the conquered people to conform in this particular to the custom of their victors. So stoutly was this decree at first resisted, that many of the nobles pre- ferred death to obedience, and actually perished by command of the conqueror. At the present day, however, the loss of this very badge of servitude is considered one of the greatest calamities, scarcely less dreaded than death itself. To be deprived of it is one of the most opprobrious brands put upon convicts and criminals. Those to whom nature has been sparing in respect to the natural covering of the head, supply her deficiences by the artificial introduction and intermingling of other hair with their own, thus seeking to "increase it to a reputably fashioned size." The Chinese put faith in the external developments of the skull, and are therefore, to a certain extent, phrenologists. They look for the principal characteristics of a man in his forehead, and of a woman on the back of the cranium. 56 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE IX. LACQUERED WARE. 32 & 33. A pair of small folding screens with numerous marble panels, on some of which are paintings of different subjects, the remain- der being adorned with written sentences. 34. Curiously shaped root of a tree, on stand. 35 & 36. Carved sections of bamboo used for holding pencils. 37 & 38. Carved sections of bamboo. 39. Small steel-yard for domestic purposes. All articles in common use in China are sold by weight, not excepting liquids, timber, fruit, live stock, &c. 40 & 41. A full tea-service of lacquered ware, of great beauty, and of extreme lightness, forming part of the equipment of a man- darin's outfit when on an expedition. The lacquered, or japanned ware of China is well known. All substances that are dry and rigid, as woods, metals, and prepared paper, admit of being japanned. The fine varnish used for this purpose is obtained from a shrub, called Tseih-shoo, (rhus vernix) from which it distils like gum. It is poisonous in a liquid state, and hence great caution is used both by those who gather and those who work in it, to shield themselves from its noxious qualities. It is capable of receiving all colours, though black is the most common. More than fifty coats of varnish are sometimes laid on. 42. Lacquered case of singular form, to contain the above tea-service. 43. Beautiful painting on glass, in a stand of carved wood, highly polished. 44 Ancient metallic mirror, used in China prior to the introduction of glass. The back is here presented to the visiter, being orna- mented with numerous hieroglyphical figures. The opposite side is highly polished. In many mirrors of this description is a property that has puzzled the wise, and which is here worthy of notice. Holding the mirror in the hand by a knob in the centre of the back, and reflecting the rays of the sun from the polished surface, the exact representation of the raised figures on the back of the mirror is distinctly reflected on a wall, or other level surface. The probable solution to this difficulty is, that the figures seen at the back, being of a harder metal than the other plain parts, are inserted into the softer metal ; and hence the figures produced THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 57 in the rays of light, formed by the union (imperceptible to the eye) of the two metals. In this way the union of iron and steel, as in Sheffield cutlery, will explain the enigma familiarly. 45. Another stand of hard wood, supporting a beautiful specimen of painted glass of singular execution. 46. Porcelain incense vessel, on carved stand, with cover and ornamented handle. 47 & 48. Lacquered boxes with several compartments. 49. Mariner's compass, called " The needle pointing to the South." 50. Two lacquered boxes to contain dried fruits. 51. Four lacquered boxes for similar purposes. 52. Long lacquered case, in which rolls of silks are sent to friends and newly married acquaintances. ^-^f^- CASE X, LACQUERED WARE AND ARTICLES OF VERTU. 53. Two embroidered cloth pillows for winter use. 54 & 55. Two lacquered boxes of different forms, having separate com- partments for travelling purposes. 56 & 57. Two lacquered boxes used for carrying presents, &c. They are hung in a red net, composed of the fibres of a thistle, and carried suspended from a bamboo thrown across the shoulder. 58 & 59. A pair of lacquered cases, made from a section of bamboo, with painting of the parent tree in gold, &c. 60. Superb cabinet, from Soo-chow in the province of Fokien, famous for its manufactures of lacquered ware. So large a specimen of this beautiful production of art is rarely to be found in Canton, and is highly esteemed by the Chinese, as approaching nearest to the lacquered wares of Japan. 01 & 02. Two lacquered cases, as Nos. 56 & 57. 63. A gentleman's travelling wardrobe, of lacquered ware. 64. Embroidered winter pillow, as No. 53. 65. A pillow formed of the shavings of bamboo, covered with embossed leather. 58 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 06. A travelling case formed of pig's hide, to contain a mandarin's summer cap. 67. Metallic cap stand, in form of a tripod. 68. Bronzed copper hand-furnace, for keeping the fingers warm when walking in the streets in cold weather, no gloves being ever worn. The people of the north of China as well as those of Canton make use of baskets containing embers, called " Ho- lung," for a similar purpose. 09. Antique bronze tripod, with a monkey, in cornelian, for the handle. 70. Lamp, in general use, of white copper, commonly attached to the wall. 71. Ancient bronze vase. 72. Pewter vessel for holding the tsew-hing, or hot wine, at dinners and marriage entertainments. 73. Compass and sun-dial combined. The silk cord that supports the lid of the box containing the compass, serves for the hand or gnomon of the dial. The Chinese have no clocks or watches of their own manufacture, although both are in use among them ; and they exhibit great ingenuity in imitating the European watches that are imported into China in great numbers. Among the Chinese the day is divided, as by the ancient Egyptians, into twelve parts only, consisting each of two Eu- ropean hours ; the first beginning at eleven at night. Those portions of time are measured with tolerable accuracy by means of a lighted taper made from the pith of a particular tree, of which the consumption by ignition is so regular that, divided into twelve equal parts, each continues burning during the twelfth part of the twenty-four hours. The gradual motion of sand, and the descent of liquids have been likewise applied to the same purpose. The Chinese often employ very awkward and laborious means for effecting the several purposes desirable in society. To announce the hour, even in Pekin, they have no better method than that of striking with a mallet upon a large bell, a number of blows corresponding to that of the hour, by a person who must wait and watch the progress of time, as indicated by some of the" methods just described. A Chinese gentleman invariably wears a pair of watches of European manufacture, one on each side his girdle, in an embroidered pocket ; if questioned as to the meaning of this seeming extravagance, his reply is, " Suppose one make stop, the other walkee." 74. Curious root of a tree, resembling birds. 7.">. A grotesque figure, carved from a section of the bamboo. 76. China incense vessel, in imitation of bronze. 77- Antique porcelain incense vessel. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 59 • 78. Lacquered box for various uses. 79. Porcelain vessel, of singular device, to contain flowers. 80. Lacquered box, to contain sweetmeats. 81. A root having the form of a dog's head, and the feet and tail of a bird. 82 & 83. Two porcelain plates, on polished stands of hard wood. 84. A lacquered box, used in gaming. 85. Lacquered box, as No. 80. 86. Curious sun-dial and compass. 87. Box for holding writing pencils. The panels are of white marble, bearing moral maxims. 88. Hand furnace of white copper, described in No. 68. 89 & 90. Two grotesque images in clay. 91. Carved section of bamboo, used as pencil-holder. 92 & 93. Two porcelain figures. 94. Lacquered box, containing several cakes of ink. 95 & 96. Two porcelain figures.. 97. Another in clay. 98. Curious sun-dial and compass, as No. 86. 99. Lacquered case, inlaid with pearl shell, to contain cakes of ink. 100. China plate and stand. 101. Rack for joss-stick, which is generally burned in every house day and night; the drawers are to hold tobacco and tinder for pipes. 102. A red lacquered vessel for culinary purposes. 103. & 104. A small pair of painted marble tablets, on a polished stand of hard wood. 105. Model of a Chinese coffin. The slabs of wood are sometimes of enormous sizes, being frequently of some domestic or foreign odoriferous wood, &c. In these huge coffins, the dead are frequently kept many years above ground, from superstitious motives, such as the selection of a fortunate spot for burial, a particular season, &c. Cedar is the usual material ; the thickness of the slabs according with the means of the purchaser. These planks are selected with great care, and are brought home with music and feasting during a person's lifetime. The Emperor prepares his coffin on the day of his ascending the throne. The Chinese have an idea that to do so prolongs life. The garments for a corpse are also prepared in the life- time of the person for whom they are intended. In former days, garments were presented to the friends of a deceased person, intended to clothe the corpse ; in more modern usage, money is given instead of clothing. From this practice arises the phrase " Respectful contribu- tion (o the coffining," which is written on the envelope of a small present sent to the person who presides at the funeral ; a universal CO DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF practice. Ages ago, it was the custom to secure the lid of the coffin by binding it with cords, when not nailed. The grave is termed " the eternal mansion." The present law provides that the limits of a grave shall extend seven cubits, within which space no other person has a right to bury. 106. Swan-pan or reckoning board, in universal use among the Chinese. It consists of an oblong frame of wood, with a bar running length- wise, forming two compartments ; through this bar, at right angles, are usually placed seventeen (but sometimes more) small pins, having on each seven balls ; five on one side and two on the other side of the bar. Any ball in the larger compartment, being placed against the bar, is called unity ; and on the left of this they increase, and on the right they decrease by tens, hundredths, &c. ; the corresponding balls in the smaller compartment, increase or decrease by fifths, fiftieths, &c. By these means, all numbers in the common transactions of business, in- tegral or decimal, are computed with much ease and rapidity. 107, 108, & 109. Three small boxes, beautifully ornamented and lac- quered, having several compartments in each. They are each of a different shape, one being in the form of a butterfly, another representing an open fan, and the third, that of a mulberry leaf. 110. Lady's writing-case, containing rouge, dice, swan-pan, snuff, writing materials, looking-glass, &c, &c. 111. Cameo, in a stand of polished hard wood. 112. Lacquered tea-caddy, with white copper, ditto inside. 113. Four small marble idols. 114. Swan-pan, as No. 106. 115. Lacquered tub, for various uses. 116. Two walking sticks, cut from the Chinese vine. The handle of one of these is carved in the form of a bat with outstretched wings. The bat is the Chinese emblem of happiness. 117. A square red lacquered box, for various uses. 118. Lacquered stand for fruit. 119. A red lacquered box, in the form of a melon. 120. A richly veined marble tablet, on a stand of polished ebony. 121. Small case of drawers of iron wood, used by lapidaries. 122. A gentleman's dressing-case containing every requisite. 123. Another small lacquered box, in the form of a Chinese gentle- man's purse, having several smaller boxes in the interior. 124. Chinese compass and sun-dial, described in No. 73. 125. Ancient bronze incense vessel, with carved stand and cover of polished wood, and handle of red coral. 126. Another of different form. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. Gl 127. A lacquered box containing Chinese water-colours. 128. Corresponding with No. 120. 129. A square lacquered box for various purposes, 130. Lacquered circular box with handle, used in carrying fruit and vegetables. 131. A box to contain trinkets, of singular form. 132. A richly ornamented box, to contain dried fruits. 133. Red lacquered fan case. 134. A Chinese merchant's sign — suspended at the door post, or placed in the interior of his shop. 135. Another of different form. 136. A fan case, as No. 133. 137. A richly ornamented lacquered case of singular form, containing smaller boxes for the reception of trinkets. 138. A gentleman's dressing-case, and looking-glass. 139. A pair of scales, very accurately adjusted, with a complete set of weights. These are used in weighing specie. 140. Model of a bridge at Fo Shan, near Canton, built of granite, and of excellent workmanship. Bridges in the vicinity of the city are constructed for foot passengers, though horses are sometimes taken over. Fo Shan is a village situated a few miles to the S. W. of Canton, where most of the manufactories are carried on, and is said to be as populous as Canton itself. 141. A pair of cuspadors of white metal. 142. Lacquered fan case of circular form. CASE XIo MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. 143 to 148. Six specimens of carved bamboo roots. This is a kind of ornament highly esteemed by the Chinese. The more distorted the roots, and the more hideous the figures wrought upon them, the greater is the pleasure they afford. " Gorgon s, hydras, and chimeras dire — " the wildest forms that nature has revealed, or imagination invented, please best the superstitious fancy of this marvel-loving people. 62 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 149. Metallic vessel called, " Heang-loo," to contain the ashes of joss- stick (composed of powdered sandal-wood, &c), and consumed before idols. On the face of this vessel is inscribed the cha- racters "Fuh Show," " happiness and long life." 150. A pair of candlesticks to accompany the above. 151. Small clay model of Lob creek pagoda, on the Canton river. 152. A pair of cuspadors, or spittoons, formed of white metal. 153 to 155. Three specimens of carved bamboo roots, as described in Nos. 143 to 148. 15G. Vessel of a peculiar ware, resembling cast iron in its appearance, on a stand of the same material. 157. The head of an official staff or crozier, called Seih chang, carried in the hand by the head of the Buddha sect. 158. Ancient and beautiful yellow vase, on stand, ornamented with a raised green dragon ; a mythological emblem of the great dragon attempting to swallow the moon ; believed by the Chinese to be the cause of the eclipse of that nocturnal lumi- nary. From this superstitious notion, whenever an eclipse occurs a tumult is raised by the natives with gongs, drums, and other noisy instruments, to frighten away the imaginary monster. 159. Porcelain pencil-holder. 1G0. Image of a beggar in clay. 161. Bronzed clay figure. 162. Two grotesque lions, on stands. 163. Specimen of China ware, on stand, resembling Wedgwood. 164. Ancient metallic mirror, on carved stand of hard wood. 165. Lamp, as 70. 166. A distorted root of the bamboo, resembling a man, &c. These curious specimens are highly valued in China, and afford a good example of the peculiar national tastes. 167. Two pillows formed of embossed leather. 168. Three Buddha idols. 169. Ancient bronze vase. 170. Coloured marble Buddha idol. 171. Specimen of sculpture in marble, with ebony stand. 172. Ancient bronze vase, as No. 169. 173 & 174. Two figures in papier mache, representing priests of Fuh. 175. China plate and stand. 176. An instrument used by Chinese watchmen, for the purpose of giving alarm. It is an excavated block of wood, and when struck by a piece of bamboo, produces a loud noise. On this the night patrols repeat the hours. The whole night is divided ANCIENT KllONZE INCENSE VESSEL AND STAND. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 63 into five watches, commencing at seven o'clock p. m., and are sometimes announced by the gong, or a drum, or else as above described. 177. Specimen of painted marble in frame and stand, placed on tables, as ornaments. 178. Metallic mirror, as No. 164. 179. Cameo in stand. 180. China vessel, with stand and cover, for incense. 181. Joss-bell and stand, used in temples, and accompanies No. 183. 182. Splendid Cameo, presented to Mr. Dunn by Howqua, the Hong merchant. This cameo is of extraordinary size. It represents an extended landscape, including earth and sky, and embracing various rural scenes and objects. 183. Bronzed incense vessel and stand, used in temples. 184. Ancient porcelain incense vessel, with wooden stand and cover. 1S5. Singular specimen in sculpture, in coloured marble. 186. Specimen of painted marble on stand, placed on tables as orna- ments, as No. 177. 187. Common pillow of rattan. 188. Pillows used in summer, called "Chin-tow," the bamboo slats on the top are elastic, and the general form of the pillow admits of a free circulation of air. 189. Model of a bridge of one arch, near Canton. 190. Elastic pillow made of bamboo, and covered with glazed leather. 191. Wooden bellows, worked with a piston, and so constructed as to produce a continuous blast. In this horizontal box is placed a moveable door, so nicely fitted, that when it is drawn back a vacuum is created in the interior, into which the air rushing through an opening protected by a valve, pro- duces a blast through an opposite aperture. The same is produced when a door is pushed in an opposite direc- tion : the space within it. being diminished, and the air compressed, a part of it is forced out through the same aperture. 61 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XII. CHINA-WARE. 192 & 193. Flower-pots of a peculiar ware, resembling cast iron. 194 & 195. A pair of porcelain flower-pots. 196 & 197. Pair of beautiful flower jars. 198. Square porcelain vase. 199. Sweetmeat vessel. 200. Porcelain drums for supporting the arms on couches. 201. Vases of various forms. 202. Porcelain flower vase on stand, with sentences in blue and gold characters. 203. Very ancient square jar. 204 & 205. Two flower jars of different forms. They are of ancient make, and their surface is apparently cracked. This art is produced in the burning, and is believed by the Chinese to be extinct. 206 & 207. Two porcelain flower jars. 208. A pair of yellow figured vases. 209. Porcelain bottle, for travelling purposes. 210. A beautifully enamelled yellow vase. 211 to 213. Three ancient porcelain figures, emblematical of the three principal felicities so much esteemed by the Chinese, viz. : — happiness (official employment or promotion), longevity, and male children. 214. Vase from the interior, more than five hundred years old. As the Chinese attach great veneration to antiques, its cost was in proportion. There is a prevalent idea among the Chinese, that antique vases have the property of preserving flowers which are placed in them, fresh and blooming, for a long time. 215 & 216. A pair of beautifully painted porcelain jars. 217 & 218. Flower-vases of recent make. 219. Large ornamented vase, from Nankin. 220. Bottle-shaped jar, cracked in the burning. 221. An ornamented vase on stand. 222. Ancient vase on stand. 223 & 224. Pair of porcelain pipe-stands from Nankin : these are used in the houses of the wealthy, and are placed near the doors ; from these stands guests are supplied with pipes. 225. Flower-vase, with three orifices for one flower each. 226. Ancient and beautiful vase, ornamented with a lizard. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 65 227. Beautiful yellow vase, elegantly ornamented with raised figures. 228. Vase, cracked in the burning, of great beauty. 229. A large and richly ornamented vase from Nankin. 230 & 231. A pair of rare and curious vases from Nankin. This style of decoration is peculiarly esteemed by the Chinese. 232 & 233. A pair of rare and curious vases from Nankin, of modern make. 234 & 235. Pair of porcelain sugar jars, richly ornamented in blue and gold. 236 & 237. A pair of vases, as Nos. 232-233. 238. Ancient porcelain jar, discoloured by time. Its age is above three hundred years. 239. Very elegant porcelain bowl of enormous dimensions. 240. Four flower pots of a peculiar ware resembling cast iron. 241 & 242. A pair of octagon flower pots, elegantly painted and gilt. 243 to 246. Four vases of different forms. 247. Porcelain vessel to contain rice. 248 & 249. A pair of fluted china garden pots and stands. 250 & 251. A pair of flower pots and stands, superbly painted. 252 & 253. A pair of flower pots and stands, of modern style. 254 & 255. Porcelain flower jars in form of a cabbage (called by the Chinese " pe-tsae," or " white greens," from the stalks of the leaf being blanched). 256 & 257. Two beautiful china bowls, richly painted and gilt. 258, 259, & 260. Three beautiful china bowls of different devices. 261. A porcelain figure of a female deity. 262. Elegant porcelain candlestick. 263. Ancient porcelain vessel used to contain fans, feather brushes, &c. 26 1 & 2(55. Porcelain garden seats, richly painted ; called by the Chinese, " Shih-koo," or stone drum. 266 & 267. Porcelain garden seats, of different form and style. CHINA-WARE. 268. White porcelain vase. 269. Porcelain vase on stand. 270. Porcelain vase, in imitation of bronze, on stand. 271. Antique porcelain bottle on stand. E 66 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 272. A green flower vase. 273 to 275. Three vases of different forms. 276. Three ancient idols in white porcelain. 277. Ancient and beautifully formed vase, ornamented with lizards. 278. Ancient white porcelain jar, exquisitely figured. 279. Porcelain jar of a beautiful colour. 280 & 281. Two porcelain landmarks, to designate the boundaries of adjoining estates, upon which the owner's name and the four cardinal points (as enumerated by them, east, west, south, and north) are inscribed upon the sides. The lands of separate owners in China, are not divided as with us, by hedges, walls, or fences, but by a narrow pathway, and sometimes by a ditch or drain ; and so great is their economy of cultivated soil, that this custom appears to be universal in every part of China. Upon the authority of Mr. Dunn, whose long residence in that country afforded him every opportunity of gaining correct information ; the clandestine, or violent removal of these landmarks, ensures to the perpetrator the most signal punishment. It is here especially worthy of remark, that this ancient usage, sanc- tioned and protected by the laws of a heathen nation, should be so fully confirmed and strengthened by holy writ. We have a corroboration of this custom in Deuteronomy, xix., 14, " Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inherit- ance," &c. ; and again in Proverbs, xxii., 28, " Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." 282 & 283. A pair of beautifully painted and gilt jars. 284. Very ancient and beautiful square jar, on stand, from the interior. 285 & 286. Garden seats. 287. A section of ornamental porcelain, intended as a coping to walls and houses. 288 & 289. A pair of beautifully painted flower pots. 290 & 291. A pair of blue flower vases. 292 & 293. A pair of blue flower vases, very beautiful on account of the colour and glazing. 294 & 295. Two white and figured porcelain vases. 296. A variegated green porcelain flower vase. 297. Ancient porcelain bottle, ornamented with lizards. 298. Beautifully painted vase in stand. 299 & 300. A pair of richly ornamented vases. 301. A porcelain cuspador. 302 & 303. A pair of extremely rich flower vases, ornamented with lizards. ANTIQUE VASE FROM NANKIX. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 07 304. Model of the famous porcelain pagoda at Nankin, formerly the capital of the empire, as it originally appeared, being now partially delapidated by age. The original is merely roofed and faced with porcelain, and not, as might be imagined from the name, constructed of that material. This stately structure is nearly 200 feet in height. At the angles of the eaves of each story are suspended brass bells, diminishing in size as they approach the top, and put in motion by the wind. This custom appears to have had some religious sanction, which time has long effaced. Pagodas are generally supposed to have had a religious character. Sir George Staunton, on the contrary, says, they are dedicated to several uses in China, without specifying what ; but none to religious worship. 305. Specimen of painting on porcelain, on stand. 306 & 307. Pair of very large rich vases from Nankin. 308. Smaller vase from Nankin. 309. Ornamental ancient vase from Nankin. 310 & 311. A pair of exquisitely painted and gilt sugar jars. 312 & 313. A pair of richly painted and gilt vases of beautiful form. 314. Antique bottle-shaped vase from the northern provinces. The style and painting of this vase are greatly esteemed by the Chinese. Its age is over three hundred years. 315 & 316. A pair of blue porcelain hexagon garden seats. 317 & 318. A pair of coloured garden seats. 319 & 320. A pair of porcelain garden seats, beautifully painted and gilt. 321 & 322. A pair of hexagon garden seats, beautifully painted and gilt. 323. A blue and white porcelain vase, 324. A blue and white square vase, from Nankin. 325. Ancient painted circular flower vase. 326 & 327. A pair of superb octagon flower stands. 328 & 329. A pair of square flower stands, beautifully painted. 330 & 331. A pair of richly painted porcelain cuspadors. 332. Blue and green flower vase, a beautiful specimen of porcelain from Nankin. 333. Ancient bottle-shaped vase from Nankin, age unknown. 334 & 335. A pair of beautifully painted vases of modern make. 336. Curious flower-pot, with figures, &c, representing a besieged castle, in the interstices of which flowers are planted. 337 to 339. Three porcelain garden seats of various forms. The porcelain manufacture undoubtedly had its origin in China, and we must, therefore, hold ourselves indebted to the Chinese for all that rich variety of useful and ornamental porcelain articles which load our E 2 68 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF tables and adorn our palours and cabinets. It was introduced to tbe knowledge of Europeans by the famous Venetian traveller, Marco Polo. The first furnace on record was in Keang-se, which dates as far back as the commencement of the seventh century of our era. King-tih-chin, a place near the Poyang lake, is now the most celebrated for this manu- facture. The factories were commenced there about A.D. 1000, and have increased to the number of several hundred. Sir G. Staunton says, that the flames which issue from them cause the place to appear at night like a vast city enveloped in a general conflagration. The spectacle is terrific and sublime. The furnaces give employment to the male working portion of a population said to amount to a million. The division of labour is carried to its acme. A tea-cup, from the time it lies embedded in its native quarries, till it comes forth in perfection from the furnace, passes through more than fifty different hands. The painting alone is divided among a half-dozen persons, one of whom sketches the outline of a bird, another of a plant, a third of some other figure, while a fourth fills in the colours. The brilliancy of their co- louring has never been surpassed ; but the designing can hardly be commended or admired. The reason probably is, that no higher wages are paid to those who labour in this department of the manufacture, than to those who perform the coarser operations. It is perfectly obvious from an inspection of the articles embraced in this collection, that the excellence of the porcelain manufacture has been on the decline for the last three centuries. The present deterio- ration, as well as the high degree of perfection it had once attained, are easily explained. The emperors who flourished about that period encouraged the manufacture by munificent premiums on the most beau- tiful specimens, and by large annual orders for the finer wares. A premium of 15,000 taels, or more than 20,000 dollars, was bestowed on the manufacture of the best specimen; 10,000 taels on him who pro- duced the second-best ; while third-rate excellence received a reward of 5000. The emperors no longer bestow any special encouragement, and hence the decline of competition, and consequently of excellence. The origin of the word porcelain, or porcellana, may not be generally known. Marsden shews that it was applied by the Europeans to the ware of China, from the resemblance of its finely polished surface to that of the univalve shell so named; while the shell itself derived -its appellation from the curved shape of its upper surface, which was thought to resemble the raised back of a porcella, or little hog. CHINESE BOAT. THE CHINESE COLLECTION:. 69 .... CHINESE BOATS. All the models of boats in this collection have been made by reducing the dimensions to the proper scale ; and in every particular, even to the employment of the same descriptions of wood, the oars, sculls, rudders, setting poles, cordage, &c, are fac-similes of those actually in use. 3 10. Canal boat of the smaller size. 341. Another boat of the largest class, capable of carrying several hun- dred tons. These boats are employed in transporting teas and other merchandise on the canals and rivers. 312. A small family boat, called " San-pan," or " Three-planks." Of this description there are estimated to be upwards of 40,000 ou the Canton river near the city, containing a population of more than "200,000 souls. These boats are regularly licensed by government. The husband finds employment on shore, while the wife has charge of the floating domicile. These women seek a maintenance in carrying- passengers to the neighbouring places. The cleanliness of their boats is remarkable. The late Dr. Morrison, speaking of this tribe of people (Tan-hoo), who, at Canton, live entirely in boats, says — " They were originally fishermen who came from the south to Canton, and are con- sidered a distinct race, whose origin cannot be traced. They seem to have been named from the figure of their boats resembling an egg." These boats are from twelve to fifteen feet in length. Some of the old accounts of Canton say, that " on the river live many thousand souls, who were never permitted to come on shore," and these " are descendants of Tartars." The people who live in boats originally came from the south, and being a foreign race, were not permitted to dwell on shore: but most of the distinctions between them and the rest of the people were removed by the Emperor Keen-Lung, under the influence of general principles of equity, ;>|.'5. Chop-boat, employed as a lighter in transporting cargoes up and down the river, to and from foreign vessels at Whampoa. 344. A private gentleman's family boat. In China, these floating domiciles on the rivers, and the sedan chair on land, form their principal means of conveyance. 345. Mandarin boat, or revenue cutter, for the prevention of smuggling. 70 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF The immense variety of boats that literally crowd the waters of China, may be divided into two classes ; those that have eyes and those without them. To the former class belong the military and trading junks, that navigate the " great sea." There is an exact representation of one of these in a painting on the centre panel of the screen-work, before noticed. They are nearly in the shape of a new moon, and as clumsy a craft as could well be contrived, having sterns at least thirty feet above the water, and bows the third of that height. The Emperor not only affords no encouragement to improvement, but actually dis- courages it, in the exaction of foreign port-duties from junks constructed on improved principles. These vessels have always a large eye painted on each side of the bows. This usage had its origin probably in some superstition. If a Chinese is questioned as to its cause, his reply is, — " Have eye, can see ; can see, can savez : no have eye, no can see ; no can see, no savez." The variety of craft used upon the inland waters of China is very great. Of most of the different kinds we have models in the case before us. These all appear well contrived for the purposes to which they are applied, and are by no means destitvite of beauty. They are provided with bamboo sails, used only occasionally, and, as in almost every other custom, contrary to our own, they reef their sails by reducing the lower part of the sail instead of the upper as with us. They are generally propelled by sculling, a method which is made absolutely necessary by the number of boats always in motion. The skill with which the Chinese perform this operation, confirms the old proverb, that "prac- tice makes perfect ;" for the boat is made to dart forward at a rapid rate, and in a line as direct as any well managed sailing vessel could pursue. The foreign sailors sometimes try their skill, but make a sorry business of it. The rudder of a junk is very large, compared with that of a ship ; it takes the place in great measure of a keel in keeping the vessel to the wind, and is managed by a tiller proportionably large ; it is hoisted by a wheel in shallow water. The rudder itself has numerous rhomboidal holes cut in it, from a notion that the eddying of the water through them causes more resistance than a plain board. A lively scene presents itself on their rivers, in the trial of strength and skill in boat racing. It occurs annually on the fifth day of the fifth moon. The candidates for victory are numerous, and happy is he who out-strips his competitors. On this day also, an ancient rite is performed upon the surface of the river. A quantity of rice is bound up in a certain leaf with silk cords of various colours, then boiled and thrown into the water as a sacrifice to the manes of Keih-yuen, a minister of state, beloved by the people, who, having been falsely accused, drowned THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 71 himself about 300 years B.C. The same observance continues to this day, and is annually performed, accompanied by the amusement of dragon-boats, and beating of drums, intended to strike awe into the evil spirits that may lurk about the river. 346. A model of a boat used on the canals near Pekin, for the conveyance of grain, forming a part of the government revenue derived from a tax on land. It is especially appropriated for this purpose ; the Chinese name is " Tsaou-chuen." Of these there are said to be no less than 10,000 belonging to the government, independent of individual owners. Their average burthen, Mr. Davis remarks, is about 2,000 peculs, or above a hundred tons ; but being flat-bottomed, and very high out of the water, they have the appearance of a much greater capacity. The total number annually unladen is nearly 50,000 ; they chiefly sail from the southern provinces during the fourth moon, or about June, when the monsoon is favourable, and return empty in the ninth moon, or November. 347. A Chinese port clearance, called " Hungpae," "the red decla- ration," locally called "the Grand Chop." This is an official passport from the viceroy and hoppo.* It states the captain's name, the tonnage and cargo of the vessel, and the compliance, on the part of the former, with the customary port requisitions. It requires the commander of the fort to allow the ship to pass unmolested, and, in case of any accident befalling her anywhere on Chinese waters, it enjoins upon the mandarins to render every aid in their power, free of all charges. This must certainly be regarded as a liberal policy. Before a chop can be obtained, the Hong merchant to whom the vessel has been consigned, must certify to the proper officers that all the necessary conditions have been complied with on the part of her officers, and that no debts remain. The following is the law with respect to shipwrecked foreigners, given in the form of an imperial edict, dated the second year of Keen- lung, A.D. 1737:— " Along the whole extent of our coast, it continually happens that foreign ships and people are driven on shore by gales of wind. It is hereby ordered, that the governors and lieutenant-governors of pro- vinces take the lead, and cause officers to be particularly attentive in affording compassion ; that they employ the public money to bestow food and raiment on the sufferers, and to refit their ships : after which, that they cause their goods to be returned, and see that they are sent home to their own country. This is done to manifest the extremely * The hoppo is the chief custom-house officer, or collector of the port. 72 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF tender feelings of my imperial mind towards men from remote regions. Take this order and command it to be an everlasting law. — Respect this." 348. A model of the pagoda near Whampoa, of nine stories, and about 1 70 feet high. The " Ta," or pagodas, are very common in the interior of China ; they consist of three, five, seven, nine, and even thirteen stories. They are generally placed on some eminence, and often on the tops of high hills. Within they are hollow, have windows in each story, and often a winding staircase leading to the top, contained in the wall of the building. The name of the pagoda represented in this model is " Chili kang ta." The second-bar pagoda (well known to all who have visited Canton) is called " Sze tsze yang ta." "Pa chow ta" is a famous pagoda, in the province of Canton, built about A.D. 1600 ; but that at Nankin is at the head of these lasting monuments of ancient architecture. They are of a religious character, and several still remain that are con- nected with religious establishments. The dimensions of the latter at Nankin are nearly 200 feet in height, with an octagonal ground plan. In niches at the sides of the spiral stair-case are placed Buddha images. C,. I¥o [ MODELS OF CHINESE SUMMER HOUSES. 349 & 350. Two models of summer-houses, of two stories each, usual in the gardens of the wealthy, in the southern provinces of China. It is somewhat singular that the dwellings of the Chinese bear a resemblance, in their plan and arrangements, to the remains of Roman habitations discovered at Pompeii. They consist usually of a ground floor,* divided into several apartments within the dead wall that fronts * When the Emperor Keen-lung saw a perspective view of a street in Paris or London, he observed that the territory must be very small whose inhabitants were obliged to pile their houses to the clouds. In a poem on London, by a Chinese visiter, it is stated — " The houses are so lofty that you may pluck the stars." THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 7.} the street, and lighted only by windows looking into the internal court- yard. The principal room next the entrance serves to receive visiters, as well as for eating ; and within are the more private apartments, the doorways of which are screened by pendent curtains of embroidered velvet, silk, or cotton. All houses of consequence are entered by a triple gateway, consisting of one large door in the centre, with a smaller ■one on each side. The central one is only opened for such guests as arrive in sedans, those who come on foot enter the side doors right and left. Just within the gates is the covered court, in which the sedan chairs are placed. Some of the courts are surrounded with verandahs, balconies, and colonnades displaying hundreds of pillars. On the grounds attached to the mansions of the wealthy, are artificial ponds or lakes, in which are cultivated their favourite lotus or water lily. In the centre of the sheet of water is a temporary building, of elegant design and workmanship, supported on piers, and occupied occasionally as a place of refreshment, and these are frequently made use of for the exhibition of private theatrical performances for the entertainment of the guests. 351. A model of a one-story summer house. 352. A model of a two-story summer house, in the northern provinces, of exquisite workmanship, and completely furnished. This affords a good specimen of mother-of-pearl windows. The summer houses often stand in the midst of a sheet of water, and are approached by bridges. 353. Bridge at Honan, near Canton, built of granite. 354. A domestic shrine, with three golden images, candlesticks, and an incense burner. These are found in every house and boat in China, and are of various sizes and devices, according to the means of the occupants. 355. Two-storied summer house, carved in gypsum. On the wall are a pair of tablets, on which are maxims, very ingeni- ously wrought in bamboo ; also birds, flowers, fruit, &c. ^ 71 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XVI, A CHINA-WARE SHOP. A two-story house as seen in the streets of Canton. The lower- part is fitted up as a retail China shop, and affords a very correct repre- sentation of a similar establishment in China. In the front of the counter is a small niche, within which is a shrine to Plutus, and by offering incense to it the tradesman hopes to get rich ; very often the names of other divinities are inscribed in the niche along with that of the god of wealth. On a pillar in front of the door, hangs a small tablet, on which is inscribed, "Sang ne, meen tsin,'' " Priests and beggars are not allowed to enter here :" this is frequently placed in a similar position, to prevent the intrusion of persons soliciting charity. For a general description of the streets of Canton, the visiter is re- ferred to the remarks under the view of the city of Canton, No. 1042. CASE XVIIo A SILK MERCER'S ESTABLISHMENT. The proprietor behind the counter making calculations on his counting- board. Clerk entering goods (on the left}. A purchaser in front of the counter. Another purchaser examining a piece of black silk. A Chinese gentleman smoking. a servant preparing breakfast. Another servant looking through the screen or summer door. Circular table with breakfast furniture. a blind beggar at the door asking alms. We have here a representation of a silk mercer's shop, as seen in the streets of Canton, completely furnished. This house and shop is the same size as the one previously noticed, and has been arranged so as to afford an exact idea of a Chinese retail establish- ment. The scene which it offers to our view, is more life-like than anything else in the collection. Two purchasers have been placed THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 75 at the counter, one of whom is scrutinising a piece of silk that lies before him. The owner, behind the counter, is carelessly leaning forward, and intent on casting an account on the "calculating dish," while his clerk is busy making entries in a book, in doing which he shews the Chinese mode of holding a pencil, which is placed perpen- dicularly between the thumb and all the fingers. It is customary with the Chinese shopkeepers to eat their daily meals in their places of busi- ness ; in the present instance a servant is preparing breakfast. The Chinese are early risers ; they have a saying, " whoever would effect any affair must employ the morning." In the present viceroy of Canton may be found a striking instance of this habit ; he may be frequently seen transacting business at four o'clock in the morning. The Emperor also affords a similar example to the court. A circular eight-legged table, very similar to those used by our great-grandfathers, is spread at the end of the shop. Among its furniture the ivory chop- sticks are the most novel. On the visiter's left hand sits a gentleman with a pipe, apparently a chance comer, "just dropped in" about meal- time ; at the door a blind beggar stands beating two bamboo sticks against each other, an operation with which he continues to annoy all whom he visits, till he is relieved by some trifling gratuity, usually a single cash. A small covered tub filled with tea, with a few cups near by, stands on the counter, from which customers are always invited to help themselves. On a small tablet placed upon the sliding door in front of the shelves, is inscribed the characters, " Tih kae ta keih," " Whenever opened, great success." The merchants and shopkeepers of Canton, are prompt, active, obliging, and able. They can do an immense deal of business in a short time, and all without noise, bustle, or disorder, Their goods are arranged in the most perfect manner, and nothing is ever out of its place. These traits assimilate them to the more enterprising of the western nations, and place them in prominent contrast with the rest of the Asiatics. It is confidently asserted, by those who have had the best opportunities of judging, that, as business men, they are in advance of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese merchants. It may not be amiss to remark, in connection with commerce and business generally in China, that both pawnbroking and banking are common in the large cities. The usual pawnbroking establishments are similar to those of Europe, but governed by very strict laws, to prevent the extortion of illegal and exorbitant interest. The banks are called " money shops," and resemble, in some measure, the private banks of England, each " money shop" being owned by an individual or firm ; for there are no chartered or privileged banking companies allowed in China. Both pawnbrokers and the proprietors of " money shops" must 76 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF be licensed, and they are not permitted to receive a higher interest than two per cent, on clothing, and three per cent, a month on other goods, or thirty per cent, a year ; and three years are allowed for the redemption of goods, at the expiration of which period unredeemed pledges are sold. Collectors of revenue deposit their receipts in the " money shops," the owners of which pay them to government, after deducting a liberal allowance for waste (as authorised by law), in reducing the silver to the quality of government sycee* (standard). Private individuals deposit sums in the " money shops," and draw on them, interest being some- times agreed upon on either side ; but the Chinese banks issue no notes or money on their own responsibility. There is a variety of amusing inscriptions on the scrolls hung up in the interior of some of the shops, which serve at the same time to mark the thrifty habits of the traders. A few specimens are subjoined : — " Gossiping and long sitting injure business." " Former customers have inspired caution — no credit given." " A small stream always flowing." " Goods genuine, prices true." " Trade circling like a wheel," &c. The sight of the breakfast table induces naturally a few observations on the articles of food and drink used by this people. The wealthier Chinese are much addicted to gastronomic pleasures, and are as delicate in their tastes as any other epicures ; but pinching poverty makes the mass as little fastidious as can well be conceived. They make little use of beef or mutton, owing to the scarcity of pasturage. Of animal food, the most universal is pork. Their maxim is, " The scholar forsakes not his books, nor the poor man his pig." Immense quantities of fish are consumed. Ducks are reared in immense numbers, and wild fowl, of various species, are abundant. The flesh of dogs, cats, rats, and mice, enters into the bill of fare of the Chinese poor. The larvae of the sphinx-moth, and a grub bred in the sugar-cane, are much relished, as also sharks' fins, the flesh of wild horses, the sea-slug, and a soup made of a species of birds'-nests. At an imperial feast, given to the last British embassy, a soup concocted of mares' milk and blood was among the dishes. The horse flesh and mares' milk are confined to the Tar- tars ; the birds'-nests used only at ceremonies, and the sea-slug but seldom. Of vegetables they have a large variety, the most common is the pe-tsae or "white cabbage," so called from the leaf-stalks being blanched, and resembles a turnip in its mode of growth. Immense quantities of this vegetable are seen daily in their markets. It is prepared and sold * The term " se-sze," or "floss silk," is applied to the Standard silver, as denoting its fineness and purity, from whence comes the word "sycee." THE CHINESE COLLECTION. » "7 in a salted state. Rice is the most esteemed and the most abundant. This is the chief thing for which they wish and work. Certain sailors once asked GutzlafF whether the western barbarians used rice, and as he was rather slow in replying, they exclaimed, " O, the sterile regions of barbarians, which produce not the necessaries of life; strange that the inhabitants have not long ago died of hunger!" The Chinese are not at all accustomed to water-drinking, and drink nothing cold. They distil from rice certain liquors resembling our beer, wines, and whiskey, and a strong spirit called " Samshoo," which is drunk warm in small cups, at their meals, undiluted by water. The grape, though abundant, is not used for any such purpose. The universal national beverage is tea. This is drank in unstinted quantities by all classes of the people, from the self-styled " Son of Heaven," to the occupant of the meanest hovel or sanpan. Though the Chinese sometimes take three meals in a day ; yet tea, which they drink at all hours, is never served up for them with the formalities of the European tea-table. So enormous is the consumption of tea by the natives, that M'Cartney is of opinion that, if the whole foreign demand should, by some accident, suddenly cease, the price of the article would not be materially affected. Many of the wealthier natives are exceed- ingly fastidious in their taste, which they gratify by the use of teas obtained at prices that would startle us by their enormity. It is, however, only the very rich and the very luxurious who indulge in such extravagance. " . ' Kilo .'5")(i. Model of a boat of the largest size, appropriated to pleasure parties, called " Hwa-chow," i.e., "a flower-boat, and fre- quently occupied by the wealthy classes in summer evenings. 357. Pair of swords to be used by both hands, but having one sheath. The object in using this weapon is to hamstring the enemy. 358. Numerous specimens of tobacco pipes, of singular forms and devices. 359. Opium pipes. The mode of using opium in China is by smoking. In preparing the drug for use, it is made into a decoction resembling molasses, and is vended clandestinely by the retailers by weight, in small china vessels. 78 . DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF The pipes used are generally of this form, the principle of construction being the same in all. In smoking, the end of a fine wire is dipped into the preparation ; it is then held over a small lamp ; and, lastly, inserted into the small aperture of the bowl of the pipe, which is held in an inverted position. The smoke is inhaled, and retained as long as pos- sible by the person, in a reclining posture. The baneful effects of this deleterious drug are set forth in a late memorial to the Emperor from one of the censors, laying open the evil in all its enormity, and shewing its prevalence among certain classes. " I have learned," says he, " that those who smoke opium, and eventually become its victims, have a periodical longing for it, which can only be assuaged by the application of the drug at the regular time. If they cannot obtain it when that daily period arrives, their limbs become debilitated, a discharge of rheum takes place from the eyes and nose, and they are altogether unequal to any exertion ; but with a few whiffs, their spirits and strength are immediately restored in a surprising manner. This opium becomes, to opium smokers, their very life ; and when they are siezed and brought before magistrates, they will sooner suffer a severe chastisement than inform against those who sell it." " I had the curiosity to visit the opium-smoker in his heaven ; and certainly it is a most fearful sight, although, perhaps, not so degrading to the eye as the drunkard from spirits, lowered to the level of the brute, and wallowing in his filth. The idiotic smile and death-like stupor, however, of the opium debauchee, has something far more awful to the gaze than the bestiality of the other. * * The rooms where they sit and smoke are surrounded by wooden couches with places for the head to rest upon, and generally a side room is devoted to gambling. The pipe is a reed of about an inch in diameter, and the aperture in the bowl for the admission of the opium is not larger than a pin's head. The drug is prepared by boiling and evaporation to the consistence of treacle, and a very small portion is sufficient to charge it, one or two whiffs being the utmost that can be inhaled from a single pipe, and the smoke is taken into the lungs as from the hookah in India. On a beginner, one or two pipes will have an effect, but an old stager will continue smoking for hours. At the head of each couch is placed a small lamp, as fire must be held to the drug during the process of inhaling ; and from the difficulty of filling and properly lighting the pipe, there is generally a person who waits upon the smoker to perform the office. A few days of this fearful luxury, when taken to excess, will give a pallid and haggard look to the face ; and a few months, or even weeks, will change the strong and healthy man intp little better than an idiot skeleton. The pain they suffer when deprived of the drug, after long habit, no language can explain ; and it is only when, to a certain THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 79 degree, under its influence, that their faculties are alive. In the houses devoted to their ruin, these infatuated people may be seen, at nine in the evening, at all the different stages ; some entering half distracted to feed the craving appetite they had been obliged to subdue during the day ; others laughing and talking wildly under the effects of a first pipe, whilst the couches around are filled with their different occupants, who lie languid, with an idiotic smile upon their countenance, too much under the influence of the drug to care for passing events, and fast merging to the wished for consummation. The last scene in this tragic play is ge- nerally a room in the rear of the building, a species of dead-house, where lie stretched those who have passed into the state of insensibility the opium-smoker madly seeks — an emblem of the long sleep to which he is blindly hurrying."* 360. An ivory ball, containing seven concentric spheres, cut from a solid block. 361. Bridge of five arches, at Fa-tee, built of granite. The solid and substantial manner in which the stone bridges are built, can hardly fail to interest the visiter of this collection ; while the style, buttresses, breakwaters, &c, will remind him of the modern structures of London and of Europe generally. It is remarkable, that the Chinese construct arches without key-stones, as will be seen on reference to these models. The blocks of stone, or rather slabs, which form the level of their bridges, are frequently fourteen feet long by four or five in breadth ; how they manage to place them in their proper positions seems extraordinary, as no machinery for the purpose has been found, and the Chinese assert it is accomplished merely by manual labour. 2G2. Long duck gun with matchlock. 363. Air-gun (wooden barrel). 364. Leaden balls for air-gun. 3(i, r ). Small iron shot, used by sportsmen as a matter of economy. 366. Match rope. 367. Chinese gunpowder, called Ho-yo, " fire drug." Although the proportions of the ingredients in the composition of this article by the Chinese are nearly the same as those used by us, yet it is ascertained that the quality of the former is far inferior to our own ; probably on account of the imperfect admixture and impurities of the ingredients. Nitre is the natural and daily produce of China, and being one of the chief ingredients in its manufacture, as Sir George Staunton observes, " accordingly, the knowledge of gunpowder seems to be coeval with that of the most distant historic events." 368. Powder (buffalo) horns. * Davis, vol. II., p. 409. 80 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 3G9. Small priming horn. 370. Specimens of brick, one of which was taken from the ancient pagoda on Lob creek. 371. Specimens of stones of which the bridge at Fa-tee is built. CHINESE WATER WHEEL. On the top of this case (No. XVIII.) is placed a model of a Chinese water-wheel, worked by men in a similar way to a treadmill, called Shwiiy chay. Sir George Staunton says : " Most eastern nations seem to have been acquainted at an early period with the machine for raising water, which was however, un- known in Europe till the Saracens introduced it into Spain, in an imperfect state, and under a very awkward form, being little more than wisps of hay tied to a rope, which turned upon a wheel ; one part of which being immersed in the water, each wisp imbibed a portion of that fluid, and discharged it at the upper surface of the wheel ; but the Chinese pump consists of a hollow wooden trunk, divided in the inside along the middle by a board, into two compartments. Flat and square pieces of wood, corresponding exactly to the dimensions of the cavity of the trunk, are fixed to a chain which turns over a roller or small wheel, placed at each extremity of the trunk. The square pieces of wood fixed to the chain, move with it round the rollers, and lift up a volume of water equal to the dimensions of the hollow trunk, and are therefore called the lifters. The power used in working this machine is applicable in three different ways. If the machine be intended to lift a great quantity of water, several sets of large wooden arms are made to project from various parts of the lengthened axis of the rollers, over which the chains and lifters turn. Those arms are shaped like the letter T, and made round and smooth for the foot to rest upon. The axis turns upon two upright pieces of wood, kept steady by a pole stretched across them. The machine being fixed, men treading upon the projecting arms of the axis, and supporting themselves upon a beam across the uprights, communicate a rotary motion to the chain, the lifters attached to which draw up a constant and copious stream of water. This manner of working the chain-pump is applied to the purpose of draining grounds, transferring water from one pond or cistern to an- other, or raising it to small heights out of rivers or canals. Another method of working this machine is by yoking a buffalo or other animal to a large horizontal wheel, connected by cogs with the axis of the rollers, over which the lifters turn. This mode was observed by the present travellers only at Chusan. BliB li Si -■ i : STATF. CHAIR. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 81 i " A small machine of this kind is worked merely by the hand, with the assistance of a trundle and simple crank, such as are applied to a common grindstone, and fixed to one end of the axis of the chain-pump. This last method is general throughout the empire. Every labourer is in possession of such a portable machine ; an implement to him not less useful than a spade to an European peasant. " The making of those machines gives employment to a great num- ber of artificers." CASE XVII lo A, Contains a model of a Chinese war junk, elaborately carved in ivory. This unique specimen affords an admirable illustration of an art, in which the Chinese excel. 372. Chair of state with footstool, elaborately carved and gilt, corre- sponding with another on the opposite side. The visiter's especial attention is directed to a pair of magnificent lanterns suspended from the ceiling, immediately above the chairs. These lanterns are of exquisite workmanship and beauty, and from their expensive character in China, are seen only in the halls of the most wealthy ; it is^ believed these are the only pair of the same magnitude and richness ever brought from China. CASE XIX. ORNITHOLOGY. 374. Euplocomus Nycthemerus .... Penciled Pheasant. 37"). Polyplectron Hardwickii Diamond Pheasant. 370. Polyplectron Hardwickii, female . Diamond Pheasant. 377. Thaumalea Picta Golden Pheasant. 378. Thaumalea Picta, female Golden Pheasant. 379. Paradisea Sanguinea Sanguine Bird of Paradise. 380. Paradisea Apoda Greater Bird of Paradise. 381. Cicinnurus Regius King Bird of Paradise. 382. Paradisea Apoda Greater Bird of Paradise. 383. Cygnopsis Cygnoides Swan Goose. F 8*2 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XX* Tins case, with the one on the opposite side of the room corre- sponding with it, is about fifteen feet high, and is covered with an exact facsimile of a Chinese roof, each corner of which terminates in a golden dragon, from whose fiery mouth depends a bell, such as we see in draw- ings and models of pagodas. The dragon is an imperial emblem in China, and this fact explains the frequency with which we see the figure in their various works of art. It is the badge or coat of arms affixed to the books and standard of the Emperor. This case contains, and is nearly filled by a superb lantern, used only upon occasions of state. This lantern is about ten feet in height, and four feet in diameter at the two extremities. The frame is richly carved and gilt, and is covered with crimson and white silk, adorned with the most costly and beautiful embroidery. The tassels and bead- work which depend from the bottom, and form a projecting portion at each corner of the upper part, are in keeping with the rest. There are no less than two hundred and fifty- eight crimson silk tassels, pendent from various parts. In short, this national lantern is as magnificent as carving, gilding, silks, embroidery, and bead-work can make it. The bottom of the case is covered with numerous specimens of fans, articles in universal use. Gentlemen as well as ladies carry fans, not laying them aside even in cold weather. The construction of this ap- pendage to the dress of every Chinese, differs according to the sex by whom it is used, those of the former being made to fold up as with us, whilst those of the latter are invariably flat and of fanciful shapes. CHINESE CANNON. In the recess at the back of the case XX. is placed a Chinese can- non, taken by the British during the present war, at the capture of Chusan. The literal translation of the inscription on the face is as follows : — Kea-king. 14th year, " Cannon Architects." (Founders.) " Heavy." 8th moon. Kwei Ming Ching , . , , N ™ (weight) Meih Wan Tseu ° ' placed. LeYewShing 5 00 Catties. Lan Wan Shing. (i. e. cast.) THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 83 CASE XII. ORNITHOLOGY. 385. Phasianus Torquatus .... Ring-necked Pheasant. 38G. Phasianus Torquatus, female . Ring-necked Pheasant. 387. Aix Galericulata Chinese Teal or " Mandarin Duck." This bird deserves especial notice, from the brilliancy of its plumage and the singularity of its wings. Its disposition, too, is as remarkable as its beauty. The female never mates a second time. An interesting anecdote, illustrative of this fact, is related by Mr. Davis : — " From a pair of these birds in Mr. Beale's aviary at Macao, the drake happened one night to be stolen. The duck was perfectly inconsolable, like Calypso after the departure of Ulysses. She retired into a corner, neglected her food and person, refused all society, and rejected with disdain the proffer of a second love. In a few days, the purloined duck was recovered and brought back. The mutual demonstrations of joy were excessive ; and, what is more singular, the true husband, as if in- formed by his partner of what had happened in his absence, pounced upon the would-be lover, tore out his eyes, and injured him so much that he soon after died of his wounds." 388. Oriolus Chinensis Chinese Oriole. 389 Arborophila Sphenura . . . . Wedge-tailed Arborophila. 390. Acridotheres Cristatellus. . . Crested Grackle. 391. Lanius Erythronotus Rufous-backed Shrike. 392. Centropus Lark-heeled Cuckoo. 393. Ceryle varia Eastern-pied Kingfisher. 394. Gallinula Gularis Gular Gallinule. 395. Coturnix communis Common Quail. 396. Fuligula cristata Tufted Duck. 397. Python bivittatus .... Chinese Boa Constrictor and a wild Cat. 398. Rollulus cristatus Crested Rouloul. 399. Rollulus cristatus, female . . Crested Rouloul. 400. Gallus Bankiva Javanese Jungle Cock. This bird is the original of the domestic fowl. i •-' 84 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 401. Gallus Bankiva, female . . . Javanese Jungle Hen. 402. Turnix Pugnax Fighting Turnix. 403. Acridotheres Ialla White-faced Pastor. 404. Palceornis Bengalensis .... Blossom-headed Parrakeet. 405. Acridotheres Sericeus .... Silky Starling. 406. Hsematornis Jocosus Jocose Bulbul. 407. Merops Philippinus Philippine Bee-Eater. 408. Palceornis Torquatus .... Ring-necked Parrakeet. 409. Amadina Punctularia .... Cowry Finch. 410. Amadina Oryzivora Java Sparrow. 411. Amadina Oryzivora, female . Java Sparrow. 412. Pyrrhulauda Gingica .... Gingi Lark. 413. Merops viridis Green Bee-Eater. 414. Acridotheres Malabaricus . . Malabar Grackle. 415. Palceornis Torquatus, female . Ring-necked Parrakeet. 416. Amadina Malacca Malacca Finch. 417. Hydrophasianus Sinensis . . Chinese Jackana. 418. Psittacus Sinensis Chinese Parrot. 419. Anser Albifrons White-fronted Goose. 420. Phalacrocorax Cormorant. 421. Manis Javanica Javanese Manis. 422. Manis Javanica Javanese Manis. 423. Xema Gull. 424. Rhynchaspis Clypeata .... Shoveler. CASES XXIII-I¥c CONCHOLOGY. In these cases are numerous labelled specimens of shells from the China seas. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 85 CASE XX¥. SILVER WARE, ENAMEL, &c. 429 & 430. A pair of elegantly chased silver tankards to contain hot wine. These afford a good specimen of native skill in this particular art. Wine is said to have been introduced in the time of Yu (the Chinese Noah), who, after partaking of the luxury, banished the maker, and prohibited its use, remarking that, " in future ages nations would be ruined by it." 431. A basket, beautifully wrought and enamelled, in silver wire, to contain flowers. 432 & 433. A pair of pearl oyster-shells, richly carved, on one of which there is a bee, ingeniously wrought out of gold wire ; a novel and brilliant imitation of that useful insect. 434. A small antique porcelain vessel, a specimen of this art in its earliest age. 435. Grotesque bronze " Lion-unicorn," on a carved stand, used as an incense holder — an ancient specimen. The figures given of this animal by the Chinese differ very much. It appears to be a mere creature of imagination. One drawing of it partly resembles the fabled griffon of the Greeks ; a spinous fin upon the back, a large horn upon the forehead, the claws and teeth of a Hon, with the skin of a tiger, are its usual outlines. 436. A small Buddha idol, on a stand. 437. Grotesque lion and whelps, in coloured marble, on a stand. 438. An ancient " Cup of Alliance," used by the bride and bridegroom at the " excellent ceremony " (of marriage) in mutually pledging each other in a cup of wine. 439 & 440. A pair of beautifully carved figures, from the root of the bamboo, and stands. 441. A beautiful specimen of sculpture of the lotus (nymphcea nelumbo). 442. A snuff-bottle, in lacquered ware, a beautiful specimen from Soo- chow. 443 & 444. A pair of very beautiful ornamental stands, with marble tops, on which are two flower baskets, ingeniously wrought in silver wire. 445. Antique enamelled vessel, to contain hot wine at feasts, of which the Chinese are remarkably fond. 446. Enamelled bottle-shape flower- vase. 447 to 449. Three ancient metallic figures of Buddha or Fuh. 86 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 450 & 451. Two marble idols. 452. A very ancient metallic figure on a tortoise, used as an incense holder. 453. A superb set of ivory chess-men, exquisitely carved, on a lac- quered board ; the ball at the bottom of each has in it several concentric spheres. 454. Elegantly lacquered box to contain paper, &c. 455 & 456. Three lacquered boxes, beautifully inlaid with mother of pearl. 457. An ivory ball, containing seventeen concentric spheres, each one being carved with a different pattern. The average time con- sumed in carving each ball is about one month. /-^H^--- CASE IIVL ARTICLES OF VERTU. 458. A gentleman's pocket mirror, the back of which is of ivory* with beautifully carved figures. 459. A gentleman's pocket mirror, with back of sandal-wood, carved in a similar manner. 460. Richly carved ivory case, to contain a gentleman's snuff-bottle. 461 & 462. Odoriferous beads, covered with silk, usually suspended at the neck of the outer coat or jacket of Chinese women when fully dressed. 463. A pair of embroidered tobacco-pouches. 464. Ornamental stand, with imitations of fruit in silver wire, beautifully executed. 465. An ornamental stand, in which is an apparatus in silver, consisting of a tongue-scraper, tooth-pick, and ear-pick : these are gene- rally appended to the girdle of the dress, attached by a chain of the same metal. 466. Beads of odoriferous wood, from the seed vessel of a plant, some- times used as buttons. 467. A bronze buffalo, used as an incense vessel. 468. Small ornamental stand, with porcelain vessel. 469. A pair of beautifully painted porcelain jars. 470 & 471. Ornamental stands, with specimens of carving in ivory, of men, cattle, birds, &c. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 87 472. Pair of chop-sticks and knife, in a case of sandal-wood. 473 to 475. Cups of pressed glass, in imitation of those cut out of valuable stones. These are used for wine, at entertainments, which is always drank warm. The wealthy Chinese use small golden cups, having the shape of an antique vase, with two handles, some being square ; and at dinner they are kept constantly filled by attendants holding large silver vessels like coffee-pots (see Case XXV., No. 445). The Chinese mode of pledging is singular, but has, at the same time, some resemblance to our own. The person who wishes to do this courtesy to one or more guests, gives them notice by an attendant ; then, taking the full cup with both hands, he lifts it to the level of his mouth, and after making a particular motion with his head, he drinks off the contents ; he waits until the other party has done the same, and finally repeats the first nod of the head, holding the cup downward before him, to shew that it is quite empty. It is a compliment in China to tell a man that his ability to drink wine is great. 470. Rosary, composed of beads, from the stones of the Pimela of Louriero, or Chinese olive, carved in imitation of the Shih Pa Lo Han, or eighteen disciples of Buddha-. 477. A porcelain snuff-bottle. 478. Ancient marble figure on stand. 479. Small metallic candlestick. 480. A beautiful white porcelain vessel on stand. 481. Carved mother-of-pearl ornament, attached to the neck of the outer garment. 482. A signet or hand seal, placed upon official documents, on the top of which is a representation of a lion and whelp. The national seal is called " Se," and is made of some precious stone, bearing the words " the gem of the imperial pencil of ten thousand springs;" others are made of gold, silver, or copper; some are square, and others oblong, which varieties are intended to mark the difference of rank. The box containing the official seal, is generally covered with yellow cloth. Dr. Morrison says, the Chinese phrase " Fung yin," i. e., " to shut up the seal," implies to desist from the ordinary business of the public courts in the last month of the year; and "to open out the seal," implies a recommencement of public business, after ending the new year's holidays, which continue from about the twentieth of the twelfth moon to the twentieth of the first moon. 483. Glass-box lor containing the red pigment used with seals. 484. Model of a mandarin's couch, called " Kang," which occasionally answers for a bed; it is made of the wood " Muh wang," and is richly carved. 88 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF In the north of China, during the cold weather, these couches are warmed by fire underneath. They were introduced by the Tartars. In the centre of the seat is placed a small table, " Kang cho tsze," to receive tea and other refreshments, whilst two persons sit one on each side of it ; stools for the feet are placed in front. 485. Metallic incense vessel. 48G to 488. Three ornamental stands, in which are variegated marbles, covered with sculptured hieroglyphics, and which are held by the Chinese in religious veneration. 489. Small ornamental stand, with porcelain vessel. 490. Copper cast of Buddha, worshipped by the religious sect in China, on a stand of hard wood. 491. Beautiful specimen of variegated marble, with rude natural resem- blances of birds and animals, in a richly-carved frame. 492. Specimen of painting on glass, with an astrological device, in richly carved frame. i'ASE XXVI I o SMALL ARTICLES OF FINE PORCELAIN. 493. Three tea-pots and sundry cups. The inside is of porcelain, the outside of white copper. These afford a good specimen of a singular application of this metal, being formed in a very puzzling manner over a porcelain vessel of the same shape, which appears as an interior lining. The handles and spouts are of the stone called jade, to which the Chinese give the name of yu. The outsides of these tea-pots are covered with sentences ex- pressive of the excellencies of good tea. 494. Porcelain dish in form of a leaf, with imitation fruit. 495. Porcelain snuff-bottle, of great beauty, with stopper of red corne- lian, attached to which is a tortoise-shell spoon. 496. Perforated porcelain vessel, for sweet-scented flowers. 497. Brown porcelain tea-pot of singular form. 498. Another porcelain tea-pot, with maxims inscribed on it. 499. Very curious porcelain box, in form of a crab, with moveable eyes and feet. 500. Singular and ancient tea-pot, having no lid. The tea is put in at the bottom, and the orifice is then stopped, the object of which is to prevent the escape of the aroma of the tea. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 89 501. Very small tea-pot of brown ware, and porcelain cup of very small dimensions. These are not toys as they are sometimes supposed to be ; but are used in making the finest and most expensive kinds of tea ; teas in China being sold at prices varying from a few cents to several dollars per catty.* The most costly kinds are never exported, as they would not bear the exposure of a distant voyage. A small canister of pecu- liarly fine tea accompanies the above. 502. Vessel to contain hot wine, " tsew hing," at dinners. 503. Perforated porcelain vessel, resembling an orange. 504. Very ancient tea-pot, but similar to the more modern, except in the handle ; the outer surface being cracked in the burning. 505 & 506. Two porcelain bowls of great beauty. 507. A small portable furnace, made of a species of fire clay. 508. A vessel of clay in common use for the purpose of cooking rice. 509. A figured tile, used for paving court-yards. 510. A kettle made of clay, for boiling water. This vessel is in general use in China, and is of the least expensive kind, the retail price is about one farthing each. fc&G CASE IXfllL ARTICLES OF VERTU. 511. Lady's silk embroidered tobacco pouch. 512. Gentleman's silk embroidered tobacco pouch. 513. Ornamental stand, with grotesque sculptured human figure. 514. Mariner's compass, called by the Chinese, " The needle pointing to the south." 515. Gentlemen's embroidered pockets. 516 & 517. Buttons worn on mandarins' caps to denote their rank. 518. Ancient Chinese coins of different reigns. The inscriptions on them are in the antique seal character, which is a species of black letter in China. There are few persons, even Chinese, who are well versed in it. There are also the coins of the Ta-Tsing, or present Tartar dynasty. • A catty is one pound and one-third 90 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 519. Pair of washed metallic rings, put on the arms of females when young, and never taken off; also, a washed metallic pin for the hair. 520. Pair of spectacles of peculiar construction. 521. Model of a couch, the panels and seat of which are of marble. 522. Rings of the jade stone, as 519. 523. Hair-pins of the jade stone. 524. Ladies' ear-rings of coloured glass. 525. Pair of spectacles, with tortoise-shell frame and embroidered case. 526. Swan-pan or calculating board. 527. Ornamental stand, with marble top, on which is a plate of arti- ficial fruit, and several coloured glass snuff-bottles. 528. Specimen of beautifully embossed lacquered ware from Soochow, in which are a pair of ear-rings. 529. Stand with grotesque figure, and antique copper vessel in form of a duck, used to contain water for diluting the China ink. 530. Pallet and cover, for mixing ink. 531. Lady's work-basket, ingeniously wrought in bamboo. 532. Stone medallions, with hieroglyphics, used as amulets or charms. 533. Pencil-holder, made of the bark of a tree. 534 & 535. Rosaries of coloured beads. 536. Mandarin's girdle and clasp. 537. Porcelain plate and artificial fruit. 538. Winnowing machine, used in sifting tea, having two spouts, to ascertain the proportion of dust, called "fung-kwei," or " wind devil." 539 & 540. Gentleman's girdle. The ends are very ingeniously wrought in braid, representing a basket of flowers. 541. A feather fan of the Chinese goose. 542. Another of the Argus pheasant. CASE XXilo SMALL ARTICLES OF FINE PORCELAIN. 543. Beautifully enamelled vessel (on copper), to hold flowers. 544 & 545. Porcelain rice dishes. 546 & 547. A pair of rich porcelain vases, with figures inlaid with gold. 548. Very ancient porcelain vessel, to hold soy made from the Dolichos Soja. There are large manufactories of soy at Honan. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 91 549. Curious small porcelain tea-pot. 550 & 551. Two finely painted porcelain tea-cups and covers, with written sentences on each. These are of a superior kind, and are designated " egg-shell porcelain." 552. Porcelain vessel of beautiful texture, for holding rice or soup. 553. Enamelled tea-cup, cover and stand ; curious, but rarely used. 554. Beautifully painted porcelain pencil-holder, on carved stand. 555. Eight richly painted porcelain cups forming a set. 556 & 557. A pair of white porcelain jars, on which are paintings of some of the highest mandarins in their state robes. 558. Small porcelain vessel for liqueurs. 559 to 5G1. Three large dishes, being beautiful specimens of enamel on copper. These are used at marriage entertainments of the wealthy. 562 & 563. Two large China-ware tea-buckets, used by labourers, &c, while engaged at their work. CASE 1X1= SILK MANUFACTURES. The different specimens of silk and other manufactures exhibited in this Case, and also in No. XXXI., are made expressly for native use, the style and quality being peculiarly their own, and are not exported as merchandise. 564. Coloured figured crapes, for spring and autumn wear. 565. Specimens of coloured satins, made near Canton. 566. Figured satin, used for lining, Sic. 567. Reels of coloured silk used for tying silk goods. 567A. Tsatlee raw silk. 567B. Canton raw silk. 568. Light coloured silks, for summer wear. 569. Beautiful specimen of silk manufacture — a piece of coloured satin, having two faces, the one crimson, and the other green. 570. Coloured silks, for linings. 571. Figured silk, for winter wear. 572. Figured silk, for edgings of garments. 573. Damask silk, for winter wear. 57-1. Figured summer silks. 575. Coloured silks, for gentlemen's summer wear. 92 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XXXL SILK AND COTTON MANUFACTURES. 576. Specimens of silks, used principally for linings of winter dresses, and sometimes forming part of the summer costume of the wealthy. 577. Specimens of grass-cloth, made of a species of hemp, much used in China ; the coarser kind for the poorer orders, the finer for the rich. This is a cooler article than the French cambric. 578. Cotton check, in extensive use in China, which, it will be seen, bears a strong resemblance to our own manufacture. 579. Specimens of linen and cotton goods, used for bed covers. 580. Crimson cotton for lining. 581. Black silk velvet, used for facing winter felt caps. 582 & 583. Silks, as 576. 584. Dyed grass-cloths. 585. Common brown cotton, resembling American manufacture — about sixteen inches wide, and costs from four to five cents per yard. 586. Cotton musquito netting. 587. Coarsest kind of grass-cloth, used by the poorest classes, and sometimes by the rich for mourning. 588. Striped baglapore, used for gentlemen's summer dresses in China. 589. Dyed cottons for linings. 590. Damask striped silk, for edges of gentlemen's dresses. 590A. Silk wadding, each sheet being the produce of one cocoon. CASE IIXIL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. 591. Chinese flute, called seaou. 592. Guitar, called san-heen. 593. Musical instrument, called heen-kin, strongly resembling the harmonicon ; the tones being remarkably clear and melodious. The small slips of bamboo are used to strike the strings. 594. Guitar of ebony ; the ball is covered with part of a snake's skin ; the name in Chinese is woo-pa. 595. A wind instrument, called sang. The tones emitted by this instrument are very similar to tiie music of the Scotch bagpipes. 596. Guitar, called yue-kin, or " moon-lyre," in allusion to its circular form. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. <)3 597. A kind of musical pipe. 598. Musical cups, a part of every Chinese band of music. 599. Musical instrument, cut out of a solid block and hollow, giving a peculiar sound when beaten with a stick. It is struck to mark the intervals of the religious services in temples, &c, and to beat time in music. 600. Violin denominated ye-yin. 601. Guitar, called yih-pa, an instrument in very common use. 602. A species of harp, called chung. 603. Small gong, called lo-tseih. 604. Plates of hard wood on which time is beaten. They are also used by beggars to produce a loud noise at shop doors, and thus compel the inmates to bestow a small sum of money on them in charity. The Chinese name is cha-pan. 605 & 606. Brass trumpets. 607. Trumpets. 608. A framework of metallic plates, each producing a different sound, and struck with the small bamboo sticks. 609. Small cymbals. 610. Musical pipe, as 597. 61 1. Brass horns that draw out as a telescope. 612. Kind of drum, called hwuy-koo. The Chinese do not employ catgut in stringing their instruments, but substitute silk and wire. Sounding-boards are not used. According to Mr. Huttner, one of the attaches of Lord Macartney's embassy, the gamut of the Chinese is very imperfect. They have no knowledge of semi- tones, counterpoint, or parts in music. Harmonies are never attempted. Whatever the number of performers, there is always one melody. In the manufacture of musical instruments, they make use of a wood called woo-tung. This tree is very remarkable. It is said to be so ex- ceedingly regular in casting its leaves, that the natural fall of one is a certain indication of autumn. CASE XXXIIL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, &c. 613. Chinese gong, a musical instrument used in temples, and before the mandarins, and at the private theatrical entertainments, &c, &c, called "Tung-lo." The highly sonorous nature of this instrument is attributed to a large proportion of tin in combina- tion with copper. 94 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 014. Another gong, smaller than the above, but of louder sound. 615. Cymbals, called seaou-po. GIG. A kind of kettle drum, made of pig's hide, on a stand. G17. Musical instruments used in temples, having the sound of a bell. The two upper sections of this case contain numerous labelled mineralogical specimens. CASE XXIIY. JOINERS' TOOLS, &c. G18. Specimens of wrought iron nails, spikes, &c. 619. Three padlocks of curious construction. 620. A carpenter's marking-line, called " Mih-tow-seen," in the use of which a black line is made instead of white, as with us. 621. A complete set of tools for working in ivory. 622. Small hand-saw, in the use of which a contrary motion is made to our own, the teeth being reversed the saw is drawn towards the workman, and is always set at an angle from the back. The compasses in use among the Chinese are without legs ; the instrument consists of a straight stick, having a pin in each end ; one of which serves as a pivot, while the other, set at any given distance, describes the circle. In the middle and lower sections of this case is a complete set of carpenters' and joiners' tools, from the rough jack-plane to the smallest tools for the execution of the finest carving. In China the building of a house and the beautiful embellishments are both executed by the same workman. mmd CASES IXX¥-¥Io NATURAL HISTORY. These cases contain numerous specimens in natural history; ser- pents, lizards, toads, and fishes, some of which are exeedingly small. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 95 [[- 'lllo NATURAL HISTORY. These cases also contain numerous specimens in natural history from the Chinese waters. (CA8IE XXI 1. CUTLERY, CASTINGS, &c. 623. Implements used in splitting wood. 62 I. Cleavers used by butchers. 625 & 626. Tailors' scissors, the blades of which are hollowed on the inside. 627. A set of caponizing instruments. 628. Portable anvil carried by itinerant blacksmiths. 629. Sickles for rice, in which are teeth like a saw. 630. Knives for cutting leather. 631. Iron skewers for stringing fish. 632 & 634. Meat knives. 633. Reeping hook. 635. A wood cleaver. 636. Sickles for rice. 637 & 638. Wire baskets to which are attached handles. These are used to contain live charcoal to dry any particular article. 639 & 640. Large fish knives. (J 11. Steel rat trap, similar to the European. 642. Pestle and mortar. 6-13. Bricklayer's trowel. 644. An iron shoe attached to hoes. 6 15. Cast iron vessels, very thin, for cooking rice, and frying meat, Sec. 6 16. Vessel of cast iron, for various uses. 6 17. Rat trap of common but rude construction. 648. Stonecutters' hammer. 96 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XlLo CHINESE BOOKS. 649. Specimens of Chinese books, with the titles on the ends, shewing the mode of binding, with the envelope. 650. Printing block of wood, resembling in its use our stereotype plates. All printing in China is executed from blocks of this kind, in the following manner : — The printer holds in his hand what may be termed a double brush, having one handle, that below his hand is charged with ink, with which he supplies the face of the engraved characters on the block before him ; the paper, which is very thin, and somewhat resem- bles what is termed by us silver paper, is next placed on the block, and the dry brush is run over the surface, thereby completing the impression. The operation is very quick, and from 2,000 to 3,000 may be taken off in a day by a single workman. From the paper being so thin and transparent, it is printed on one side only, and each printed sheet, consisting of two pages, is folded back at a dividing line, given in the printing, bringing the unprinted or blank pages together. The fold is therefore on the outer edge of the volume, contrary to our mode, being stitched at the opposite margin. Under the dynasty Sung, moveable characters made of clay, baked hard, were used, but the printing by no means equalled the present mode. Many of the books in this case have covers of Miih-wang wood. 651. Very small book, used as an amulet. Another of the same kind is exhibited below, open. Books of this kind are sometimes smuggled by the students at their examination, as likely to escape detection from their small size, and are secreted in the sleeve of their garment. 652. Buddhist book, filled with plates, representing their future punish- ments. Drawings of their punishments are frequently seen in this and other countries, and are erroneously supposed to represent those actually inflicted upon criminals by the Chinese laws. 653. Book of manuscripts. 654 & 655. " Le Ke," or " Book of Rites and Ceremonies." 656. Imperial temple dictionary. 657. Book of ancient seal characters. 658. Representations of the religious ceremonies of the Buddhists. 659. Book of architectural drawings, with silk margin, and wooden covers. THE CHINESE COLLECTION' 97 ; ASE I, FRUITS, TEAS, &c, &c. 1. A specimen of a dwarf tree, for which the Chinese are so cele- brated. The practice of dwarfing forest trees is common among the Chinese, and is considered as a test of the gardener's skill ; bamboos, cypresses, orange, and a species of elm tree are thus treated ; and when well stunted and distorted, these victims of fashion often bear extravagant prices. The following is the mode as practised by the Chinese : — The thick branch of a fruit tree is deprived of a ring of bark, and the place covered round with a lump of rich loam. This is kept moist, and when the radicles have pushed into the loam, the whole is taken off and placed in a shallow pot. The branches most loaded with blossoms are selected, and the abscission taking place when the fruit is nearly ripe, they are in that state sold in flower-pots. When the dwarfing process is intended to be in imitation of old forest trees, the branch which has pushed radicles into the surrounding loam is separated from the tree, and planted in a shallow earthenware flower-pot, of an oblong shape. The pot is then filled with small lumps of alluvial clay, sufficient to supply a scanty nourishment to the plant, and water is added in a regulated quantity. The branches are repressed by cutting and burning, and bent into shapes resembling those of an old forest tree in miniature. Roughness is produced in the bark by smearing it with sweet substances that attract ants ; and the plant in time acquires the desired smallness of leaf, and general stunted appearance. The elm is most frequently used for this purpose : nor do the dwarfs require any further attention, when once fashioned, than to have the young shoots kept down by clipping. Trees of this description live to a considerable age, this specimen was brought from China while in full health, having been kept in the same flower-pot upwards of fifty years. II. Another tree of the same description, shewing the manner in which the root is twisted, so as to afford as little nourishment to the tree as possible, in order to obtain the required smallness of leaf. III. Bird's nest of a species of swallow peculiar to the Indian Islands, Hirundo esculenta, well known as an important article of the commerce of the Chinese, arising from their indulgence in this very whimsical luxury. This specimen is in its natural state, as taken from the rocks. IV. A part of the bird's nest, as above, in an edible state. In this state it is made into soup, and sold at a price that would startle some of our own countrymen that are addicted to gastronomic pleasures. o 98 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF The natural history of the swallow from which these nests are taken is not very accurately understood. The esculent nest here seen is always the produce of the swallow that builds in the caves of rocks, at a distance from the habitation of man. The caves where these nests are found are frequently, but not always, on the sea side. In Java, very productive caves are found at least fifty miles from the sea. The quality, and consequently the price, of the nests mainly depend upon the time they are taken from the caves. The finest kind being those that are taken from deep damp caves, and such as are procured before the birds have laid their eggs. The coarsest are those obtained after the young are fledged. The most remarkable and productive caves in Java, are those of Karang-bolang, in the province of Baglen, on the south coast of the island. Here the caves are only to be approached by a perpendicular descent of many hundred feet, by ladders of bamboo and rattan, over a sea rolling violently against the rocks. When the mouth of the cavern is attained, the perilous office of taking the nests must often be per- formed by torch light, by penetrating into recesses of the rock where the slightest slip would be instantly fatal to the adventurers, who see nothing below them but the turbulent surf dashing among the chasms of the rock. V. Chinese fruit called Le-che (Dimo carpus), from the province of Fokien. Of this fruit there are many varieties, arising chiefly from situation, and the care bestowed on its cultivation. It is not found in the northern provinces, but has been introduced into the Archipelago from China. VI. and VII. Two other varieties of Le-che. VIII. Longans, or Lung yen (Dragon's eye), so called from its resemblance to the eye-ball, when divested of its shell. This is another variety of the above fruit. IX. Chinese olive (Cannarium). This fruit has been so called, merely from the colour and shape somewhat resembling that from the Levant ; it is a very ordinary fruit, and is usually pickled. A considerable portion of the food of the Chinese consists of fruits, which is, at least in the southern parts of the empire, both cheap and abundant. Fruit-stalls line the sides of the streets, and baskets full fill the doorways of shops. The variety is not so great as in western countries, where exotic fruits are added to the indigenous, nor is the flavour of Chinese fruits, as a whole, equal to that of other lands where skill and science have combined to improve the production of nature. The Chinese have no general name for the orange, each variety (of which there are several) bearing a different name. This fruit is very THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 90 abundant in the winter season, and species of the genus, especially the citron and kin keuh, are raised in pots as ornamental shrubs. The peach is cultivated in China, though it is not usually allowed to attain its full maturity on the tree. This practice of plucking fruits, before they are fully ripe, is very common in China, and is often the chief reason of their insipidity. The peach tree is a great favourite with the Chinese, and its budding leaves, opening flowers, and general beauty, furnish abundant metaphors to their poets. The pears of China often grow to a large size, but their flavour as well as that of the apple, is far inferior to the same fruits in England and elsewhere. The quince and the papaw are both called " tree melon ;" the former bears another name, "the fruit of ten thousand ages," given to it from its unwithering nature. X. Chinese gas-light toys. These are a preparation of sandal wood, &c, one end being ignited, the gas is forced out through an aperture in the opposite direction. XI. Chinese tobacco, in very general use among all classes, and is smoked by ladies as well as gentlemen. Cigars are made of the tobacco leaf rolled in paper and so made use of, but in making cigars for foreigners the leaf forms the wrapper as with us. XII. Anomia Placenta, or pearl shell, used by the Chinese as a substitute for glass in windows (see No. 1341). XIII. Very superior isinglass used by the Chinese in soups and made dishes, similar to our vermicelli. XIV. Another kind but inferior in quality. XV. A packet of pounded rice m an envelope of parchment ; im- ported into China from Japan, and used by the Chinese medicinally. XVI. Specimen of fine black tea, locally called "wheat-shaves," from its form being similar to a sheaf of wheat. The parcels of tea in this section of the case are of a very fine quality, and such as are never exported as merchandise, but are sent as presents by the Chinese merchants to their friends. XVII. Specimen of the " Tea brick." According to Timkowski the usual medium of exchange in Tartary is tea, made up into the shape of bricks, as here seen ; it is pressed into flat cakes while green, from which it takes its name, XVIII. Part of a similar brick as already described, though of a different quality. XIX. Specimen of fine black teas (as in XVI.) locally termed " tea faggots ;" the quality is very fine and is altogether used as expressed above. XX. Ball of black tea. XXI. Another variety of black tea packed in small globular parcels and esteemed for its quality. G 2 1()0 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF XXII. Another tea brick as before described XXIII. A different variety of black tea, packed in a singular form and enveloped in a dried leaf. XXIV. Specimen of Chinese writing paper, with Chinese or " Indian" ink, a small slab, and writing pencil. The materials used in the -manufacture of paper in China are various. The coarse yellow paper, used for wrapping parcels, is made from rice straw. The finer kinds are composed of the inner bark of a species of moms, as well as of silk and cotton, but generally of bamboo, as in the specimen here exhibited. The sheets are usually three feet and a half in length, and two in breadth. The fine paper used for letters is polished, after sizing, by rubbing it with smooth stones. The writing apparatus of a Chinese scholar, consists of a square or cake of ink, a small black slab of schistus or slate, polished smooth, with a slight cavity at one end to hold water, a finely pointed hair pencil, and a supply of paper. These four articles, the ink, the slab, the pencil, and the paper, are called " the four precious implements ;" a phrase indicative of their high respect for letters. XXV. A card of invitation to an entertainment given by Howqua, on attaining his sixtieth year, addressed to the owner of this collection. The preparations for this banquet were of the most extensive character, and the sumptuous entertainment lasted two weeks. The expense incurred upon this occasion was nearly 200,000 dollars, or £40,000 sterling. The literal translation is as follows : — "On the seventeenth day, the spring tea waits for the splendour of your presence. (I) most respect- fully announce the felicitous season, and worshipfully invite you at six o'clock." XXVI. A Chinese congratulatory letter and envelope. XXVII. Chinese drugs, consisting chiefly of herbs and other sim- ples, together with a native physician's prescription. The shop of an apothecary in Canton is said to contain, usually, not less than three hundred medicines, yet the most intelligent Chinese affirm that forty or fifty only are absolutely necessary in medical practice. No license is required for engaging in the practice of medi- cine in China ; but the physician must beware lest his nostrums fail to have the desired effect. The penal code of China provides against the attempts of mere pre- tenders to the healing art, by the punishment of those who depart from the established forms. In cases of mere ignorance, the empiric is punished as a thief, for the property he has thus obtained ; but where death ensues from wilful mismanagement of the physician, the punish- ment is death by decapitation. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 101 CASE XJLIIo CHINESE SUMMER AND WINTER CAPS. 060. Black satin cap, worn by the Buddhist priests. 661 & 662. Summer caps, worn by private gentlemen. 663. Gentleman's satin winter cap. 664. Embroidered canonical head dress. 665. Winter caps, made of crape. 666. A gentleman's cap, made of a sort of felt, and worn in winter, called " Maou-chen." 667 & 668. Children's embroidered caps. 669. A gentleman's winter cap, made of crape and velvet. 670 & 671. A pair of gentlemen's long leather boots, for wet weather. 672 & 673. Ladies' small leather boots for wet weather. 674. Ladies' small leather shoes, with wooden soles. 675. Ladies' leather boots of a small size. 676. Women's leather shoes with wooden soles. CASE XJLIIIo CHINESE SHOES. 677. Shoes for ladies having large feet, of which a great variety is exhibited in this ease. The lower part of the soles is formed of dressed pig's skin, the rest of compressed paper. 678. Shoes for ladies having small feet, called by the Chinese " kin- leen," " Golden lilies." 679. Shoes for ladies, same as No. 677. 680 & 681. Children's summer shoes. 682. Children's shoes, the upper part made of grass. 683 & 684. Pair of lady's small shoes, the upper part made of grass. 685. Gentlemen's shoes of various patterns. 686. Gentlemen's shoes for wet weather, the upper part being of satin, the lower of wood. 102 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE SM¥o SMALL PORCELAIN ARTICLES. 687. A porcelain night-lamp. 688. A porcelain medicinal vessel. 689. A small porcelain flower-pot. 690 & 691. Two porcelain lamps in common use. 692. An ancient porcelain tea-pot. 693 to 695. Porcelain spoons and stands in general use. 696. A small porcelain medicinal vessel. 697. A porcelain tea-pot for boat use, suspended by wires from eyes in in the upper part. 698. Several brown porcelain tea-pots, to which the Chinese are very partial. 699. A porcelain medicinal vessel. 700 & 701. Two porcelain dishes divided into compartments for sweet- meats. 702. Beautifully painted rice dish. 703 & 704. Two small white porcelain sweetmeat dishes. 705. A porcelain rice jar. 706 & 707. Two very richly painted hand-basins. 708. A large flower-pot with raised figures, of a peculiar ware resem- bling bronze. CASE XILVo SMALL PORCELAIN ARTICLES. 709 & 710. Two very beautiful porcelain plates, on the former of which are written sentences, with various painted figures. 711. A small porcelain vessel, on which is painted a grotesque figure of a "kwei." 712 & 713. Two beautifully painted cups with covers and stands of egg-shell china. 714 & 715. Two other cups of a different pattern. 716 & 717. Two small porcelain tea-pots, on which are painted several figures and different maxims. 718 & 719. Two elegantly painted plates, and various cups of the finest porcelain. 720. A small and very ancient porcelain tea-pot. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 103 721 & 722. Two small porcelain plates, exquisitely painted. 723 & 724. A pair of beautifully painted flower-jars. 725 & 726. A pair of flower-pots, painted and gilt. 727 & 728. A pair of smaller flower-pots. 729 & 730. A pair of porcelain tea-cups with stands and covers, the workmanship of which is of the most gorgeous description. 731. A porcelain flower-jar. 732. A porcelain vase, a style of ware highly esteemed by the Chinese. The lower section of this case is entirely filled with porcelain ware of the richest description. CASE XLYIo ARTICLES OF VERTU, &e. 733 & 734. Two" silk girdles to confine the dress, which every gentle- man in China wears. 735. A porcelain bowl, with a painting of the jungle fowl. 730. Very singular root of the bamboo, representing an old man wrapt in his mantle. 737 & 738. Two small incense vessels in glass. 739. Singular carving of a horse with a scroll on his back. 740. Carved ivory stamp or seal, having several concentric spheres in the handle. 741. Singular stone, having the appearance of a Chinese apple. 712. Wine cups of- pressed glass, in imitation of stone. These are formed of various shapes, frequently square, and are used at feasts and marriage entertainments. 743. Ornamental stand, with bronze Buddha idol. 711. Ancient porcelain incense vessel on stand. 745. Small ebony boxes, inlaid with pearl shell, and containing flint, steel, and punk. 740. Curious stone in form of a mango^ 747. Several pairs of ivory "chop sticks," " seang-choo ;" made use of by the Chinese in the place of a knife and fork, as with us. 7 I S. A brown figured porcelain pencil-holder. 7 19. A vessel to contain water used with Indian ink, cut out of a stone in form of fruit. 750. Ornamental stand and vessel. 751. A small metallic mirror, on carved stand. 752. Curious porcelain vessel. 753. A beautiful small incense vessel, on stand. 104 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 7-") 4. Metallic mirror, as 751. 755. Antique porcelain vessel or cage, on stand, for containing sweet- scented flowers, emitting an agreeable perfume. 756. A beautiful sculptured marble vase, having for its handle a representation of a lion drinking from the vessel. 757. A gentleman's embroidered watch-pocket. 758 & 759. A gentleman's embroidered knee-pans, for protecting the knee when kneeling before the mandarins. 760. Miniature painting of a Chinese lady on ivory. 761 & 762. A pair of beautifully painted jars. 763. Ornamental rosewood stand, with amulets on the top. Here will also be noticed several " charm-books," very small in size, and containing virtuous sentences, which are supposed to keep off evil spirits. These are carried about the person. The Chinese inscribe words and sentences on their girdles, and paste them on the lintels and posts of their doors, not only as moral sayings worthy to be remembered- and practically observed, but from the impression that they shall thereby be protected from noxious diseases and calamities often inflicted by invisible beings. 764. Beautiful fan for ladies' use, made in part of peacocks' feathers, and in part of elegantly embroidered work. 765 & 766. A pair of gentlemen's tobacco pouches. 767 to 769. Specimens of carving from the bamboo tree. 770. A lady's fan, elegantly painted on silk, with ivory handle. 771 & 772. Gentlemen's shirts, worn next the skin in warm weather, made of the twig of the bamboo tree. 773. Gentleman's embroidered sash, with a pair of purses, carried at the girdle of the wearer, for holding areca nuts, &c. " Purses," says Sir George Staunton, " are the ribands of the Chinese monarch, which he distributes as rewards of merit among his subjects ; but his own purse (alluding to a similar present made to the page of the British Ambassador) was deemed a mark of personal favour, according to the ideas of eastern nations, among whom anything w r orn by the person of the sovereign is prized beyond all other gifts." The imperial purse is of plain yellow silk, with the figure of the five-clawed dragon, and some Tartar characters worked in it. 774. A gentleman's fan, with embroidered case, and two crimson silk sashes, as 773. 775 & 776. A pair of sandals, worn by coolies, the soles are made of strips of loose leather, placed crcssways. 777. A pair of sandals, being a piece of flat leather, with a loop for the great toe, and strings for the heel. 775. A pair of sandals, made from rice straw. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 105:. CASI MVIL MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. 770. Ornamental stand, with gilt Buddha. 780. Small metallic vase, inlaid with silver. 781. Small copper box, of peculiar shape, to contain the lime which is used for chewing with the nut of the areca palm, areca catechu, and the betel leaf, piper betel, used as a masticatory so univer- sally throughout the East. The habit of chewing this preparation has extended from the islands, where the plant is found, to the continent of Asia, and is now used from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Most of that imported into China comes from Java, Malacca, and Penang. The areca nut is the fruit of a slender palm, not over six inches in diameter, and thirty feet high. The nut resembles a nutmeg in shape, colour, and internal structure, but is a little harder and larger, and is called betel nut from its being always eaten in combination with the leaf of the betel pepper. The flavour of the leaf is very peculiar, having an aromatic taste, and is a little pungent. This vine requires a rich soil, and an abundance of water. The tree on which it is supported, it is affirmed, affects the quality and quantity of the produce. The preparation of the betel nut for use is very simple. The nut is cut into slices, and wrapped in the raw leaves, together with a quantity of quick-lime, composed of the shells of small molluscse carefully calcined for this purpose, enough to give it a flavour ; to the latter is added a mixture of a red colour. All classes of people, male and female, are in the habit of chewing it. " It sweetens the breath," so say those who use it ; " it rectifies and strengthens the stomach, and preserves the teeth : " it gives the teeth, lips, and gums, a dark red colour, which is esteemed a mark of beauty in propor- tion to its deeper shade. Persons of rank carry it prepared for use in splendid cases, suspended from their girdles. A present of one of these cases is esteemed a mark of high favour and friendship, and is valued accordingly. Poor people are contented with cases of simple construc- tion, provided they contain the substance itself. In the streets and thoroughfares of Canton, temporary stalls are erected for the sale of this luxury, and the wayfarer may be refreshed, in the outlay of a single cash, by a modicum of this preparation. 782. A grotesque lion (on a stand) of white porcelain. This kind of porcelain is held in higher esteem by the Chinese than any other. As a proof of this, it may be stated that the value of this small lion in China was about four pounds sterling. 106 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 783. Vessel of white porcelain, for holding sweet-scented flowers, representing a grotesque animal, the head of which is so formed that it can be taken off. The flowers are placed in the body, and the odour is exhaled through the mouth. 784. Figure of a camel, in white porcelain, with a dog on his back. 785. Paper weight, of hard stone, sculptured. 786. Metallic pipe, from the province of Keang Nan ; the lower part of which is filled with water, and smoked on the principle of the hookah of Bengal, &c. ; tobacco being used cut into very fine shreds, and the pipe filled at every inhalation by a servant, who stands behind the smoker. 787 & 788. Two curiously carved roots. 789. Specimen of beautifully embossed lacquered ware, from Soochow. 790. A grotesque porcelain dog. 791. Broad rings of jade stone (yu) worn upon the thumb by archers in using the bow, to prevent chafing. The value of these stone rings depends upon their colour ; as much as five hundred dollars has been given by a Chinese for one of a peculiar shade. 792. Combs with maxims. 793. Small cases of coloured horse-hair, intended to hold sweet-scented flowers, and carried in the hand. 794. Brush used by printers to apply the ink to the wooden blocks ; on which is a smaller brush, made of vegetable fibres, and used for various purposes. 795. Small boxes of stained wood, opening with a spring, and covered with coloured straw, made at Fuh-chow, the capital of Fuh-keen province. 796. Brushes used by house-painters, with the hair inserted deep into the handles. When worn down, the wood is cut away to expose the bristles, and the operation is repeated until the brush is worn out. 797. Small pillows, used by the Chinese when reclining on any hard substance. 798. Pair of spectacles, of curious construction. 799. Tobacco-pipe, as described in 7S6. 800. Writing pencils. The better kinds are protected by a brass case, it being essential to have a fine point in writing. 801. A grotesque porcelain unicorn. 802. Elaborate piece of carving from the root of the bamboo, of very extravagant device. 803. Small marble vase, formed from the cup of the flower of the lotus. 804. Embroidered pocket, worn by gentlemen. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 107 305. Silk bags, for tobacco, having a maxim embroidered on the side, and attached to the pipe. 806. A tea service of novel construction used by government officers, and forming part of their travelling apparatus. The cups and saucers are of hard wood, lined and edged with white copper. 807. Chinese ivory puzzle. 808. Chinese gaming cards. They are of various sorts ; the most ancient and elegant are called " Teen-tsze-pae," "dotted cards." The dots have a reference to the stars. They were intro- duced by the Emperor Seuen-ho ; and were originally called " Ya pae," " bone or ivory tickets." 809. A Chinese printed book of maxims. 810. Beautiful beads, turned from fragments of the malachite, or green copper ore, found near Nankin ; they are used in neck- laces for mandarins. 811. Rosary made of the seed vessels of a plant. 812. An article made of copper, and used for the same purpose as our flat-irons. The smooth surface is here exhibited ; the body is hollow, and receives the ignited coals. 813. Gentlemen's embroidered memorandum case. 814. Gentlemen's embroidered pockets. 815. Embroidered spectacle case. 816. Leather purses used by the lower classes. 817. Leather (dog's skin) tobacco pouch. 818. Painting brush, composed of dyed horse-hair. 819. A basket ingeniously worked in bamboo. 820. Ornamental stand with odoriferous matches, which are burned in the houses of the Chinese day and night, and in sacrificing to their divinities. 821. A brown porcelain incense vessel. 822. Model of a machine for pounding rice, sugar, &c. It is put in operation by a coolie standing on the frame, and moving the lever with one foot. 823 & 824. Earthern vessel in frame work of bamboo, used as hand- furnaces at Canton, and in the northern part of China, during cold weather, called " Ho-lung." 825. Model of a hand mill for grinding rice, &c. 826. A porcelain drum, used as a rest for the arm. 827. Mosquito brushes. 108 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF CASE XILYIIIc SPECIMENS OF FINE CARVING, &c. 828. Coral bead necklace, worn by mandarins and gentlemen of rank. 829. Beautiful carved ornamental stand of hard wood with a marble image of Buddha in the centre, inlaid metallic tripod on the right, and a dormant lion on the left. 830. Curiously distorted root, which, by the assistance of a little art, has the appearance of a bird. 831. Curious piece of sculpture, representing a bird attacked by a mon- ster of the lizard species. 832. Marble figure and stand. 833. Marble pencil-rests. 834 & 835. A pair of ornamental barrel-shaped stands, the left hand one supporting a metallic censer ; that on the right a vessel with shovel, &c, for arranging the ashes of the odoriferous matches. 83G. An ornamental stand, on which is a superb carving, from the root of a bamboo tree, representing a grotesque figure feeding a frog. 837. A small root of a tree on a stand, resembling a deer. S38. A travelling apparatus, containing a knife, and pair of chop sticks, with which every gentleman is provided. 839. Carved wooden figure and stand. 840. A very ancient white porcelain bottle-shaped vase, ornamented with a lizard, water lilies, and foliage, on a small stand of carved polished wood. 841. Ancient metallic idol. 842. Curiously sculptured stone pencil-rests. 843. An ornamental stand, with bronze idols. This specimen is supposed to be a thousand years old. It has been elsewhere remarked that Buddhism was introduced into China from India, about the first century of the Christian era ; and the idols here exhibited are thought to have been of a very early importation into that coimtry. 844. " Joo-ee," a sort of staff or sceptre. It is thus described by Mr. Davis : — this ornament, which has some- times, for want of a better name, been called a sceptre, is, in fact, an emblem of amity and good-will, of a shape less bent that the letter S, about eighteen inches in length, and cut from the jade or yu stone. It is called "joo-ee," "as you wish," or as the phrase is, " Sze Sze, joo-ee," i. e., " Everything according to your wish," an expression of good feeling towards a person, and is simply exchanged as a costly mark of friendship ; but that it had a religious origin seems indicated by the THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 10!) sacred flower of the lotus (nympkaea nchimbo) being generally carved on the superior end. Dr. Morrison also remarks that joo-ees were carried in the hands by ancient governors or princes of state, as the signal of authority ; the Emperor gave them as a badge or seal of his appoint- ment. They are frequently of great value. 845 & 846. Ornamental stands, on which are carvings from the root of the bamboo. 847. Ornamental stand, with ancient bronze lion. 848. Curious root on stand, exhibiting a bird. 849. Very ancient sculptured dog. 850. Polished cornelian in carved frame, intended to support a cake of ink. 851 to 855. Five beautiful carvings on stands. 856 & 857. Two carved and polished barrel-shaped stands, on which are very ancient and grotesque bronze lions. 858. Metallic figure, representing a female divinity on a recumbent elephant. 859 & 860. A pair of very beautiful ornamental stands, with marble tops, on which are grotesque sculptured figures, and elegantly wrought baskets of bamboo. 861. Onamental stand, with variegated marble top, on which is placed a stone on a frame formed from the root of a tree. This is covered with sculptured hieroglyphics, and is held by the Chinese in religious veneration. CASES XMX & I*, CONCHOLOGY. These cases, with the opposite (XXIII. & XXIV.), are filled with numerous labelled specimens of conchology. CASE JLI., ORNITHOLOGY, &c. 862. Francolinus Perlatus .... Pearled Francolin. 863. Francolinus Perlatus 864. Querquedula Falcaria 865. Manis Javanica . . . 866. Coturnix Chinensis . Pearled Francolin. Falcated Duck. Javanese Manis. Chinese Quail. 110 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 807. Lanius Chinensis Chinese Shrike. 808. Ianthocincla Canora Crying Thrush. 809. Coecothraustes Melanurus . . Grey-necked Grosbeak. 870. Pyrgita Rutilans Ruddy Sparrow. 871. Pyrgita Rutilans, female . . Ruddy Sparrow. 872. Psittacula Galgula Blue-crowned Parrot. 873. Psittacula Galgula, female . . Blue-crowned Parrot. 874. Melophus Lathami Latham's Bunting. 875. Coecothraustes Melanurus . . Grey-necked Grosbeak, female. 870. Turdus Merula Common Blackbird. 877. Gallinula Chloropus Common Gallinule. 878. Gallinula Phcenicura .... Red-tailed Gallinule. 879. Dafila Acuta Pintail Duck. 880. Calcenas Cruenta Red-breasted Pigeon. 881. Hystrix Cristata Porcupine. 882. Paguma Larvatus Masked Paradoxure. 883. Viverra Indica Pallida .... Indian Civette or Rasse. This animal yields the " dedes," a scent much esteemed by the Malays. CASE MIo ORNITHOLOGY, &c. 884. Querquedula Formosa .... Baikal Teal. 885. Coturnix Communis Common Quail. 880. Anthus Titlark. 887. Herodias Garzetta Little Egret. 888. Oriolus Chinensis Chinese Oriole. 889. Asio Brachyotus Short-eared Owl. 890. Halcyon Atricapilla Black- capped Kingfisher. 891. Copsychus Longirostris . . . Long-billed Copsychus. 892. Carduelis Sinica Chinese Goldfinch. 893. Melophus Lathami Latham's Bunting. 894. Gallinula Phcenicura Red-tailed Gallinule. 895. Liothrix Sinensis Chinese Liothvix. 890. Yunx Torquilla Wryneck. 897. Mareca Penelope Widgeon. 898. Querquedula Crecca Common Teal. 899. Viverra Zibetha Chinese Zibeth. This animal yields the scent called "zibeth." 900. Helictes Moschata Musk Martin. 901. Paguma Larvatus Masked Paradoxure. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 1 1 1 CASE Mil. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. 902 & 903. Artificial candles, decorated with flowers made from the pith of a plant, known in this country by the term " rice-paper." These candles are used in temples in front of their idols, in the houses of the wealthy, and in the celebration of the new year, a moveable feast, which occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The body or stem of the candle is of wood, and at the top, instead of wick, is inserted a small brass receptacle for oil, as being more economical. 904. A military officer's saddle, bridle, &c. It is one of the most ex- pensive kind, and such as are but seldom seen. Those used by inferior officers are generally of leather and nankeen. 905. A large porcelain dish on a stand, containing two specimens of enamel, in imitation of the Pekin peaches. 900. Lamp carried on the shoulders of a bearer in marriage processions. 907. Lamp pole for the above. 908 & 909. Splendid specimens of embroidery, worked by men, as is often the case in China. The Chinese excel all other nations in the art of embroidery. 910 & 911. Two ornamented stands, and plates of fruit, modelled in clay. 912 & 913. Candles, as described in Nos. 902 & 903. 914 Sc 915. Ingeniously worked silk tassels, attached to bed-hangings. 91G. On the bottom of this case is spread a Chinese carpet, being a specimen of their few woollen manufactures. The pattern is printed similar to our druggets. From the ceiling of this case is suspended a state lantern, richly em- broidered and decorated. CASE M¥. ORNITHOLOGY. 917. Argus Giganteus Argus Pheasant. 918. Turtur Suratensis Surat Turtle Dove. 919. Acridotheres Tristis Paradise Grackle. 920. Turtur Suratensis Surat Turtle Dove. 921. Argus Giganteus Argus Pheasant, female. 922. Palceornis Malaccensis .... Malacca Ring Parrakeet. o 112 DESCRIPTIVE CATAI.OGUK OF State chair, as described in No. 372. CASE JLYIo CHINESE PAGODA. A model of a pagoda, seven stories high, beautifully carved from gypsum. On the floor of each story is placed a gilt Buddha idol. CASE JLVIIo ENTOMOLOGY. Numerous specimens of insects. (CASES ]LVIII-IX Contain a variety of butterflies. CASE ILXo Various specimens of fish from the waters of China, so prepared and preserved as to need only their natural element to give them the appearance of life. CHINESE LAflTEBflS. These depend from the ceiling in all parts of the saloon, and are of almost every imaginable form and size. In scarcely anything do the taste and ingenuity of the Chinese appear to better advantage than in the manufacture of these curious and characteristic articles. They are made of horn, silk, glass, paper, and sometimes of a netting of fine thread overspread with a thick coating of varnish. The frame work is often carved in the richest manner; the silk which covers it is elegantly embroidered or painted with landscapes representing nature in her gayest CHINESE LANTERN. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 113 moods, and the various decorations lavished upon them are in a corre- sponding style. As a national ornament peculiar to the Chinese, the lantern does not give place to any similar display found in any other country - The partiality of the Chinese for lamps and lanterns, and the general use of them, constitute a marked peculiarity in the customs of the race. A late writer remarks, that a Chinaman and his lantern seem wedded together, and the former is rarely found without the latter. Tliey are placed in the streets, temples, boats, &c, and are always to be seen in the hands of pedestrians after dark. The same writer relates the following amusing anecdote, as affording a striking and original exemplification of both the power and habit of the national peculiarity above referred to: — "When Captain Maxwell passed the Bogue in the Alceste frigate, as he came up with the battery of the A-nung-hoy, the fort appeared well lighted, and a brisk cannonade was commenced upon the ship. However, after the first broadside had been fired upon the fortress, and when the vessel was scarcely half a musket-shot from it, the whole place was deserted, and the embrasures were quickly darkened. The Chinese were thoroughly frightened, and ran offwith- a most edifying precipitation. At the same time, instead of concealing their flight in the darkness of the night, each man seized his lantern, as he had done a hundred times before, and clambered with it up the steep side of the hill immediately behind the fort. The sight of so many bald-pated soldiers, with their long cues dangling at their backs, each with a great painted balloon in his hand, was extremely ludicrous, and took away any slight inclination the marines might have had to get a shot with their muskets at such excellent marks." The lamp oil in common use is extracted from the ground-nut, arackis hypogoea, which grows luxuriantly in China. The same is used for culinary purposes, and supplies almost entirely the place of butter. It is said to be of a very good quality, burning freely, and with but little smoke. MAXIMS ON THE ENTABLATURE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE SALOON. " Good tayinys arc like pcarh strung together . inscribe them »n the wall* of your dwelling, and regard them night and day us wholesome admonitions " — (Chinese Maxim.) The "excellent sayings" of the Chinese philosophers are held in the highest veneration. In allusion to the precepts of Confucius, they speak of them as "The glory of ancient and modern times." — He is termed, " The instructor of ten thousand ages," and is styled by his followers, « The perfect Sage,"—" Most Holy." H Ill DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF Mencius, a disciple of Confucius, who figures largely in Chinese his- tory, was the writer of that portion of " The Four Books " which goes by his name (B. C. 350) ; contemporary with Xenophon, Herodotus, and Socrates. These maxims (Tuy-leen) are written on silk or paper, or carved on wood, and are hung in pairs, on the walls or pillars of dwellings and temples as ornaments. In ancient times, before the invention of paper, documents were written on slips of bamboo, on which characters were inscribed with a pointed instrument ; a practice in use prior to the invention of pencils and ink. The visiter will observe that over the capital of each pillar is a piece of carving of circular form, gilt, and painted Vermillion and green alter- nately. There are ten of these on each side of the saloon. Each has a Chinese character carved in the centre. The characters on the right to a person entering, form the following maxim : — " Loo yaou che ma leih : jin kew keen jin sin." The interpretation of which is, " By a long journey we know a horse's strength ; so length of days shews a man's heart."* The characters on the opposite side of the room, commencing from the lower end, form the following maxim: — "Kwa teen puh na le : le hia puh ching kwan." The interpretation of which is, " In a field of melons, do not pull up your shoe : under a plum tree, do not adjust your cap :" i.e., be careful of your actions under circumstances of suspicion. Between these circular carvings are maxims placed horizontally, and extending around the whole entablature. As is customary in China, the maxims here placed opposite each other are embellished exactly alike, though the maxims themselves are not the same. It is unneces- sary to give the interpretation of all these, as there are so many. A few are subjoined as specimens : — "As the scream of the eagle is heard when she has passed over, so a man's name remains after his death." " Though a tree be a thousand changj- in height, its leaves must fall down, and return to its root." " Following virtue is like ascending an eminence, pursuing vice is like rushing down a precipice." " Man perishes in the pursuit of wealth, as a bird meets with destruc- tion in search of its food." " The cure of ignorance is study, as meat is that of hunger." " Unsullied poverty is always happy ; while impure wealth brings with it many sorrows." " Petty distinctions are injurious to rectitude ; quibbling words violate right reason." * The Chinese call the heart, the "well in the centre." f A chang is ten Chinese cubits, each fourteen and a half inches. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 115 " Those who respect themselves will be honourable ; but he who thinks lightly of himself, will be held cheap by the world." " It is equally criminal in the governor and the governed to violate the laws." " In learning, age and youth go for nothing ; the best informed takes the precedence." " Time flies like an arrow ; days and months like a weaver's shuttle." " In making a candle we seek for light ; in reading a book we seek for reason : light to illuminate a dark chamber ; reason to enlighten man's heart." " Let every man sweep the snow from before his own doors, and not trouble himself about the frost on his neighbour's tiles." " In security do not forget danger ; in times of public tranquility do not forget anarchy." "By learning, the sons of the common people become public ministers ; without learning, the sons of public ministers become mingled with the mass of the people." "A man by the cultivation of virtue, consults his own interest; his stores of wisdom and reflection are every day filling up." Confucius says, " the capacity for knowledge of the inferior man is small and easily filled up ; the intelligence of the superior man is deep and not easily satisfied." " Would you understand the character of the prince, examine his ministers ; would you know the disposition of any man, look at his companions ; would you know that of a father, look at his son." ' Those who have discharged their duties as children, will in their turn have dutiful children of their own ; the obstinate and untoward will again produce offspring of the same character : to convince you, oidy observe the rain from the thatched roof, where drop follows drop without the least variation." " Virtue is the surest road to longevity ; but vice meets with an early doom." The brief, sententious sayings of gifted men in all ages and nations, have excited a powerful influence over the public mind ; and it must be admitted that, in general, they contribute largely to promote social comfort, propriet}', morality, and correct judgment. Such are the inspired proverbs of Solomon, which will endure through all time. Such, too, the fine old proverbs of England, Spain, and France, as well as thousands of maxims of the people of Asia. Indeed, the aphorisms of a country may be quoted as indicating, in some measure, the genius, sense, and mental characteristics of its inhabitants ; and we know of no nobler monuments of ancient literature than the proverbs which have been transmitted to us. How common — how almost necessary, both in ii 2 11G DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF speaking and writing — is the introduction of some maxim by way of enforcing an argument or promoting a principle ! And many of the best passages in the essays and other compositions of modern authors, will often be found, on careful investigation, to contain the exact sentiments of an old proverb, though perhaps somewhat elaborated, and clothed in the costume of novel phraseology. The Chinese are celebrated, even more than the Persians, Arabs, and Hindoos, for their aphorisms and maxims. We have elsewhere noticed the striking similarity that exists between many ancient maxims of the Chinese, and the precepts found in Holy Writ. We subjoin a few of the moral aphorisms that adorn their temples and dwellings ; and which will be found to harmonise with passages of Scripture : — CHINESE MAXIMS. " Virtue is the surest road to longevity; but vice meets with an early doom." " Unsullied poverty is always happy ; while impure wealth brings with it many sorrows." " The heart is the fountain of life." " Wine and good dinners make abundance of friends : but, in the time of adversity, not one is to be found." " Honours come by diligence : riches spring from economy." " If a man be not enlightened from within, what lamp shall he light ? If his intentions are not upright, what prayers shall he re- peat?" " If you love your son, give him plenty of the cudgel ; if you hate your son, cram him with dain- ties." " The slow horse is fated to re- ceive the lash : the worthless man will ultimately get his deserts." PROVERBS OF SOLOMON. " The fear of the Lord prolongeth days : but the years of the wicked shall be shortened." — Chap. x. 27. " Treasures of wickedness profit nothing ; but righteousness deli- vered from death." — Chap. x. 2. " Out of the heart are the issues of life."— Chap. iv. 23. " Many will entreat the favour of the prince ; and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts." — Chap. xix. 6. " The hand of the diligent shall bear rule : but the slothful shall be under tribute." — Chap. xii. 24. " The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination : how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind." — Chap. xxi. 27. " He thatspareth his rod hateth his son : but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." — Chap, xiii. 24. " A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back." — Chap. xxvi. 3. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 117 " A virtuous woman is a source of honour to her husband : a vicious one causes him disgrace ! " " When mandarins are pure, the people are happy." " A man without money is a reptile: but with money a dra- gon." " Every blade of grass has its share of the dews of heaven ; and though the birds of the forest have no garners, the wide world is all before them." " Wisdom, and virtue, and be- nevolence, and rectitude, without politeness, are imperfect." " That which touches vermilion is reddened." " A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband : but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." — Chap. xii. 4. " When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice : but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." — Chap. xxix. 2. " The rich man's wealth is his strong city : the destruction of the poor is their poverty. "-Chap. x. 15. " Behold the fowls of the air ; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them ! " (Christ's sermon on the mount.) — Matt. vi. 26. " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith," &c. — Paul to the Galatians, v. 22. " Evil communications corrupt good manners." — 1st Paul to the Corinthians, xv. 33. PAINTINGS. {The enumeration of Pictures in the Collection commences with AV 1000, which the visiter will find on the left hand of the screen fronting the entrance to the Saloon. It may he proper here to remark, that all Paintings and Drawings in this Collection are by Chinese Artists exclusively.] The Fine Arts in China are undoubtedly far from having reached the perfection that belongs to them in the enlightened nations of Christendom ; yet an examination of the paintings of this Collection, will satisfy every candid mind that great injustice has been done to Chinese artists, in the notions hitherto entertained respecting their want of ability and skill. They paint insects, birds, fishes, fruits, flowers, and portraits, with great correctness and beauty ; and the brilliancy and 113 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF variety of their colours cannot be surpassed. They group with consi- derable taste and effect ; and their perspective, a department of the art in which they have been thought totally deficient, is often very good. Light and shade they do not well understand, and they positively object to the introduction of shadows in pictures. But in paintings for foreigners, they endeavour to meet the ideas of their employers, by the introduction of light and shadow. Barrow, as quoted by Davis, says that, " When several portraits by the best European artists, intended as presents for the Emperor, were exposed to view, the mandarins, ob- serving the variety of tints occasioned by the light and shade, asked whether the originals had the two sides of different colours. They considered the shadow of the nose as a great imperfection in the figure, and some supposed it to have been placed there by accident." 1000 to 1023. A series of coloured drawings (twenty-four in number), representing the several stages of the black tea process, from the plucking of the leaves to its final transportation, as practised in Fokien, lying between the 27th and 28th degrees north lati- tude, on the south-east declivities of a range of hills dividing that province from Keang-se. 1024 to 1027. Four interior views of Ponkeiqua's grounds at Honan. 1028 to 1030. These three drawings, with those on the opposite pillar (Nos. 1333, 4, & 5), represent the rearing of the silk- worm as conducted at Nankin, from the hatching of the silk-worm egg, to the final weaving of the silk, together with the culture of the mulberry tree. Mr. Barrow, who observed the management of the trees and silk- worms in Che-Keang, confirms the usual Chinese accounts, by saying that, " The houses in which they are reared are placed generally in the centre of each plantation, in order that they may be removed as far as possible from every kind of noise ; experience having taught them that a sudden shout, or bark of a dog, is destructive of the young worms. A whole brood has sometimes perished by a thunder storm." The chambers are so contrived as to admit the use of artificial heat when necessary. Great care is taken of the sheets of paper on which the multitudes of eggs have been laid by the silk-worm moths ; and the hatching of their eggs is either retarded or advanced by the application of cold or heat, according to circumstances, so as to time the simultaneous exit of the young worms exactly to the period when the tender spring leaves of the mulberry are most fit for their nourishment. They proportion the food very exactly to the young worms by weighing the leaves, which, in the first instance, are cut into small pieces, but afterwards, as the insects become larger, are given to them whole. The greatest precautions are observed in regulating the temperature of THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 119 the apartments, and in keeping them clean, qniet, and free from smells. The worms are fed upon a species of small hurdles of basket work, strewed with leaves, which are frequently shifted for the sake of clean- liness, the insects readily moving off to a fresh hurdle, with new leaves, as the scent attracts them. In proportion to their growth, room is afforded them by increasing the number of these hurdles, the worms of one being shifted to three, then to six, and so on, until they reach the gTeatest size. When the worms have cast their several skins, reached their greatest size, and assumed a transparent yellowish colour, they are removed into places divided into compartments, preparatory to their spinning. In the course of a week after the commencement of spinning, the silken cocoons are complete, and it now becomes necessary to take them in hand, before the pupas turn into moths, which would immediately bore their way out, and spoil the cocoons. When a certain number, therefore, have been laid aside for the sake of future eggs, the pupae in the bulk of the cocoons are killed, by being placed in jars, under layers of salt and leaves, with a complete exclusion of air. They are subse- quently placed in moderately warm water, which dissolves the glutinous substance that binds the silk together, and the filament is wound off upon reals. This is put up in bundles of a certain size and weight, and either becomes an article of merchandise, under the name of " raw silk," or is subjected to the loom, and manufactured into various stuffs, for home or foreign consumption. Notwithstanding the apparent sim- plicity of their looms, they will imitate exactly the newest and most delicate pattern from England or France. The Chinese particularly excel in the production of damasks and flowered satins. Their crape has never yet been perfectly imitated ; and they make a species of washing silk, called at Canton pongee, which becomes more soft as it is longer used. The two pursuits or professions, namely, husbandry and the silk manufacture, the chief sources of food and clothing, form the subject of the sixteen discourses to the people which are elsewhere noticed. It is there observed that, "from ancient times, the Son of Heaven himself directed the plough; the Empress planted the mulberry tree. Thus have these exalted personages, not above the practice of labour and exertion, set an example to all under heaven, with a view to leading millions of their subjects to attend to their essential interests." In the work, published by imperial authority, called " Illustrations of Husbandry and Weaving," under the latter head is detailed all the operations connected with planting the mulberry, and gathering the leaves, up to the final weaving of the silk. Besides the common mulberry of China, which differs somewhat from that of Europe, they 120 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF occasionally, in feeding the worms, have recourse to a wild specimen of the morus tribe, as well as to the leaves of another tree, supposed to be a variety of ash. The principal object, in the cultivation of the mulberry for feeding silk-worms, is to produce the greatest quantity of young and healthy leaves, without fruit. For this reason, the trees are not allowed to exceed a certain age and height. They are planted at a convenient distance from each other, on the plan of a quincunx, and are said to be in perfection in about three years. The mulberry tree for silk-worms is chiefly cultivated in Che-keang, which province, together with the only three others that produce fine silk, namely, Keang-nan, Hoo-pih, and Sze-chuen, is crossed by the thirtieth parallel of latitude. Che- keang is a fine alluvial country, intersected by numerous rivers and canals, with a climate that corresponds pretty nearly to the same latitude in the United States of America. The soil is manured with mud, which is dug from the rivers, assisted with ashes or dung; and the spaces between the trees are generally planted with millet, pulse, or other articles of food. The time for pruning the young trees, so as to produce fine leafy shoots, is at the commencement of the year. About four eyes are left on every shoot, and care is taken that the branches are properly thinned, with a view to giving plenty of light and air to the leaves. In gathering these, they make use of steps, or a ladder, with a prop, as the young trees cannot support a ladder, and would, besides, be injured in their branches by the use of one. The trees, with their foliage, are carefully watched, and the mischiefs of insects pre- vented by the use of various applications, among which are some essential oils. The young trees, of course, suffer by being stripped of their leaves, which are the lungs of the plants, and this is an additional reason for renewing them after a certain time. They endeavour, in part, to counteract the evil effect by pruning and lopping the tree, so as to diminish the wood when the leaves have been stripped ; and it is pro- bable that a few leaves are left on. It is surprising, however, to observe how soon a tree in those climates will recover its leaves in the summer or autumn, after having been entirely stripped of them by a typhoon or hurricane. Fresh plants are procured by cuttings or layers, or, some- times, from seed. When the trees grow too old for the production of the finest leaves, and shew a greater tendency to fruiting, they are either removed altogether, or cut and managed so as to produce fresh and young branches. They generally contrive to obtain three crops of young leaves during the season. 1032. Portrait of the Tae Ho-shang, " harmony and elevation," the abbot or superior of the temple Hae-chwang sze, at llouan. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 121 The rank of this distinguished Buddhist is indicated by the presence of the Seih chang, a kind of official staff or crozier carried in the hand by the head priest of this sect. This truly amiable prelate was the personal friend of Mr. Dunn, and contributed to the formation of this collection by his influence and exertion in procuring various specimens of vertu from the interior of the empire, into which, it is well known, the peculiar policy of the government of China forbids all foreigners to enter. 1033. View of the Grand Canal, where it is divided by an embankment from the lake Po-yang. The imperial canal was principally constructed by Koblai-khan and his immediate successors of the Yuen race, and extends from Tien-tsin, near Pekin, to Hangchow-foo in Che-keang, being about six hundred geographical miles, and is called by the Chinese, " Yun-ho," " the river for the transportation of grain." 1034. Stands, with fruit, flowers, &c., on rice paper. 1035. Six drawings of native boats on rice paper. In the lower right hand section of this frame is represented a " duck boat," locally so called. Immense quantities of domesticated ducks are reared by the Chinese, particularly those who live on the rivers. It holds the same rank in the winged race that the pig occupies among quadrupeds. The particular kind of boat appropriated to duck-rearing in China, has a broad platform projecting over the water for the use of the birds, who are also honoured with the most roomy apartments within the boat itself. During the day they are allowed to have their freedom on shore, seeking their food ; but they are trained to obey the call of a whistle, and when at evening the signal is sounded, they instantly hasten back from their wanderings. 1036. Landscape with summer-houses. 1037 & 1038. Two drawings of the interior of gentlemen's summer residences in China. 1039. Twelve varieties in Chinese ornithology, beautifully painted on rice paper. The pithy substance known in England by the term rice paper, having the appearance of white velvet, is obtained from a malvaceous plant. In the preparation for use, the stem of the plant is cut into small pieces in a circular manner, and the cylinder rolled out, and flattened into squares. The chief use to which it is applied is in making artificial flowers ; pillows are made of it ; and of the cuttings, soles of shoes, on account of its lightness. 1040 & 1044. Furniture and stands, &c. 1041. Native map of China. The Chinese, unassisted by foreigners, have done very little in the 122 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF study of geography, or, as they term it, " the records of the earth's prin- ciples." Nor have they made much use of the knowledge brought from abroad upon this subject. Geography is not with them regarded as a branch of education ; and only a few even of their literati understand the first principles of the science. 1042. View of the city of Canton. A glance at this production will correct a prevalent error respecting the inability of Chinese painters to produce perspective. Though light and shade are certainly a good deal neglected here, and the perspective is not perfect, yet the picture is by no means deficient in this respect ; and the drawings of individual objects are extremely accurate. The point from which the view has been taken is the bank of the river opposite Canton, directly in front of the foreign factories, which occupy about one-half the canvass. The scene, particularly upon the surface of the intervening river, is altogether novel, and highly characteristic. The national boats, of which there is a very great variety, have all their representatives here, from the gaudy flower barge, in which large parties are borne gaily over the waters, to the tiny sanpan, whose contracted dimensions will admit only a single navigator. This part of the view is peculiarly animated and interesting. The foreign factories occupy the centre of the picture, and the English, French, and American ensigns float above them. On each side of these is a view of a small portion of Canton bordering upon the river ; but as the city is built upon low and flat ground, almost the whole of it is invisible from our present point of observation. Canton stands upon the north bank of the Chookeang, or Pearl river, about sixty miles inland from the "great sea." It is one of the oldest cities in the southern provinces, and second in importance to no other in the empire except Pekin, where the Emperor holds his court. It is the great commercial emporium of China, and until the late treaty formed between the two governments, was the only port where foreign trade was permitted. Four other ports are now open to British enter- prise, viz., Amoy, Foo-chow-foo, Ningpo, and Shang-hae. Hong Kong, a small island on the coast, situated near Canton, has become a colony of the British empire. Canton is not very large in extent, the whole cir- cuit of the walls not exceeding probably six miles ; but it is densely peopled, and the suburbs, including the river population, contain as many inhabitants as the city proper. The streets of Canton are very numerous, being more than six hun- dred. Their names sound oddly to us, and have rather an ambitious air. " Dragon-street," " Flying-dragon-street," " Martial-dragon- street," " Flower-street," " Golden-street," " Golden-flower-street," &c, are high-sounding enough ; but some of them, it is said, have THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 123 names which would hardly bear to be translated for " ears polite." The Rev. Mr. Bridgman states that they vary in width from two to sixteen feet, and gives it as his opinion that the general average is from six to eight feet. Mr. Dunn thinks this an over estimate by one or two feet. They are all paved with large flag stones, chiefly granite. Wheel carriages are seldom used. Those who can afford to ride are borne in sedan chairs on the shoulders of coolies, and all heavy burdens are carried by porters. The streets are generally crowded, and present a busy, bustling, animated appearance. They all have gates at each end, which are closed at night, and guarded by a sentinel. The houses are but one story high. A few of them are of wood or stone ; many, belonging to the poorer classes, of mud, and with but a single apartment ; but the largest portion are of brick. The dwellings of those in easy circumstances contain various well-furnished apartments, the walls of which are generally ornamented with carving, pictures, and various scrolls, inscribed with moral maxims from Confucius and other sages. The houses of the wealthy are often furnished in a style of great magnificence, and the occupants indulge in the most luxurious habits. Official personages, however, for the most part set a com- mendable example of simplicity and economy in their manner of living. The doors have no plates to tell who the occupant of the mansion is, but cylindrical lanterns are hung up by the sides of the gates of all houses of consequence, with the names and titles of the owners inscribed, so as to be read either by day or at night, when the lanterns are lighted. Canton is a large manufacturing as well as commercial town. Mr. Bridgman informs us that there are no less than 17,000 persons engaged in weaving silk, and 50,000 in manufacturing cloth of all kinds ; that there are 4,200 shoemakers ; and what will startle and astound every one, that there is an army of barbers amounting to 7,300 ! The important office of tonsor can be held only by license of government. Why the number is so great, has already been explained. The manufacture of books is extensively carried on in this city, but we are not in possession of the exact statistics. "Those likewise," says Bridgman, " who work in wood, brass, iron, stone, and various other materials, are numerous ; and they who engage in each of these respective occupations, form, to a certain degree, a separate community, and have each their own laws and rules for the regulation of their business." Both operatives and tradesmen are very much in the habit of herding together. Entire streets are devoted to the same kind of business. There is even a street occupied almost exclusively by Druggists, and is thence called by the Fan-kweis, " Doctor-street." The signs, gaily painted and lettered on each side, and hung out like tavern signs among us, give the business streets a lively and brilliant appearance. 124 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF The population of Canton is a difficult subject. No certain data exists for an accurate estimate. The author above quoted enters into con- jectures and calculations which give him a result of nearly a million and a quarter, including the suburbs and river. It seems probable that this estimate is considerably beyond the mark. The river population is an interesting subject, to which we have already alluded. Besides Canton, there are two other large cities in China, namely, Pekin (the capital), and Nankin (the ancient capital). The population of the former, including the village of Fo-shan, where the chief manufactures are carried on, and which may be termed the Manchester of China, is variously estimated, at from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000; and the latter is nowhere stated to contain less than 1,000,000 of inhabitants. The police of Canton is vigilant and very efficient. Besides those who act in the capacity of constables, thief-takers, and jailers, and constitute the regular police, there are many neighbourhoods, as well as private individuals, that make arrangements for a constant nocturnal watch. During the night, almost all the streets of the city are shut up by gates at each end ; near one of which there is usually a guard- house. The night-watches are distinguished by bells, or some similar instruments, kept by the watchmen. In the winter months, when there is great danger from fire as well as thieves, watch-towers are built on bamboo poles, high above the roofs of the houses — thus constituting a double watch. When thieves are discovered, or when a fire breaks out in any part of the city, the alarm, by means of the watchmen, spreads quickly from one extremity of the city to the other. When riotous assemblies collect in the streets, they are, in most cases, speedily dis- solved by a vigorous application of the bamboo or whip. Many, doubtless, " shove by justice" and to the day of their death go unpunished ; yet the number who are arrested and brought to trial, annually, is very great. So summary is the mode in which the objects of the police are effected, that it is no light matter to be once in their hands. The Chinese emphatically express their sense of this unfortuuate condition, by the popular phrase, " the meat is on the chopping block." Not unfrequently, in minor cases, a man receives the punishment and again goes free the same hour in which he commits the crime. The forms of trial are simple. There is no jury, no pleading. The criminal kneels before the magistrate, who hears the witnesses and passes sentence ; he is then remanded to prison, or sent to the place of execution. Seldom is he acquitted. When witnesses are wanting, he is sometimes tortured until he gives evidence against himself. There are four jails in Canton, which together contain several hundred prisoners. The jail is commonly called "te-yo," hell, or literally " earth's prison." All capital offenders suffer without the southern gates, near the river. Hundreds THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 125 die there annually. When brought, to the fatal spot, they are com- pelled to kneel with their faces towards the Emperor's court, and bending forward in the attitude of submission and reverence, suddenly expire beneath the bloody sword of the executioner. 1043. Flowers, on rice paper, 1045. Representation of the Feast of Lanterns, by moonlight. This truly brilliant spectacle is annually observed on the 15th day of the first moon, throughout the whole extent of " the Great and Pure Empire," and is intended to propitiate the auspicious opening of the new year. It is a grand display of an infinite variety of lanterns of every conceivable shape and construction ; they are made of silk, paper, mica, horn, glass, and pearl shell ; some with very curious moving- figures revolving round the faint light that burns within them. Upon this occasion, the houses, roofs, and boats, are illuminated, and many thousands of singular devices are seen floating upon the surface of the water, giving the appearance of a river on fire. High poles are erected, from the tops of which are suspended strings of lanterns of variegated colours. Each person has a lantern in his hand, and the whole scene is accompanied with the sounding of gongs, and the discharge of crackers and other fireworks, for the manufacture of which the Chinese are so famous. 1016. Flowers. 1047. Six paintings of boats, on rice paper. 1048. Portrait of Taou-Kwang, the reigning Emperor of China, in state costume ; on the opposite side is a corresponding portrait of his late consort. The Emperor Taou-Kwang is a son of the late Emperor Kea-King : born on the tenth of the eighth moon, 1781 ; and succeeded his father on the 24th of August, 1821, in the 39th year of his age. Taou-Kwang, " Reason's Glory," is the Kwohaou, or title, of the reigning emperor, assumed by him on ascending the throne of China, in compliance with an ancient custom of selecting an imperial title corre- sponding with the prominent sentiments of his mind, and characteristic of his future reign ; hence the above designation intimates, that during his government the principles of reason and rectitude should be pre- eminently illustrious. In figure Taou-Kwang is said to be tall, thin, and of a dark com- plexion, lie is of a generous disposition, diligent, attentive to govern- ment, and economical in his expenditure. He has also avoided through life, the vices to which his father and younger brothers were addicted. 1049. Portrait of Howqua, principal of the Co-Hong. The word Hong (mandarin dialect, Hang), in Chinese, denotes a large factory or mercantile building ; and Hong merchant, in common 126 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF use in the interior, means much the same as " wholesale merchant," in contradistinction from those "merchants," as the Scotch call them, who keep shops only. But the Hong merchants here referred to, are a licensed company of wholesale merchants, authorised to deal exclusively with the foreigners of Europe and America, and from the ports of Asia ; or the foreigners who come from " beyond seas " to the port of Canton ; and hence the proper appellation, Yang-hang-shang, *. e., "sea or ocean wholesale merchants." 1050. Mandarin on horseback, bearing despatches from the Emperor. The tardy movement of the officer here represented, contrasts strongly with the pompous title of the imperial edicts, which are said to be "luminous and swift as the rays of light*" The ordinary rate of despatches is three hundred le* per day; in cases of great moment they are called " fire despatches," and are carried five hundred le per day, arriving in Canton from the capital in twelve or thirteen days. The " express office " is supplied with a large number of couriers, ready at all times for despatch. There is no public post in China except for the use of the govern- ment, but there are numbers of well-known and trustworthy persons who are employed as letter-carriers between towns and villages, and who thus supply the absence of a regular post. There are sometimes places appointed where letters can be left for the postman, and he is not unfrequently seen with a letter-bag on his back, marked with the place of his destination, passing through the street and calling for letters. The charge for postage is light ; between Canton and Macao, a distance of about seventy miles, it will average, for single letters, about thirty cash, or three halfpence. The envelope containing the official document, as here represented, is of the imperial yellow. 1051 & 1052. Flowers. 1053 & 1054. Baskets of flowers, beautifully painted. 1055. Portrait of Shonshing, an eminent merchant of Canton. 1056. View of Golden Island in the Yang-tsze Keang. This is the largest river in China, and runs a course of 3,290 miles. Its name denotes the " Son of the Sea." It bears about the same proportion to the Thames, that the territory of China bears to that of England and Scotland. The next great Chinese river in magnitude is the Hwang-ho, which is 3,040 miles in length. * In statistical accounts of the empire, the relative distance of places is calculated in le, 250 of which make a geographical degree. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 127 1057. Lady of rank, with small feet. 1058. Lady in walking-dress, with small feet. 1059. Lady's boudoir and bedroom. 1000. Ladies at play. 1001 to 1064. Beautiful specimens of painting on glass. 10fi5 & 1060. Two river views. 1067 & 1068. Mandarins and ladies superbly dressed, painted on rice paper. 1069 & 1070. Two drawings of the interior of gentlemen's residences in China. 1071. Variety of birds, &c, on rice paper. 1072 & 1073. Baskets of flowers. 1074. Imperial chair of state, with screen, &c. The Emperor's throne is called "the dragon's seat;" and, on state occasions in the hall of audience, is always placed facing the south. 1075. Two mandarins and ladies. 1076. Mandarin of the first class and wife, in full costume. 1077. Interior of temple. 1078. Outbuilding of Buddha temple at Honan, in which domestic animals are kept ; as pigs, fowls, ducks, and geese, agreeably to the leading doctrines of the sect,— that no animal should be deprived of life. The devout send these animals to the temple, where they make or pay vows, to obtain favours from superior beings, or return thanks for those received. 1079. Furniture. 1080 & 1081. Flowers. 1082. Furniture. 1083. Four drawings on rice paper, representing mandarins and their ladies. 1084. Tartar warrior and lady, richly dressed in winter costume. In the latter person will be observed the absence of small feet, which, in a Chinese lady of the same high rank, would have been an indispensable accompaniment. The sharp pointed boots of the officer denote him to be a military man ; the luxury of square toes, as elsewhere remarked, is denied to the soldier. 1085 & 1086. Stands with ornaments, flowers, fruits, &c. 1087. A river scene and bridge. 1088. River view, with fort in the distance. 1089. Mandarins and ladies. 1090. View of Whampoa Reach and village. The point from which this view is taken is French island, a small portion of which appears in the foreground. Supposing the visiter 128 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF to occupy this position, immediately before him is Whampoa reach, in which several foreign vessels are riding at anchor, and Whampoa island, with its walled town, plantations of rice, sugar-canes, &c, its orange groves, and picturesque and lofty pagoda crowning a distant eminence. Beyond appear the winding channel called Junk river, the level coast, and the far-off mountains that swell out, in undulating outline, to the northward of Canton. The view represented in this picture is extensive and beautiful, and the execution of the painting is creditable to the skill of the artist. In the small town before us, the visiter will perceive one or more square buildings, higher than the surrounding dwellings. These are government storehouses for the reception of their staple com- modity, rice. The government of China, with a liberal policy and benevolent feeling for its millions of subjects, provides for any sudden or accidental failing of the crops, by the establishment of public grana- ries in each province, under the controul of certain officers, whose duty it is, during a time of plenty, to purchase at the government cost large supplies of rice, to be distributed to the poor at such prices as circumstances may require. If the grain of the following year should amount to an average crop, the stock on hand is sold at a price a little lower than the first cost ; if the supply should be considerably short of the demand, it is then sold to the poor at reduced prices ; but if the famine should be severe, it is then supplied to the sufferers gratuitously. All persons are strictly prohibited by the government from hoarding grain. Public granaries seem to have existed in China from time im- memorial, and they have assumed a variety of forms. Among the Chinese, the practice of storing grain in the earth has long since ceased. Whampoa reach, the southern channel, is the anchorage of all foreign shipping. It is twelve miles from Canton. The cargoes imported are here unladen, and taken up to the factories in a kind of lighter, called " chops ; " and whatever is to be exported is brought down in the same way. 1091. River view, with "chop-house," for the examination of passports and official documents. 1092. Water view, with bridge. 1093. Furniture and maxims. 1094 & 1095. Ornamental stands, flowers, &c. 1096. Couch, fruit stand, &c. 1097. Two mandarins, with ladies. 1098. Tartar bearing the joo-ee. Mandarin and lady in state chairs, with beautiful screens. 1099 & 1100. Two interior views of temples. 1101. Furniture. 1102 & 1103. Baskets of flowers. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 129 1104. Furniture. 1105. Mandarins and their wives in splendid costumes. 1106. Tartar warrior, fully equipped, with a lady richly dressed. The latter is sitting on a rock-like stool, cross-legged, a customary mode with the Tartars. 1107. Stands with ornaments. 1108. Stands with ornaments and fruits. 1109 & 1110. Two river scenes. 1111 & 1113. Two winter views in the north of China. 1112. View on Lob creek, near Whampoa. 1114. Representation of an inundation of rice grounds. The frequent inundations that occur in the low grounds of China may be attributed in part to the imperfect mode in which the banks of many of their canals are constructed ; being nothing more substantial than an embankment of soft mud, intermixed with layers of rushes. The following interesting account of the Chinese deluge, which occurred in the reign of the ancient Emperor Yaou, is translated from the Shoo-king, and is here introduced from Professor Kidd's late work on China. According to the Chinese system of chronology, it happened in the year of the world 1713, which is only fifty-seven years later than the generally received date of the deluge of Moses. ' The Emperor Yaou said — ' Vast and destructive are the accumu- lating waters, which have overflowed their banks ; they rise so high as to cover the hills and overtop the loftiest mountains, while they are co- extensive with the spacious concave of heaven. Alas ! for the mass of the people ; who shall relieve them from their calamities V "All replied, 'Behold, Kwan ! ' 'Ah, no; it cannot be;' answered his majesty ; ' he opposes the commands of his superiors, and subverts the nine classes of kindred.' It was remarked by the ministers, ' That is doubtful, try him ; perhaps he may succeed.' The Emperor said, ' Let him go then ; but be cautious ! ' He was engaged nine years without accomplishing his task, and eventually atoned for the failure by his death. Yu, his son, was next employed, who perfected the great work of removing the flood, and restoring order to the empire. " The following dialogue on the subject of his labours occurred between Yu and his sovereign. The Emperor says, ' Approach the imperial presence, you have abundant communications to make.' Yu worshipped, and said, ' May it please ydUr majesty, how can I speak ? My thoughts were unweariedly and incessantly employed day by day. The deluge rose high, and spread wide as the spacious vault of heaven ; buried the hills and covered the mountains with its waters, into which the common people, astonished to stupefaction, sunk. I travelled on dry land in a chnriot, on water in a boat, in miry places on a sledge, i 130 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF and climbed the sides of hills by means of spikes in my shoes. I went from mountain to mountain felling trees ; fed the people with raw food ; formed a passage for the waters to the sea on every part of the empire, by cutting nine distinct beds, and preparing channels to conduct them to the rivers. The waters having subsided, I taught the people to plough and sow, who, while the devastating effects of the flood continued, were constrained to eat uncooked food. I urged them to barter such things as they could spare, for others of which they stood in need. In this way the people were fed, and ten thousand provinces restored to order and prosperity." 1115. Chinese pleasure 'grounds. 1116 to 1119. Four views, representing a funeral procession. The visiter will observe that the bier is carried in the rear, contrary to the practice with us. The cemetery, which will be found in the distance, is invariably on the south side of a hill too barren for cultivation. On the demise of a parent or elder relation among the Chinese, the event is formally announced to all the branches of the family ; each side of the doors is distinguished by labels in white, which is the mourning colour. Wealthy families place a board at the door, on which is written the title, age, &c, of the deceased. The lineal descendants of the deceased, clothed in coarse white cloth, with bandages of the same round their heads, sit weeping round the corpse on the ground, the women keeping up a dismal howl after the manner of the Irish. In the meantime the friends of the deceased appear with white coverlets of linen or silk, which are placed on the body ; the eldest son, or next lineal male descendant, supported on each side by relations, and bearing in his hand a porcelain bowl containing two copper coins, now proceeds to the river, or the nearest well, or the wet ditch of the city, to " buy water," as it is termed. The ceremony must be performed by the eldest son's son, in preference to the second son, and entitles him to a double share of the property, which, in other respects, is divided equally amongst the sons. The form of washing the face and body with this water being completed, the deceased is dressed as in life, and laid in a coffin, of which the planks are from four to six inches in thickness, and the bottom strewed with quick-lime. On being closed, it is made air- tight by cement, being, besides, varnished on the inside and outside. A tablet is then placed on it, bearing the name and titles of the deceased, as they are afterwards to be cut on the tomb. On the expiration of " thrice-seven," or twenty-one days, the funeral procession takes place, the tablet being conveyed in a gilded sedan or pavilion, with incense and offerings before it. It is accompanied by music, closely resembling (he Scottish bagpipe, with the continual THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 131 repetition of three successive strokes on the drum. The children and relations of both sexes follow in white, without much order or regularity, and, upon reaching the grave, the ceremonies and oblations commence. It being a part of their superstition, that money and garments must be burnt for the use of the deceased in the world of spirits, these are, with a wise economy, represented by tinsel paper. Presents are made by the friends of the family, to defray the expenses incurred in the burial ; on the envelope are written these words — " Respectful contribution to the coffining :" which are sent to the person who presides at the funeral. This appears to be an universal practice. The form of the tombs, whether large or small, is exactly that of a Greek £2, which, if taken in the sense of " the end," is an odd acci- dental coincidence. Those of the rich and great are sometimes very large, and contain a considerable quantity of masonry, with figures of animals in stone. The whole detail of sepulchral rites, with the senti- ments of the Chinese concerning the dead, is contained in the drama of " An Heir in Old Age." After the interment, the tablet of the deceased is broiight back in procession, and, if the family be rich, it is placed in the " Hall of Ancestors;" if poor, in some part of the house, with incense before it. Two periods in every year (the spring and autumn), are fixed for per- forming the rites to the dead, but the first is the principal period, and the only one commonly attended to. Unlike the generality of Chinese festivals, which are regulated by the moon (and therefore moveable), this is determined by the sun, and occurs annually 10."> days after the solstice, i. e., the 5th of April. About that time (for a day or two before or after does not signify to them), the whole population of the town is seen trooping out in parties to the hills, to repair and sweep the tombs and make offerings, leaving behind them, on their return home, long streamers of red and white paper, to mark the fulfilment of their rites. Whole ranges of hills, sprinkled with tombs, may, at that season, be seen covered with these testimonials of attention to the departed, fluttering in the wind and sunshine. Small mounds of earth may be observed behind a grave, with a tablet having " How-too-shin," inscribed upon it. This means a divinity, who is considered as a guardian of the tomb. PEAYEB OFFEBED AT AN ANCESTOR'S TOMB. The following is the translation of a Sacrificial Prayer or " Tse-wan," read at the Tomb of an . Incestor. " This thirteenth year of the reign of Taou-kwang (1833), the year being Kwei-sze (the 30th year of the cycle), in the 2nd month of the spring, after the new moon, the 16th day, at the happy Tsing-ming- i 2 132 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF term — propriety requires that the spring sacrifice should be offered, the grass mowed down, and the brambles cut away. " Reverently have we prepared pigs, sheep, fowls, and fresh hams, seasonable vegetables, fruits, incense, rich wines, gold, silver, and pre- cious things (i. e., tinsel papers); and venture to announce the same to the soul of our great progenitor, the venerated Prince. "Behold! man has progenitors and parents, as water has springs, and trees have roots. When the roots strike deep, the branches are abundant ; the foliage rich, and forests are formed. When springs of water are large and flow far, they enrich the soil and diffuse fragrance. We look wishfully j and pray the souls in Hades to shelter and assist us, their descendants ; that we may be prosperous ; may age after age be decked with badges of honour ; may long enjoy riches and rank ; may, like the melon creeper and the cotton fibre be continually happy, and never extinct ; may, for myriads of ages, be illustrious spirits. Pros- trate, we pray you to come to enjoy and view these sacrifices. With sincerity these prayers are offered up." 1120 to 1130. A series of drawings, in water colours, upon the leaves of the Ficus Religiosa. In the preparations of the leaf for the artist, every part is carefully removed but the fibre, which has the appearance of gauze. In this state figures are painted on them resembling some of their demi-gods. The leaves are called " poo-te-sha." 1131 & 1132. Stands, fruits, &c. 1133. Furniture, &c. 1134. Two mandarins and ladies superbly dressed. 1135. Mandarin of the highest class, and lady, splendidly attired. These, with the couple 1084 & 1098, are Tartars also. From the neck of the female is suspended a long kind of scarf or handkerchief, customary with the Tartar ladies. Gentle- men have a similar appendage at their girdle. 1136. Painting on glass. 1137 & 1138. Exterior views of temples. 1139. Furniture, maxims, &c. 1140. Basket of flowers, the most prominent being the Mowtan, called by the Chinese " Hwa-wang," " King of flowers." 1141. Basket of flowers. 1142. Chinese furniture. 1143. Mandarins and ladies, on rice paper. 1144. Mandarin bearing the imperial dispatches, and lady. 1145. Paintings on glass. 1146 & 1147. Ornamental stands, vases, fruits, &c. 1148 & 1149, Two river scenes. ORNAMENTAL FURNITURE THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 133 1150. The Ficus Religiosa, or Banian Tree, which sends down roots from its branches, called by the Chinese " Piih sze miih," or " the immortal tree." 1151. Winter piece. 1 152. Chinese landscape. 1153. Gentleman's summer retreat. 1154 to 1157. Female pastimes. 1158 to 1161. Specimens of Chinese fish, beautifully painted. 1162. View of the interior of the Consoo house, with the court in session for the final decision of the charge of piracy, committed by the crew of a Chinese junk on a French captain and sailors, at a short distance from Macao. The French ship Navigateur put into Cochin-China in distress. Having disposed of her to the government, the captain, with his crew, took passage for Macao in a Chinese junk, belonging to the province of Fokien. Part of their valuables consisted of about 100,000 dollars in specie. Four Chinese passengers bound for Macao, and one for Fiih-keen, were also on board. This last apprised the Frenchman, in the best way he could, that the crew of the junk had entered into a conspiracy to take their lives, and seize their treasure. He urged that an armed watch should be kept. On making the Ladrone islands, the four Macao pas- sengers left the junk. Here the Frenchmen believed themselves out of danger, and, exhausted by sickness and long watching, yielded to a fatal repose. They were all massacred but one, a youth of about nineteen years of age, who escaped by leaping into the sea, after receiving several wounds. A fishing boat picked him up, and landed him at Macao, where information was given to the officers of government ; and the crew of the junk, with their ill-gotten gains, were seized on arriving at their port of destination at Fiih-keen. Having been found guilty by the court in their own district, they were sent down to Canton by order of the Emperor, to the "gancha, sze" (criminal judge), to be confronted with the young French sailor. This trial is represented in the painting. The prisoners were taken out of their cages, as seen in the foreground. The Frenchman recognised seventeen out of the twenty-four, but when the passenger who had been his friend was brought in, the two eagerly embraced each other; which scene is also pourtrayed in the painting. An explanation of this extraordinary act was made to the judge, and the man forthwith set at liberty. A purse was made up for him by the Chinese and foreigners, and he was soon on his way homeward. The seventeen were decapitated in a few days, in the presence of the foreigners ; the captain was put to a " lingering death," the punishment of traitors ; and the stolen treasures were restored. 1163 & 1164. Ornamental stands, vases, flowers, &c. 134 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 1165. Couch, fruit-stand, &c. 1166. Fruit, flowers, &c. (tea plant.) 1167. Military officer and lady. A Chinese soldier wears his sword on the left side, but he draws it with the right hand turned behind him. 1168. Portrait of a Chinese lady on glass. 1169 & 1170. Views of various buildings, in one of which are dwarf trees, for which the Chinese are so celebrated. Almost every garden in China abounds in flower-pots containing stunted trees with full grown fruit. 1171 & 1172. Baskets of flowers, exquisitely coloured. 1173. Furniture and stands, &c. 1174. Drawings of fruit and flowers. 1175. Nobleman and his wife in winter costume, the latter with a hand-furnace used in the north of China. 1176. Flowers and insects, on white velvet. 1177 & 1178. Views of the exteriors of Buddha temples. 1179 & 1180. Paintings on "rice paper," representing the twelve stages of the silk process, from the egg to the weaving of the silk. 1181. View of an apartment in Mouqua's country seat. 1182. Flowers. 1183. Table, Chinese candles, screen, &c. 1184. Exterior views of temples. 1185. An out-building attached to the temple at Honan. 1186. View of an apartment in Mouqua's country seat at Honan. 1187. Flowers. 1 188. Lady of rank in a sedan, carried by bearers. 1189. Mandarin in splendid costume. 1 190. Lady of rank in rich dress. 1191. Interior of the temple at Honan, with Buddha priests at worship. A description of this celebrated temple may prove interesting to the reader. The exterior of this temple, as much venerated by the Chinese as that of Minerva was by the Athenians, or the edifice dedicated to Jupiter Tonans was by the people of Rome — is by no means remarkable in appearanc?. It is spacious and lofty, and constructed after the manner of other large Chinese buildings, with outer and inner courts, porticoes and passages, which conduct the followers of Buddha into the sacred pre- sence of their gods, " San paou Fuh," " the three precious Buddhas," — the " past, present, and to come." These are represented by colossal gilt statues, in a sitting posture, nearly twenty feet in height, formed of clay and entirely covered with burnished gold. The principal hall in which these are placed, is very large, and sup- ported by vermilion-coloured pillars, between which are suspended THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 135 numerous lanterns — and on the shafts of two columns are inscriptions — one denoting " the golden-coloured region ;" the other, " the three precious Buddhas." The temple is guarded from the intrusion of strangers, in the same exclusive spirit that prompts the followers of the prophet to deny Christians admission into the mosques of St. Sophia and Omar. It is with difficulty that foreigners can enter within these hallowed walls. The privileged few who have succeeded in so doing, have described the sudden impression made upon their minds by the giant idols, as par- taking of the sentiment of awe — until the eye becoming accustomed to their presence, they are very properly reduced by mental operation to their true character — mere clay, false gods, and the senseless objects of an absurd pagan worship. This is by no means a long process of the mind : as the countenance of each idol is inexpressive of any particular emotion, there is nothing to excite either terror or disgust. On looking round the hall, the appearance of great numbers of Chinese priests standing at equal distances from each other, attired in pontifical robes, and with their hands clasped, in silent prayer and adoration, or chaunt- ing evening service, together with the soft and tender — or rather the "dim, religious light" of repose which fills the temple — is at once striking and impressive. Of this " Joss-house," or temple of the Buddha sect, the following is the legend : — " The Hae-Chung-sze, or Honan Joss-house, was originally a garden, belonging to Ko-kea, the family of Ko. A priest, named Che-Yuet, com- menced a small temple to Buddha, some say about 800 years ago, under the appellation Tseen-Tsew-Sze, ' the temple of a thousand autumns.' "It remained an obscure place till the close of the late dynasty, about the year A. D. 1000, when a priest of eminent devotion raised its character ; and his pupil, or disciple O-tsze, by his superior talents and sanctity, together with a concurrence of extraordinary circumstances, raised the temple to its present magnificence and extent. " During the reign of Kang-he, the second of the reigning Tartar dynasty, A.D. 1700, Canton province was not fully subjugated; and a son-in-law of the Emperor's, entitled Ping-nan-wang, ' king subjugator of the south,' reduced the whole to his father's sway, and took up his head quarters in the Honan temple, according to Tartar and Chinese usage. There were thirteen villages on the island which he had orders to exterminate for their opposition to the imperial forces. "Just before carrying into effect this command, the king, a blood- thirsty man, cast his eyes on O-tsze, a fat happy priest, and remarked, that if he lived on vegetable diet, he could not be so fat — he must be a hypocrite, and should be punished with death, lie drew his sword to 13G DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF execute, with his own arm, the sentence, but his arm suddenly stiffened, and he was stopped from his purpose. That night a divine person appeared to him in a dream, and assured him that O-tsze was a holy man, adding, " You must not unjustly kill him." " Next morning the king presented himself before O-tsze, confessed his crime, and his arm was immediately restored. He then did obeisance to the priest, and took him for his preceptor and guide, and morning and evening the king waited on the priest as his servant. " The thirteen villages now heard of this miracle, and solicited the priest to intercede in their behalf, that they might be rescued from the sentence of extermination. The priest interceded, and the king listened to him, answering thus — ' I have received an imperial order to exter- minate these rebels ; but since you, my master, say they now submit, be it so : however, I must send the troops round the country before I can write to the Emperor. I will do so, and then beg that they may be spared.' This proceeding took place, and the Honan villages were saved. " Their gratitude to the priest was unbounded ; and estates, and in- cense, and money, were poured in upon him. The king also persuaded his officers to make donations to the temple, and it became affluent from that day. "At that time there was no ' Hall of the Celestial Kings ;' and at the outer gate was a pond belonging to a rich man who refused to sell it, although O-tsze offered him a large compensation. One day the king was conversing with the priest, and said, ' This temple is still deficient, in having no hall for the celestial kings.' The priest said, ' A terrestial king, please your majesty, is the proper person to rear a pavilion to the celestial kings.' The king took the hint, and immediately seized upon the rich man's pond, who was now very glad to present it without any compensation at all. The king commanded that the pavilion should be finished in fifteen days : however, at the priest's intercession the work- men were allowed one month to complete it ; and by working night and day finished it in that time." The queen, being the Emperor's daughter, hoped she would be allowed to build a palace, covered with green tiles ; however, her father would not permit her, and the tiles she had prepared were given to the Joss-house, to cover one of its pavilions ; and hence it is sometimes called "the green-tiled temple." It was in this temple or monastery, that Lord Amherst's embassy lodged during his lordship's stay at Canton ; and as Honan faces Canton, on the opposite bank of the river, many Chinese gentlemen and merchants retire thither to_their country villas, after the business of the day is over. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 137 1192. Various sea shells, found on the coast of China, shewing their molluscous inhabitants. 1193 & 1194, Interior of temples. 1195. Furniture and maxims. 1196. Flowers and fruit. In the left hand lower division of this frame is a drawing of a species of citron, called by the Chinese, "Fuh-show," " the hand (of the god) Fuh." The formation of this fruit is a curious result of horticultural ingenuity practised by the Chinese. Mr. Davis remarks, that " so entirely is this strange production the result of art operating on nature, that it does not appear a second time after the plant has been purchased." 1197. Mandarin in a chair, with eight bearers and other attendants. 1198. Warrior in full dress, with bow, quiver, &c. 1199. Mandarin of the imperial household. 1200. Exterior of a Buddha temple at Honan. 1201. Painting on glass. 1202 & 1203. Exterior views of temples. 1204. Furniture, lamps, &c. 1205. Flowers and fruit. 120G. Lady of rank in sedan, and bearers, &c. 1207. Mandarin of the first class in fur dress. 1208. Lady in walking habit. 1209. Second gate to the temple at Honan. 1210. Portrait of a lady on glass. 1211 & 1212. Exterior views of various buildings, shewing the plans and arrangements of the outer or fore court. 1213. Cabinet, table, &c. 1214. The first of a series of twelve coloured drawings, representing the tea culture in the district of Keang-nan, situated at the north-west extremity of a range of hills dividing that province from Che-keang, between the 30th and 31st parallel of north latitude. This is a view of the preparation of the ground for planting. For the information of the reader upon the subject of tea, we cannot give a better description than that contained in a work by John F. Davis, Esq., F.R.S., &c, late chief of the British Factory at Canton, upon China and the Chinese ; the most comprehensive and accurate account that has appeared in modern days. — " The fineness and dearness of tea are determined by the tenderness and smallness of the leaf when picked. The various descriptions of the black diminish in quality and value as they are gathered later in the season, until they reach the lowest kind, called by us Bohea, and by the Chinese ' Ta-cha,' ' large tea,' on account of the maturity and size of the leaves. The early leaf buds in spring, being covered with a white 138 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF silky down, are gathered to make Pekoe, which is a corruption of the Canton name, ' Pak-hoo,' 'white down.' A few days' longer growth produce what is here styled, ' black-leaved Pekoe.' The more fleshy and matured leaves constitute Souchong ; as they grow larger and coarser they form Congou ; and the last and latest picking is Bohea. The tea farmers, who are small proprietors or cultivators, give the tea a rough preparation, and then take it to the contractors, whose business it is to adapt its further preparation to the existing nature of the demand. The different kinds of tea may be considered in the ascending scale of their value. " 1st. Bohea, which in England is the name of a quality, has been already stated to be, in China, the name of a district where various kinds of black tea are produced. The coarse leaf brought under that name to this country, is distinguished by containing a larger proportion of the woody fibre than any other teas ; its infusion is of a darker colour, and, as it has been more subjected to the action of fire, it keeps a longer time without becoming musty than the finer sorts. Two kinds of Bohea are brought from China : the lowest of these is manufactured on the spot, and therefore called ' Canton Bohea,' being a mixture of refuse Congou with a coarse tea called Woping, the growth of the province. The better kind of Bohea comes from the district of that name in Fokien ; and, having been of late esteemed equally with the lower Congou teas, has been packed in the same square chests, while the old Bohea package is of an oblong shape. "2nd. Congou, the next higher kind, is named from a corruption of the Chinese Kung-foo, 'labour or .assiduity.' It formed for many years the bulk of the East India Company's cargoes ; but the quality gradually fell off, in consequence of the partial abandonment of the old system of annual contracts, by which the Chinese merchants were assured of a remunerating price for the better sorts. The consumption of Bohea in this country has of late years increased, to the diminution of Congou, and the standard of the latter has been cosiderably lowered. A particular variety, called ' Campoi,' is so styled from a corruption of the original name, ' Keen-pei,' ' selection — choice ;' but it has ceased to be prized in this country from the absence of strength — a characteristic which is stated to be generally esteemed beyond delicacy or flavour. " 3rd. Souchong (Seaou-chung), ' small or scarce sort,' is of the finest of the stronger black teas, with a leaf that is generally entire and curly, but younger than in the coarser kinds. What is called ' Paou- chung,' or Padre Tea, is packed in separate paper bundles, of about half a pound each, and is so fine as to be used almost exclusively for presents. It takes its name of Paou (or parcel) from the packages in which it is contained, and its other name of Padre, as having been THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 13'J formerly grown by the priests at their small locations on the hills, and given to the parties coming to worship. The finest kinds of Souchong are sometimes scented with the flowers of the cloranthus inconspicuus and gardenia florida ; and they cannot be obtained even among the Chinese except at dear prices. A highly crisped and curled leaf, called Sonchi, has lately grown into disrepute and been much disused, in consequence of being often found to contain a ferruginous dust, which was probably not intended as a fraud, but arose from the nature of the ground where the tea had been carelessly and dirtily packed. " 4th. Pekoe being composed mainly of the young spring buds, the gathering of these must, of course, be injurious in some degree to the future produce of the shrub ; and this description of tea is accordingly both dear and small in quantity. With a view to preserve the fineness of flavour, the application of heat is very limited in drying the leaves ; and hence it is, that Pekoe is more liable to injury from keeping than any other sort of tea. There is a species of Pekoe made in the green tea country from the young buds, in like manner with the black kind ; but it is so little fired that the least damp spoils it ; and for this reason, as well as on account of its scarcity and high price, the Hyson-pekoe, as some call it, has never been brought to England. The mandarins send it in very small canisters to each other, or to their friends, as presents. "Green teas may generally be divided into five denominations, which are, 1. Twankay ; 2. Hyson-skin; 3. Hyson; 4. Gunpowder; 5. Young Hyson. Twankay tea has always formed the bulk of the green teas imported into this country, being used by the retailers to mix with the finer kinds. The leaf is older, and not so much twisted or rolled as in the dearer descriptions : there is altogether less care and trouble bestowed on its preparation. It is, in fact, the Buhea of green teas ; and the quantity of it brought to England has fully equalled three-fourths of the whole importation of green. Hyson-skin is so named from the original Chinese term, in which the skin means the refuse, or inferior portion of anything ; in allusion, perhaps, to the hide of an animal, or the rind of fruit. In preparing the fine tea, called Hyson, all those leaves that are of a coarser, yellower, and less twisted or rolled appearance, are set apart and sold as the refuse or ' skin tea,' at a much inferior price. The whole quantity, therefore, depends on, and bears a proportion to, the whole quantity of Hyson manufactured, but seldom exceeds two or three thousand chests in all. The word Hyson is corrupted from the Chinese name, which signifies ' flourishing spring ' this fine sort of tea being gathered in the early part of the season. Every separate leaf is twisted and rolled by hand, and it is on account of the extreme care and labour required in its preparation, 140 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF that the best Hyson tea is so difficult to procure, and so expensive. By way of keeping up its quality, the East India Company used to give a premium for the two best lots annually presented to them for selection ; and the tea merchants were stimulated to exertion, as much by the credit of the thing as by the actual gain in price. Gunpowder, as it is called, consists of the best rolled and roundest leaves, which give it that granular appearance whence it derives its name. For a similar reason the Chinese call it ' Choo-cha,' ' pearl tea.' Young Hyson, until it was spoiled by the large demands of late years, was a genuine, delicate young leaf, called in the original language ' Yu-tseen,' ' before the rains.' As it could not be fairly produced in any large quantities, the call for a further supply was answered by cutting up and sifting other green tea through sieves of a certain size ; and, as the Company's inspectors detected the imposture, it formed no part of their London importations. But the above became still worse of late, for the coarsest black tea leaves have been cut up, and then coloured with a preparation so as to resemble the hue of green teas. Nothing could be more ill-founded than the vulgar notion, once prevalent in this country, that the colour of green tea was derived from its being dried on plates of copper. No Chinese is allowed to have a copper vessel, except as ornamental. Admitting that copper was the metal on which they were placed, it does not at all follow that they should assume such an appearance from the operation ; but the pans really used on these occasions are of cast-iron, of a round or spherical shape. Each of these pans is bricked in, over a small furnace. A quantity of fresh leaves are placed in the pan, after it has been suffi- ciently heated, and stirred rapidly round by the hand, to expose them equally to the action of the heat, and, at the same time, prevent their burning. After being a little curled by this drying operation, they are taken out and twisted or rolled by hand to assist the natural tendency ; and the process of curling is continued for a longer or shorter time, according to the nature and quality of the tea. The hand seems to have most to do in the case of green teas, and the fire in that of the black. In the preparation of the finer teas, much care and attention is bestowed on the selection of the best leaves subsequent to drying ; as in the separation of the Hyson from its skin, or refuse — a business which falls to the lot of women and children. The tea, when prepared, is packed while warm by the contractors in chests and canisters. The black teas are trodden down with the feet, to make them pack closer : but the green tea leaves would be crushed and broken by so rude a process ; they are accordingly only shaken into chests. 1215. Second view of the above tea process, representing labourers sowing the seed. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 141 1216. The Tsung-tuh, or Viceroy of Canton, in a sedan, with eight bearers and retinue. As before observed, the number of bearers to each sedan is restricted to the rank of the person. Only mandarins, or official persons, can be carried by four bearers, or accompanied by a train of attendants. These are marshalled in two files before the chair. One pair of these myrmidons, carry gongs, on which they strike at regular intervals ; another pair utter, likewise, at intervals, a long-drawn shout, or rather yell, to denote the approach of the great man ; a third pair carry chains, (as in No. 1206,) which they jingle in concert, being, in fact, jailers or executioners, with high caps of iron wire, in which is stuck a grey feather. Then come two fellows with the usual bamboo, or bastinado ; and the cortege is made up by the servants and other followers, some of whom carry red umbrellas of dignity ; others large red boards, on which are inscribed, in gilt characters, the officer's titles ; and, generally, the motto addressed to the multitude, " Be still and retire back." The populace, who meet such a procession, are not to denote their respect in any other way than by standing aside, with their arms hanging close to their sides, and their eyes on the ground. It is only when called or taken before a tribunal that they are obliged to kneel ; and these are occasions which most Chinese are not very willing to seek. 1217. Furniture and maxims. 1218. Mandarin in splendid costume. 1219. Lady, in splendid costume, with large feet. 1220. First gateway to the temple at Honan. 1221. Painting on glass. 1222. View of a small Buddha temple. 1223. Exterior of a gentleman's private dwelling. 1224. Furniture, &c. 1225. Third view of the Keang-nan tea process, representing the irri- gation of the trees. 1226. Fourth view: women plucking the leaves. 1227. Lady of rank in sedan, and bearers. 1228. Mandarin saluting. 1229. A Tartar lady in summer dress. 1230. Vessel in a typhoon, " ta fung," or " great wind." Violent storms are of frequent occurrence during a particular season of the year, on the southern coast of China, and occasion a dreadful loss of life, besides injury to the boats of the many thousand families who reside upon the neighbouring waters of Canton. Chinese writers par- ticularly mention a sea storm that blows from every point of the compass on the coast of Canton. It occurs during the fifth and sixth moons of 142 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF the year, and is preceded by a coloured ring-like appearance, at first small, but gradually increasing. This whirlwind is said to be entirely unknown in the north of China. During the continuance of these de- vastating storms, thunder is considered a symptom of the mitigation of their fury. In the significant phraseology of the Chinese, lightning is called " the thunderer's whip." The superstitious notions of the Chinese have been elsewhere spoken of. If a person in China has been killed by lightning, he is denied the rights of burial which he would otherwise have received. They consider it as the marked displeasure of God. Confucius always rose and dressed himself when severe thunder storms occurred at night, in order to pay respect to Teen-noo, " the wrath of heaven." 1231. River view. 1232. Another view, with official building for the examination of passports. 1233 to 1238. Six frames, containing numerous drawings of Chinese fishes, taken from nature. 1239. Painting of a marriage procession. In the gay scene here represented, the bridegroom is returning from the late home of the bride, who is carried in a richly carved and gilded sedan appropriated to such occasions, and called " Hwa-Keaou," i. e., " flowered chair." The supporters, in this case (four in number), are regulated according to the rank of the parties. The bride is preceded by a lengthened train of attendants, clad in garments of various colours. There are not less than a dozen sedan chairs in the procession filled with presents to the bride. These constitute her whole marriage dowry. The persons composing the train are hired for the occasion. There are large establishments in China, provided with men, chairs, and dresses, to be hired out for escorts of this kind. The dresses and sedans range through all the degrees of costliness and elegance. Articles of this kind, more or less expensive, and a more or less numerous train of attendants, are em- ployed, according to the rank and wealth of the parties to be united. Howqua, the rich Hong merchant, expended above 50,000 dollars on a daughter's wedding, including the bridal presents. Live geese are always among the presents, and they are carried in the procession, being consi- dered, apparently without any good foundation, patterns of concord and fidelity in the married state. The beautiful mandarin duck, already described, would be a fitter emblem. When the bride reaches the resi- dence of her lord, she is lifted by matrons over a pan of charcoal, — a usage the exact import of which is not understood. Various ceremo- nies follow, which end in the husband unveiling his bride, whom he now sees for the first time, and drinking with her the cup of alliance. Marriage is termed " the excellent ceremony," and is promoted by every THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 143 consideration that can act upon the human mind. The national maxim is, that " there are three great acts of disregard to parents, and to die without progeny is the chief." The barrenness of a wife is therefore re- garded as a great calamity, and is one of the seven grounds of a divorce allowed to a Chinese husband, notwithstanding there would seem to be an all-sufficient remedy in legal concubinage. The other causes of separation are, disobedience to her parents, adultery, talkativeness, thieving, ill-temper, and inveterate infirmities. A lucky day for the marriage rites is considered important. On this point recourse is had to astrology, and the horoscopes of the parties are diligently compared. Sometimes the ceremony is postponed for months, because the stars are not propitious. They have a saying, that " mar- riages are made (fixed) in a previous state of existence." Such superstitious notions and observances belong exclusively to no particular age or country. In the " Iphigenia " of Euripides, Clytemnestra asks Agamemnon when their daughter shall wed ? He replies, " When the orb of a fortunate moon shall arrive." The spring in China is gene- rally preferred for wedding, when the peach-tree is in blossom. This circumstance is alluded to in a little poem in the " Book of Odes," thus elegantly paraphrased by the accomplished Sir William Jones : — " Sweet child of spring, the garden's queen, Yon peach-tree charms the roving sight ; Its fragrant leaves how richly green, Its blossoms how divinely bright ! So softly shines the beauteous bride, By love and conscious virtue led, O'er her new mansion to preside, And placid joys around her shed." The presents already noticed, are sent to the bride in the evening, at which time the ceremony takes place ; hence a bride is compared to the moon; "When the sun sets, the moon appears." Another phrase, in confirmation of this custom, "When the pale moon goes forth, how fine the appearance of a beautiful woman ! (bride.)" The desire for male children is esteemed a virtue, and is incorporated in many of their daily salutations ; thus, " May you have an union, and abundance of the three blessings," i. e., " Happiness, long life, and male children." To obtain the latter, and to promote lineal descent, concubinage is often resorted to, but Chinese moralists do not allow a concubine to be taken till after the age of forty, and when there is no hope of having male issue by the wife. The former is less esteemed than the latter, and in the Anglo- Chinese of the natives, is considered as " number two wife," that is, inferior. At the marriage of a son, the ceremony of capping is 144 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF observed, " kea-kwan." In ancient times a bonnet made of cloth was first placed upon his head; next one of leather, and lastly a nobleman's cap. The chief parts of this ceremony are yet continued, together with a benediction pronounced over him. Dr. Morrison says, in some provinces in China a public notice is issued by wealthy parents to obtain a husband for their daughter ; this is done by the affluent, who are unwilling to part with their child, and who, therefore, bring the son-in-law into their own family, instead of the usual practice of sending the daughter from home. When women prove childless, they pay adoration to the goddess Kwan-yin, a principal image in Buddhist temples, whose name means "heedful of prayers" (tervocata audit), andwhose functions seem com- pounded of those of Venus Genetrix and Lucina. There is, however, the widest difference, in their estimation, between male and female offspring ; the former are as eagerly desired as the latter are, generally, deprecated. Sons are considered in this country, where the power over them is so absolute through life, as a sure support, as well as a probable source of wealth or dignities, should they succeed in learning ; but the grand object is the perpetuation of the race, to continue the sa- crifices at the family tombs. Without sons a man lives without honour or satisfaction, and dies unhappy ; and, as the only remedy, he is per- mitted to adopt the sons of the younger brothers. Sometimes, how- ever, the extreme desire of male offspring leads parents to suborn the midwives to purchase a boy of some poor person, and substitute it for a girl just born. This is termed " tow lung hwan fung," " stealing a dragon in exchange for a phoenix. In the event of the death of a young woman, under nineteen years of age, a paper effigy is made by the parents, and the intended husband receives the effigy home to his house, with the bridal rites ; he then burns the effigy, and erects a tablet to her memory. This appears to be the object of the parents of the deceased. 1240. View of Honan from the river. 1241. Rural scenery on the Canton river. 1242. View of the exterior of a temple. 1243. A gentleman's residence. 1244. Furniture. 1245. Fifth view of the Keang-nan tea process : females twisting the leaves, preparatory to firing. 1246. Sixth view as above. Females sorting leaves. 1247. Government officer in a chair, carried by eight bearers. 1248. Furniture, maxims, &c. 1249. Mandarin in summer dress. 1250. Lady with small feet, in summer dress. a o o (S - p (S O THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 145 1251. View of Pinkoo, near Canton. 1252 & 1253. Exterior views of temples. 1254. Furniture. 1255. Seventh view of the Keang-nan tea process : coolies bringing in the leaves from the trees. 1256". Eighth view as above : sifting and sorting the leaves. 1257. Mandarin in winter dress, with bearers, &c. 125S. Mandarin bearing imperial despatches in a yellow silk envelope, at his back. 1259. Lady of rank, with small feet. 1260. Bridge at Honan, near Canton. 1261. A musical party. 1262. Flowers from nature. 1263. Birds from life. 1264. Picture of the Bocca Tigris. The Bocca Tigris, called by the Chinese " the Tiger's Gate," or " Tiger's Mouth," is the entrance of the Canton river, and is so called from the appearance of one of the islands in front of it. It is, as described by Weddel, the -first Englishman who approached it, " a goodly inlet," flanked on each side by mountains and fortresses. The latter formidable, but owing to an entire want, on the part of the Chinese, of a knowledge of gunnery, and to other causes, they are with- out any real efficiency. They have been repeatedly passed, without difficulty, by English men-of-war. Vessels must shew their permits here, before entering ; and are, therefore, required to anchor outside if they reach the Bogue during the night. 1265. Flowers and fruit. 1266. Variety of birds on rice paper. 1267. Revenue cutters in pursuit of smugglers. 1268. View of an engagement by moonlight, between revenue officers and smugglers. 1269. Mandarin and lady. 1270. Mandarin and lady, superbly dressed. 1271. Chinese bedstead, furniture, Src. Specimens of Chinese furniture are abundantly displayed in this col- lection ; the beds of the Chinese, in general, are composed of mats, placed on two or three boards, laid on forms or benches, and covered with a canopy, supported by bamboo sticks, of silk gauze or cotton cur- tains, and a mosquito net in the summer. Various kinds of bamboo pillows are also exhibited. 1272. Ninth view of the Keang-nan tea process : — preparation of samples. 1273. Tenth view as above : — drying the leaves on plates of iron, and not of copper, as is erroneously supposed. K 146 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 1274. A lady of rank in sedan, with bearers, &c. 1275. Furniture. 1276. Mandarin of the first class, splendidly attired, wearing the feather with " three eyes." The lordly appearance of this figure is expressed by the Chinese in the phrase " Walks like a dragon, and paces like a tiger," indicative of a stately manner and bearing. 1277. Lady superbly dressed. 1278. Scene near the second bar on the Canton river, with pagoda in the distance. 1279. Warrior, with quiver, &c, and lady, seated on portable chairs. 12S0. Mandarin and wife in summer dresses. 1281. Imperial chair of state, with screen, &c. The Empress's chair, it will be observed, is equally as splendid as that described in No. 1074, but is ornamented with carved peacocks, while the former representing the Emperor's throne, has the imperial dragon . 1282. Eleventh view of the Keang-nan tea process : arrival of the " Cha Kih" (tea merchant) in the hill country for the purchase of teas for foreign markets. 1283. Twelfth view as above : interior of a Hong merchant's esta- blishment at Canton, with coolies packing, weighing, and despatching teas by lighters, for the foreign shipping at Whampoa. 1284. The lady of the " Tseang-keun," a Tartar general (described in No. 1306), with military attendants, &c. 1285. Warrior in winter dress, with despatches or " chop" in his hand. 1286. Lady in summer costume, smoking. 1287. River view, with fort in the distance. 1288. River scenery with fishing boats, &c. 1289 to 1292. Four frames containinsr numerous drawings of Chinese lanterns, of various patterns and devices. 1293. River view, with a boat in a brisk gale. 1294. Rural scenery. 1295 & 1296. Two frames with drawings on rice paper of mandarins and their ladies, superbly attired. 1297 & 1298. Two views in water colours, representing the interior of gentlemen's country seats, in one of which (1298) is represented a specimen of their private theatrical entertain- ments. 1299. Beautiful specimen of embroidery on satin. The art of em- broidery, in which the Chinese excel, perhaps, all others, is performed principally by men. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. ] \~ 1300 & 1301. Two Indian-ink drawings, representing a military review by the Emperor. 1302. Imperial mandarin. 1303. Lady superbly dressed. 1304. Portrait of Tingqua, merchant of Canton. 1305. Section of the Great Wall of China. This vast barrier, separating China from Tartary, was built by Tsin, the first universal monarch of China, about 200 years B.C., or rather more than 2,000 from the present time. It is called by the Chinese, " the City Wall, a thousand le in length." It bounds the whole north of China, along the frontiers of three provinces, extending from the shore of the gulf of Pe-chele, 3| degrees east of Pekin, to Sening, 15 degrees west of that capital. The emperors of the Ming dynasty built an additional inner wall near to Pekin, on the west, which may be per- ceived on the map, enclosing a portion of the province between itself and the old wall. From the eastern extremity of the Great Wall there is an extensive stockade of wooden piles, enclosing the country of Mongden and this has, in some European maps, been erroneously represented as a continuation of the solid barrier. (See native map of China, in this collection, No. 1041.) A particular examination of its structure was made by the gentlemen of Lord Macartney's embassy, who had the good fortune to pass into Tartary by one of the most entire portions of the wall. On its first approach, it is described as resembling a promi- nent vein or ridge of quartz, standing out from mountains of gneiss or granite. The continuance of this line over the mountain-tops arrested the attention, and the form of a wall with battlements was soon dis- tinctly discerned. It was carried over the ridges of the highest hills, descended into the deepest valleys, crossed upon arches over rivers, and was doubled in important passes, being moreover supplied with massive towers or bastions at distances of about one hundred yards. One of the most elevated ridges crossed by the wall was 5,000 feet above the level of the sea. It far surpasses, in short, the sum total of all other works of the kind, and proved a useful barrier until the power of Ghengis Khan overthrew the empire of the Chinese. 1306. A Tartar general, " Tseang-keun," and suite, having the com- mand of the garrison of a city ; its defence being his particular department. He is independent of generals outside the walls of the city which he defends. He has two adjutants attached to his command, as seen in the drawing, called " Too-tung," who are distinguished by right and left, from their taking the command of the left and right wings of the army. The high official standing of the " Tseang-keun" is denoted by the figure of a tiger's head embroidered on the breast of his outward dress k 2 14S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF and the presence of the peacock's feather with three eyes. He has eight bearers to his sedan, when used, and the same number of attendants follow in his train when on duty, as here represented. 1307 & 1308. Tartar noble and wife, in full costume. In the cap of the former is placed a peacock's feather. This badge of dignity is granted by the Emperor, as a mark of distinction ; it hangs pendent from the cap over the shoulders. The rank of the wearer is known by having one, two, or three eyes on the feather, and by a difference of colour ; this usage was never known in China till the present dynasty. 1309. View of Honan, a village on the south side of Pearl river, over against Canton. This village is chiefly celebrated for its extensive and magnificent temple of Buddha, the richest religious establishment in this part of the empire. No part of the splendid structure is visible in the painting, which is mainly interesting as affording the best view of river life in the collection. This is a mode of existence peculiar to the Chinese. The people of other nations resort to the water for purposes of gain, warfare, health, or pleasure, for a season, but they never cease to regard the land as their natural and permanent dwelling-place. They would be miserable if they believed themselves confined for life to floating habita- tions, whatever temporary attractions these might possess. But millions on millions of people in China are born, vegetate, and die, upon the bosom of its numerous streams. They occasionally make a " cruise on shore," but they return to the water as their natural home and element. It is computed that there are not less than 40,000 dwelling boats within the immediate neighbourhood of Canton. These are arranged in regvdar streets, which are lighted up at night. Besides the boats used as habi- tations, the river is covered with innumerable craft in perpetual motion ; yet such is the skill with which they are managed, and the peaceable- ness of the boatmen, that jostlings rarely occur, and quarrels are almost unknown. 1310. Drawings of native birds. 1311. View of the landing and entrance to the Fa-tee flower gardens, situated a short distance above Canton, on the bank of the river. They are principally owned by the Hong merchants of Canton, and foreigners are allowed to visit them on certain days in each month. These gardens are beautifully laid out, and afford much gratification and relief to persons confined to the narrow limits to which all foreigners are restricted at Canton. From these gardens the greater number of those beautiful dwarf shrubs are procured, that are so much esteemed. 1312. Portrait of Newkooluh, late consort of Taou Kwang, Emperor of China. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 149 1313. Portrait of Tingqua Ponkeiqua, a Hong merchant. 1314. Entrance to the city of Pekin on the west. Pekin has been the capital of the empire since the reign of Yung-lo A. D. 1423, in the centre of which stands the imperial city, five miles in circumfereiice, enclosing within it the sacred city, which occupies a third of its dimensions. The capital has nine gates, the number to correspond, perhaps, to the nine divisions of the Chinese territory after the Deluge, as before alluded to. 1315. Empress of China in a car, drawn by two horses, and attended by female musicians. 1316. Flowers. 1317. Six boats, &c, on rice paper. 1318. View of the great wall dividing China from Tartary. See 1305. 1319 to 1322. Four views of Chinese summer-houses, grounds, &c. The Chinese have a great partiality to fish ponds and artificial lakes attached to their country-houses and grounds. These are rendered agreeable to the eye by the cultivation and growth of the water-lily. 1323. Picture of Macao. This is by the same artist, and of the same dimensions, as the picture of Canton, already described. It is a view of Macao, as it appears from the harbour. The name of this port signifies " the entrance to the bay." It is situated in 22 deg. 11| sec. N. lat. ; and 13| deg. 13 sec. E. long. The town is handsomely situated on a steep declivity, and protected, as it were, in the rear by the mountain wall. One of the neighbouring summits is crowned with a Portuguese church, which shews like a fortress in the distance. The effect is imposing in approaching by sea, as nearly the whole city is visible, and of a pre- possessing appearance. Macao is a place of some importance ; and interesting on several accounts. It belongs nominally to the Portu- guese, to whom the privilege of building a town there was granted about two hundred and fifty years ago, in consideration of services rendered in clearing the Chinese waters of a desperate gang of pirates ; but the government is really in the hands of the viceroy at Canton, and there are regular Chinese officers of justice, government, and the customs. The Portuguese, however, are governed by their own laws, to enforce which they are allowed to employ their own officers. Here all foreign merchantmen, bound to Canton, have to procure a " chop," or permit to pass the forts, and take on board an inside pilot. This is the utmost limit to which European or American ladies are ever permitted to intrude into the Celestial Empire. Most of the foreign merchants resident at Canton rusticate at Macao during the summer months. Lintin, that harbour of smugglers, lies to the right of the view contained in this picture. 150 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 1324. View of a gentleman's summer residence and gardens. 1325 & 1326. Two drawings of the interior of gentlemen's summer residences in China. 1327. Stands with fruit, flowers, &c, on rice paper. 1328. Six boats, on rice paper. 1329. Portrait of a celebrated Chinese beauty. 1330. Portrait of a well known money-broker in Canton. This description of men are exceedingly numerous, and are of various standing in their line of business. The smaller dealers confine them- selves principally to the purchase and sale of their copper coin, called by Europeans "cash," by natives "tseen," which is the only coin of the Chinese. They are thin and circular, and nearly an inch in diameter, having a square hole in the centre for the convenience of tying them together, with a raised edge both around the outside and the hole. Those now in use have the name of the emperor in whose reign they were cast stamped upon them, with the words " tung paou," " precious circulating medium." Notwithstanding their trifling value, they are much adulterated with spelter ; yet, on account of their convenience in paying small sums and for common use, they generally bear a premium, and are the thousandth part of a tael.* The use of the silver coin, however, appears to be increasing among the Chinese, as by recent accounts we learn that silver dollars have been made in Fuh-keen and other places, contrary to the laws of the empire. In his journal, Mr. Lindsay says, "At Fvdi-chow, dollars are not defaced by stamping as at Canton. The ingots are of quite a different description from those in use in Canton, but of excellent quality." When the dollar first comes into the possession of a Chinese, he gives it a stamp, or chop, thus extracting a small portion of the metal ; receiving the same usage from each hand it passes through, it is reduced from its coinage value to that of merely its weight. The possessor of this clipped money, finding the bulk inconvenient, melts it down into the form of sycee silver, a species more easy to stow than if it was in the former coin, in which 1,000 drilled dollars might not exceed the value of 200. The sycee silver is more valuable than any other, on account of its containing portions of gold dust. It is generally in the form of a canoe, with a stamp in the centre. In ancient times, the shells of the tortoise and pearl oyster were used as a circulating medium in the exchange for commodities, till about 200 years B.C., when the "cash" noticed above was introduced. Under the Sung dynasty, in the reign of Shaou-hing (A.D. 1170), a kind of paper money or bank note was issued of various amounts. Offices were appointed by the government everywhere to receive and * A tael is about a dollar and a third. THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 151 issue them. They were to be renewed within seven years, and about one and a half per cent, was deducted by the government for the ex- penses of their issue. A scarcity of copper coin is assigned as one reason ; and another is the want of money to pay the army, which led to this scheme to entice the merchant with the convenience of it. The terms, " Flower-edged money," " Foreign-faced money," and " Devil's- head money," all express the Spanish dollar. 1331. The exterior view of the Imperial Hall of Audience, at Pekin. Yellow tiles are an imperial emblem, and are used only on the Emperor's palaces and the temples of Confucius. 1332. Emperor of China borne by sixteen officers. 1333 to 1335. These drawings are the continuation of the rearing of the silk-worm and culture of the mulberry-tree, as practised at Nankin, and correspond with the Nos. 1028-9-30 placed on the face of the opposite pillar. 1336 to 1339. Four paintings in oil, representing the annual military review which takes place about the new year, near the " Teen-how-shan," or " Queen of Heaven's Hill," in the vicinity of Canton- " In the almost total absence of actual warfare," says Mr. Davis, " the Chinese soldiers are periodically exercised by their commanders. Their field-days consist in tumultuous and disorderly marches in the train of their mandarins, or in sham fights, which are conducted (like their theatrical performances) with the din of gongs and other noisy instru- ments. To this is joined some practice in drawing the bow, and in the use of the sword. Their reviews consist partly in the examination of their matchlocks, their swords, and arrows ; and, when they have any, of their helmets or padded armour. As far as our experience went in the embassy, their offensive arms were always in a wretched condition. The greater number of soldiers are at liberty to follow some trade or occupation, as they are, in fact, a mere militia periodically called out. Exceptions occur only among the Tartar troops, and those Chinese who are employed as a standing police or guard. So far from there being any necessity to enrol soldiers by compulsion, or by bounty money, the profession is eagerly sought after as a favour, and as an addition to the person's means of livelihood. The only occupation of the Chinese army, with very few exceptions, since the Tartar conquest, has been to over-awe popular revolts, and keep the people in order. The board at Pekin, called the "Ping-poo," or "military tribunal," has controul chiefly over the armed police of the empire ; that is, the Chinese, as distinguished from the Tartar troops. It has couriers always ready to be dispatched to the provinces, and to convey its secret orders. Ban- ditti and malefactors of every kind are traced out with almost unerring 152 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF certitude, and all experience bears testimony to the extreme efficacy of the police of the country." In these paintings will be observed numerous shields in the hands of the soldiery, of hideous devices, similar to those lately taken from the Chinese, and now placed in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. The design is evidently to strike their opponents with terror and affright. 1340. A theatrical representation by moonlight. For information on this subject the visiter is referred to the remarks made in page 36. 1341. Specimens of Chinese windows. The substance used for transmitting the light is Anomia Placenta. A variety of other materials are employed for the same purpose, as mica, horn, paper, silk-gauze, &c. Glass windows are seldom seen. There is a frame-work in front of the translucent substance, dividing it into small panes of various shapes. This is the general style of Chinese windows, but the passion of the people for variety, leads them to adopt an endless diversity of patterns. CHINESE TOPOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OP THE CITY OF CANTON. The Chinese Topographical annalists say, that 2230 years ante- cedent to the Christian era, the region now called Kwang-tung (Canton), was noticed in ancient records, under the names Kaou-che ; Nan-kaou ; Nan-ee ; Pa-yue ; and Yue. Tsin-che, the first universal Chinese monarch, about two centuries before our era, pushed his conquests to the south of the Mei-ling mountain, that bounds Canton on the north, through which a pass was subsequently cut in the eighth century. This military conqueror " Tsin-che-hwang," i. e., " Tsin, the first Emperor," put " Pih," " shining white, or resplendent," on the top of the character " Wang," " a king," in order to make a new title for himself, meaning " the glorious king," and which, in the poverty of European phrase, is translated Emperor ; and who, to prove his title to the designation " Che," " the first" — the " beginning," burnt all the ancient records he could find, and buried alive the readers of books. This conqueror called Canton, " Nan-hae," " the Sovithern Sea," a name THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 153 which is yet retained for the principal Heen, or district, in the pro- vince. From that period till the Sung dynasty, about A.D. 1000, Canton underwent many revolutions, and was variously designated. Tsin-che-hwang's successor, Urh-hwang-te-she, sent to it 15,000 unmarried women ; and nearly four hundred years afterwards it was called " Kwei-lin-tseang-kwan," " the region of cassia forests, and ele- phants." At the time above mentioned (A.D. 1000), whilst the court resided at Nan-king (or, in the provincial dialect, Nam-king), Canton, or Ling-nan (as it was then called), was considered one of the worst places of banishment for refractory statesmen. To go " south of the moun- tain," as Ling-nan signified, was deemed certain death. The present name of Canton, viz., Kwang-tung, was not adopted till the Mwan-chow, or Tartar dynasty, founded by the grandson of Ghengis-Khan. Even till the Ming-chaou, which expelled the Tartars, and was in its turn expelled by those Tartars who now fill the throne of China, Canton was not called a Sang, or province, but a Tow or Loo, a " way or road." And then, first, about A.D. 1397, the metropolis was called by its present name, Kwang-chow-foo : previously to that time it was called Kwang-chow-loo. Under the Emperor Kow-te, of the Han dynasty, a self-made king, who held his court at Pun-yu, the modern Whampoa district, called the Canton region by a name he thought applicable to himself, " Nan-mow," "the southern warrior." The Emperor Kow-te confirmed his title, and the King Ya-kung " offered tribute" to his liege lord. Under the same dynasty, a king of Man-yue, as Fokien was then called, made war upon Canton, and lost his life. By the interference of the Emperor, peace was restored ; but he soon afterwards sent his own troops to subject "Nan-man," "the southern barbarians," as the people of Canton were called by him. A.D. 415, the pirate Loo-swan attacked and took possession of Can- ton after a hundred days fighting. In 419, the people of Canton sent, as tribute to Woo-te, "the Martial Monarch," a piece of fine cloth. But the hardy warrior was so displeased at its luxurious softness, that he rejected it, and issued a mandate, forbidding the people of the south ever to make any more such fine cloth. In G54, King-chow (or the island of Hainan) was first occupied, by the order of the second emperor of the Tang dynasty. About 703, " she-pih," " trading vessels," began to introduce " rare commodities," extraordinary or curious manufactures. The ensuing year was remarkable for the governor, Sung-Ying, " first teaching the people to burn earthenware." And in 705 a statesman, called Chung-kow-ling, cut the famous pass through the Mei-ling mountain, to facilitate the intercourse between Canton and the northern parts of the empire. 154 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF It is further remarked, to the credit of this statesman, that when, on the Emperor Yuen Tsung's " Tseen Tsew," " thousand autumns," i. e., his birth-day, all the courtiers were presenting " ornamented mirrors," Chung-kow-ling offered a book in five volumes, which he had composed, to shew " the causes of the rise and fall of former dynasties ;" and this work he called, " a golden birth-day mirror." In 795, a general, who commanded in Canton, wrote to court, stating that the trading vessels had all deserted Canton and repaired to An-nam, Cochin-China ; and he added, that he wished to send a sort of consul thither. Some of the ministers were in favour of the measure, but the im- perial will was determined in opposition to it, by the opinion of one who argued to this effect ; — " Multitudes of trading vessels have heretofore flocked to Canton ; if they have all at once deserted it, and repaired to Cochin-China, it must have either been from extortions being insup- portable, or from some failure in affording proper inducements. When a gem spoils in its case, who is to blame but the keeper of it ? If the pearl be fled to other regions, how is it to be propelled back again ?" The Shoo-king classic says, " Do not prize too much strange commodi- ties, and persons will come from remote parts." The spirit engendered by this sentiment is in unison with the general temper of the Chinese, inclining to the idea of affecting indifference in obtaining what they most desire. The Chinese studiously repress curiosity. This same year those in power were forbidden, by imperial autho- rity, to take by force the sons and daughters of peaceable subjects to make slaves of them ; which prohibition implies the previous existence of the unjust and cruel slave trade. In 897, the Cochin-Chinese made war upon Canton by land ; and a public spirited man obtained great credit for building large vessels to bring grain from Fuh-keen province. After the fall of the Tang dynasty (in allusion to which the Chinese of the present day call themselves " Tang Yin," " a man of Tang"), there were five short dynasties of from ten to twenty years' duration each ; in Chinese history called the "Woo-tae," "five generations." To the first of these, in 904, Canton sent tribute of gold, silver, rhinoceros' horns, ivory, and other valuable commodities, to the amount of five millions of taels. The principal person concerned, viz., Low-heen, was, in consequence, created King of Canton, under the title " Nan-hae- wang," " King of the southern sea." The court of Canton is represented at this time as cruel and extra- vagant in an extreme degree ; — criminals were boiled, roasted, and flayed, and thrown on spikes, and forced to fight with tigers and ele- phants ! The horrid tale shocked the founder of the most learned THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 155 Chinese dynasty, viz., that of Sung (A.D. 964), and he exclaimed, " It is my duty to deliver the people of this region." A prodigy was seen by the people of Canton, " all the stars flowed to the north," and the ensuing year they obtained peace and tranquillity. At this period Canton appears to have been in a very barbarous state ; and, in the estimation of the government, was excessively addicted to sorcery and superstition. Hence (A.D. 980) government " prohibited the superstitious practices on the south of the mountain," and threw down their "superstitious temples." Yin (superstitious) usually de- notes " lewd," — whether lewdness formed a part of their rites is not certain. Another prohibition was, — not to " kill men to sacrifice to demons." Thus it appears that not more than 800 years ago human sacrifices were offered in China ; and report says that, even to the present day, the makers of porcelain purchase a child which they devote to be burnt in a new made furnace. At the period now referred to, witches and wizards were prohibited ; and dispensaries of medicine were established to relieve the sufferers from the noxious damp diseases, much spoken of in the history of that period. The Sung dynasty, at its commencement, appears to have studied much the welfare of Canton. It forbade expe- ditions against Cochin-China, reprobating the idea of distressing the people from a mere covetous desire of useless territory It caused the city of Canton to be walled in ; and when the Cochin-Chinese pillaged the western side of the province, they did not venture to lay siege to Canton. It was subsequently harassed by internal rebellions, and by attacks from contending dynasties. In the first Tartar conquest it suffered much ; and their historians dare not yet tell what it suffered in the con- quest made by the reigning family. Tradition says that two-thirds of the inhabitants perished. About 1397, " Ho-tsaug," " burning funeral rites" were prohibited; i. e. y burning the corpse instead of interring it. This is, however, the present practice of the Buddha priests in China. The same authority also forbade the use of the terms created by the preceding Tartar dynasty, viz., " Gods of the west, east, and north seas" — retaining only the " God of the southern sea." About A.D. 1500, the pirates of Canton joined with the Japanese pirates, and committed depredations on the coast ; and frequent insur- rections are recorded, some of which lasted for ten years at a time, which, together with banditti of robbers, must have greatly distressed the peaceable inhabitants. It was in these troublesome times, during the reign of Kea-tsing, who ascended the throne in 1520, that Europeans first visited China by sea. 156 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF Chinese annalists close by saying, that during the last years of the Ming dynasty, when anarchy generally prevailed, the sufferings of the people were inexpressible ; but the temporary blaze of an expiring flame naturally precedes its eternal extinction ; and the flame of discord blazed awhile, till the rising Tartar family that now reigns extinguished it for ever, and introduced a never-ending tranquillity ! GENERAL REMARKS GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF CHINA. The Chinese government is, nominally at least, patriarchal. The authority of a parent over his children is the type of the imperial rule. The Emperor claims to be the father of his subjects, exercising an influ- ence over the minds of his people in the promotion of virtue and the encouragement of talent. The Chinese have a saying — " A prince is like a vessel, the people like water ; the water is moulded by the shape of the vessel." As such, the Emperor exercises supreme, absolute, unchecked power over more than one-third of the human race. He has but to sign the decree, and any one of three hundred and fifty millions of human beings is instantly deprived of rank, possessions, liberty, or life itself This is a stupendous system, a phenomenon unmatched in the annals of time, and worthy to engage the profound attention of statesmen and philosophers. The subjects of the Macedonian were but as a handful compared with the teeming millions of Eastern Asia ; the Roman empire, when at its widest extent, numbered not more than one-third of the present population of China ; and the throne of the Caesars was, in the power it conferred upon its occupant, but as a child's elevation in com- parison with that on which the Tartar sits. Even the British empire, vast as it is, and extending into all regions of the globe, does not contain more than one hundred and eighty-one millions of souls. We can but glance at a few of the details of this system, and the causes which have given it stability. At the head of the system stands, of course, the Emperor. His titles are, the " Son of Heaven," and the " Ten Thousand Years." In an official document received by the Governor- General of Bengal from the general of the Chinese forces, the Emperor is styled, " The flower THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 157 OF THE IMPERIAL RACE, THE SUN OF THE FIRMAMENT OF HONOUR, THE RESPLENDENT GEM IN THE CROWN AND THRONE OF THE CHINESE Territories." Of this august personage it was said by a Tartar, over-powered by the glories of the Emperor (A. D. 1060), — "The sovereign of China is a manifestation of the sun in the Heavens." Ubiquity is considered as among his attributes ; temples are erected to him in every part of the empire : and he is worshipped as a god. Yet he sometimes styles himself "the imperfect man," and his ordinary dress is far from splendid. While the grand mandarins that compose his court, glitter in gold and diamonds, he appears in a plain and simple garb. Nevertheless, no means are omitted to keep up the prestige of his majesty. The outer gate of the imperial palace cannot be passed by any person whatsoever, in a carriage or on horseback. There is a road between Pekin and the Emperor's summer residence in Tartary, wide, smooth, level, and always cleanly swept, on which no one but himself is permitted to travel. At the palace, a paved walk leads to the principal hall of audience, which is never pressed but by imperial feet. Despatches from the Emperor are received in the provinces with prostrations and the burning of incense. Sir George Staunton records an instance of the august dread with which the Chinese regard their sovereign in the following anecdote; — "In the beginning of this journey," says he " one of the ambassador's guards died of a surfeit, as was supposed, of fruit. His death happened in one of the Emperor's palaces ; but such is the extraordinary delicacy of the people in everything relating to their dread sovereign, that it was contrary to rule to have allowed any person to breathe his last within the imperial precincts. The conductors, therefore, of the ambassador, directed the corpse of this European to be carried from thence in a sedan, as if still alive ; and his death was announced at some distance upon the road." The suc- cession is at the absolute disposal of the Emperor. Instances have occurred, though they are rare, in which persons not connected with the imperial family have been named. The immediate assistants of the Emperor are — I. The Nuy-ko. This is the great council of state. The chief councillors are four, two Tartars and two Chinese. Besides these there are several others of inferior rank, who, in conjunction with them, constitute the council. Almost all the members of the Nuy-ko are selected from the imperial college of the Hanlin. II. The Keun-ke-ta-chin. This is a body of privy councillors. III. The Luh-poo, or six boards for conducting the details of public business. They are, — 1 . The Board of Appointments, having cognizance of the con- duct of all civil officers. 158 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF 2. The Board of Revenue, whose duties extend to all fiscal matters. 3. The Board of Rites and Ceremonies, which keeps watch and ward over the public morals, and has controul over the fashions in China. 4. The Military Board, charged with the affairs of the army and navy. 5. The Supreme Court of Criminal Jurisdiction. 6. The Board of Public Works. IV. The Le-fan-yuen, or Office for Foreign Affairs. Its duties embrace all the external relations of the empire. The members of the Le-fan-yuen are always Mongol or Mwan-chow Tartars. V. The Too-cha-yuen. This is a body of censors, forty or fifty in number. They are sent into different parts of the empire as imperial inspectors, which means spies. By an ancient custom, they are at liberty to give any advice to their master without the hazard of losing their life ; but blunt honesty is not often relished by the great from any quarter, and unpalatable remonstrances have sometimes cost their authors the favour in which they had before basked. The provinces are governed each by a chief magistrate, entitled Foo- yuen, or two together are under the government of a Tsung-tuh, who has Foo-yuens under him. Canton and Kwang-se are subject to a Tsung- tuh, called by Europeans, the Viceroy of Canton. The governors of the provinces have, subordinate to them, an army of civil magistrates amounting to fourteen thousand. No individual is permitted to hold office in the province where he was born ; and public functionaries in- terchange places periodically, to prevent the formation of a too intimate connection with the people under their government. A quarterly publi- cation is made, by authority, of the name, birth-place, &c, of every official person in the empire ; and once in three years a report is sent up to the Board of Official Appointments, by the foo-yuen of each pro- vince, containing the names of all the officers in his government, and a full statement concerning their conduct and character, received from the immediate superiors of each. Every officer is held to a strict respon- sibility for the good behaviour and fidelity of all who are under him. Letters are held in higher esteem than arms, and the civil officers of course outrank the military. This may be set down to their credit, as it is certainly a mark of social advancement. No man in China inherits office, nor does hereditary rank enjoy much consideration or influence. This fact is placed in a strong light by the following anecdote, related by Sir George Staunton, secretary to Lord Macartney's embassy. Among the presents for the Emperor was a volume of portraits of the British nobility. That the inspection of THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 159 them might be more satisfactory to his majesty, a mandarin was em- ployed to mark, in Chinese characters, on the margin, the names and rank of the persons represented. When he came to the print of an English duke, from a portrait taken in childhood, and was told that the original was a Ta-jin, or " great man," of very high rank, he had so little conception of a child's being qualified, by hereditary right, to be possessed of such a dignity, that he gave a look of surprise, and laying down his pencil exclaimed, that he could not venture to describe him in that manner, for the Emperor knew very well how to distinguish a great man from a boy. The penal code of China is an interesting subject. If we go upon the principle of judging the tree by its fruits, and look at this code in connection with its results, we shall be compelled to allow that it is wisely framed and efficiently administered. It is lucidly arranged under six principal divisions, corresponding to the six boards above described. It is not needful to enumerate the several heads of chapters embraced in these divisions. The principal defects of the code, in the opinion of Mr. Davis, are — " 1. A constant meddling with those relative duties which had better be left to other sanctions than positive laws. "2. A minute attention to trifles, contrary to the European maxim, ' de minimis won curat lex.' " 3. An occasional indulgence in those vague generalities, by which the benefits of a written code are in a great measure annulled. "A prominent feature of the Chinese criminal law is the marked and unrelenting severity with which it punishes treason, not only in the person of the traitor, but in those of his unoffending offspring, even the suckling at the breast. The whole are cut off at one fell blow ! It is impossible to read the recital of some of these punishments, so abhor- rent to humanity and justice, without a sentiment of indignation as well as of sympathy." The most common instrument of punishment is the bamboo, the dimensions of which are exactly defined. The number of blows, attached gradatim with such precision to every individual offence, answers the purpose of a scale or measurement of the degrees of crime ; and this punishment being often commutable for fine or otherwise, the apparent quantity of flagellation is of coarse greater than the real. The next punishment is the " kea," or cangue, which has been called the wooden collar, being a species of walking pillory, in which the prisoner is paraded, with his offence inscribed. It is sometimes worn for a month together, and as the hand cannot be put to the mouth, the wearer must be fed by others. After this comes banishment to some place in China, and 100 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF then exile beyond the Chinese frontier, either for a term of years or for life. There are three kinds of capital punishment, — strangulation, decollation, and for treason, "ling che," "a disgraceful and lingering- death," styled by Europeans, cutting into ten thousand pieces. The punishment of this latter offence against the state is extended to the whole members of the traitor's family ; hence arises the phrase, — " To grub up the roots of trees," said in reference to, and in defence of, the custom of executing the whole of the family of the traitor, so that none are left. A debtor who does not discharge the claims of his creditors, after the expiration of a certain specified period, becomes liable to the bamboo. " A man may sell himself in China," says Sir George Staunton, " in certain cases, such as to discharge a debt to the crown, or to assist a father in distress, or if a father be dead to bury him in due form." If his conduct in servitude should be unimpeachable, he is entitled to his liberty at the end of twenty years. If otherwise, he continues a slave for life, as do his children, if he had included them in the original agreement. The Emperor's debtors, if fraudently such, are strangled ; if merely by misfortunes, their wives and children, and property of every kind, are sold ; and they are sent themselves to the new settlement in Tartary. The interests of the Emperor are always made the first object. No property can be secure against his claims. We will close this very brief notice of the Chinese criminal law, with the following testimony of an able writer in the " Edinburgh Review." He says : — " The most remarkable thing in this code is its great reasonableness, clearness, and consistency ; the business-like brevity and directness of the various provisions, and the plainness and moderation of the language in which they are expressed. It is a clear, concise, and distinct series of enactments, savouring throughout of practical judgment and European good sense. When we turn from the ravings of the Zendavesta, or the Puranas, to the tone of sense and of business of this Chinese code, we seem to be passing from darkness to light — from the drivellings of dotage, to the exercise of an improved understanding : and, redundant and minute as these laws are in many particulars, we scarcely know any European code that is at once so copious and so consistent, or that is nearly so free from intricacy, bigotry, and fiction." It is generally supposed that the Chinese claim to have authentic annals extending back to a date anterior to the period usually assigned to the creation of the world. This, however, is an erroneous supposi- tion. It is true that they have a fabulous history which pretends to relate events occurring we know not how many thousand ages ago ; THE CHINESE COLLECTION. KJ1 but intelligent Chinese scholars consider and admit this to be a pure invention. They claim, indeed, a high antiquity, and there can be no doubt that the claim is well founded. In speaking of their national institutions, they allude to their anti- quity, as of " ages numerous as the small particles of dust of which the world is made." It is probable, that Alexander might have spared his tears, and saved himself the perpetration of art egregious folly, had he known that, far beyond the Ganges, there lay an empire vaster and mightier than any with whose power he had grappled ; — an empire nourishing in the arts of civilised life, and destined to survive, in a green and vigorous old age, long after the last vestiges of his ill-gotten power had disap- peared from the earth. A full development of the causes which have given strength and stability to the Chinese empire, which have matured and perpetuated its institutions, would be an interesting and instructive labour. We cannot pretend to attempt it, but may, in passing, throw out a few hints upon the subject. There can be no doubt, that the sea and the mountain barriers by which China is surrounded, the unwarlike character of her neighbours, her almost total isolation from the rest of the world, her vigilant police, the eligibility of all classes to the trusts and dignities of office, and the rigid system of responsibility enforced upon her officers, have all had their share in the result. But these causes are insufficient to explain the phenomenon. The most powerful agent, beyond all question, is the education of her people. We speak here, not so much of the education received in schools, as of that which consists in an early, constant, vigorous, and efficient training of the disposition, manners, judgment, and habits, both of thought and conduct. This most efficient department of education is almost wholly overlooked and neglected by us ; but it seems to be well understood and faithfully attended to by the Chinese. With us, instruction is the chief part of education, with them training ; let the wise judge between the wisdom of the two methods. The sentiments held to be appropriate to man in society are imbibed with the milk of infancy, and iterated and reiterated through the whole subsequent life ; the manners considered becoming in adults are sedulously imparted in childhood ; the habits regarded as conducive to individual advancement, social happiness, national repose and prosperity, are cultivated with the utmost diligence ; and, in short, the whole chan- nel of thought and feeling for each generation is scooped out by that which preceded it, and the stream always fills but rarely overflows its embankments. The greatest pains are taken to acquaint the people with their personal and political duties, wherein they again set us an example worthy of imitation. " Our rights," is a phrase in everybody's mouth, L 1G2 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF s. but our duties engage but a comparatively small share of our thoughts Volumes are written on the former where pages are on the latter. The sixteen discourses of the Emperor Yun-Ching, on the sixteen sacred institutes of Kang-he, the most accomplished and virtuous of Chinese sovereigns, are read twice every moon to the whole empire. On the 1st and 15th of every moon, or the new and full moon, the principal officers of the province assemble in a hall, and listen to a preacher mounted on a table, who rehearses, memoriter, a section of the Shing-yu, first in Chinese, and next in the Tartar language for the benefit of the soldiers who attend. We subjoin the texts of these discourses as curious, and at the same time highly illustrative of Chinese character. " 1. Be strenuous in filial piety and fraternal respect, that you may thus duly perform the social duties. — 2. Be firmly attached to your kindred and parentage, that your union and concord may be conspicuous. — 3. Agree with your countrymen and neighbours, in order that dis- putes and litigation may be prevented. — 4. Attend to your farms and mulberry trees, that you may have sufficient food and clothing. — 5. Observe moderation and economy, that your property may not be wasted. — 6. Extend your schools of instruction, that learning may be duly cultivated. — 7. Reject all false doctrines, in order that you may duly honour true learning. — 8. Declare the laws and their penalties, for a warning to the foolish and ignorant. — 9. Let humility and propriety of behaviour be duly manifested, for the preservation of good habits and laudable customs. — 10. Attend each to your proper employments, that the people may be fixed in their purposes. — 11. Attend to the education of youth, in order to guard them from doing evil. — 12. Abstain from false accusing, that the good and honest may be in safety. — 13. Dissuade from the concealment of deserters, that others be not involved in their guilt. — 14. Duly pay your taxes and customs, to spare the necessity of enforcing them. — 15. Let the tithings and hundreds unite, for the sup- pression of thieves and robbers. — 16. Reconcile animosities, that your lives be not lightly hazarded." The discourses founded on these excellent maxims are clear, direct, and simple in their style, and are characterised by vigorous thought and practical sense. They might be adopted as a model for didactic com- positions. The imperial pen deals summarily and rather cavalierly with the ministers of the Buddhist and Taou sects. We offer a few specimens from the " Book of Sacred Instructions." The curious will find them interesting : — " This filial piety is a doctrine from heaven ; the consummation of earthly justice is the grand principle of action among mankind. The man who knows not piety to parents, can surely not have considered the affectionate hearts of parents towards their children. When still infants THE CHINESE COLLECTION. \6fi in arms, hungry, they could not feed themselves ; cold, they could not clothe themselves ; 'but they had then parents who watched the sounds of their voice, and studied the traits of their countenance ; who were joyful when they smiled ; afflicted when they wept ; who followed them, step by step, when they moved ; who, when they were sick or in pain, refused food and sleep on their account. Thus were they nursed and educated until they grew up to manhood." — " Formerly, in the family of Chang-kung-tze, nine generations lived together under the same roof. In the family of Chang-she of Kang-ehow seven hundred partook of the same daily repast. Thus ought all those who are of the same name to bear in remembrance their common ancestry and parentage." — " Economy should, therefore, be held in estimation. A store is like a stream of water, and moderation and economy are like the dams which confine it. If the course of the water is not stopped by the dam, the water will be constantly running out, and the channel at length will be dry. If the use of the store is not restricted by moderation and economy, it will be consumed without stint, and at length will be wholly exhausted." — " Wisdom should precede, and letters follow." — " He who pretends to profound learning, without re- garding first himself and his own duties, fame indeed he may acquire, but when he is examined he will be found to possess no solidity." — " These wandering and mendicant sectaries* are glad to disguise their views, because of the corruption of their practices. Their chief pursuit is to diffuse false auguries, and omens of good and bad fortune ; and they thus make a livelihood by the sale of their idle tales and vain predictions. At first they go no further than to delude the people out of their money, to enrich themselves, but, by degrees, they lead the people of both sexes to meet indecorously together ; f and burning- incense, they initiate them into their" sect. Husbandmen and artisans desert their respective callings, and flock after these vain and deceitful talkers." Such, then, is the spirit of the constitution, laws, and education of China. The conclusion of the whole matter, the grand results secured, are a stable throne, a country enjoying an extraordinary degree of internal quiet, a population mild, peaceful, obedient, cheerful, and industrious, and a perpetuity of national existence unequalled in the world's history. The population of China has been variously estimated. Lord Macartney states the number of inhabitants at 833,000, 000 ; Dr. .Morrison's son at 300,000,000. It is well known that the learned * The Taou and Buddhist priests. f In many temples may be seen a tablet, placed in a conspicuous situation, with the following injunction: — "Men and women pray separate." 164 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF doctor's own estimate was only 150,000,000, but he stated to Mr. Dunn, two years before his death, that be was then convinced that the highest number ever given did not exceed the true one. Wherever the truth may lie, it is certain that every part of the empire teems with life. The whole policy of the government, and all the- tendencies of the empire that can at all bear upon the matter, are in favour of mul- tiplication. Children are obliged to provide for the old age of their parents ; and the want of offspring, to pay the customary honours at the family tombs and in the " Hall of Ancestors," is considered the most grievous of calamities. These considerations are vigorous stimulants to marriage, and, coming in aid of the natural instincts of the race, leave fewer bachelors and maids in China than in any other country on the globe. The owners of slaves, who do not procure husbands for their females, are liable to prosecution. Three generations, and more, often live under the same roof, and eat at the same board ; a system of clubbing which, by diminishing the expense of living, tends strongly to an increase of population. Again, the laws of the empire, and all the prejudices and sentiments of the people, are against emigration, which prevents that drainage by means of which other civilised and trading nations are relieved of their surplus inhabitants. The government of so extensive an empire, swarming with its hun- dreds of millions, must be an expensive affair. Du Halde, apparently however without the means of exact accuracy, sets down the total expenses of the imperial government in the round sum of 200,000,000 taels, or considerably over £50,000,000, of which only 10,000,000 reach Pekin, the balance being expended in the provinces. The sources whence these monies come, are, a land tax, for which the landowners, not the tenants, are responsible ; a tax on salt, which is a government monopoly; certain revenues derived from tea and alum, which are also monopolies to a limited extent; taxes on the transit of goods within the empire ; and customs on imports and exports. The government at this moment appears to be hard pressed for means ; and the difficulty of fixing upon modes of increasing the revenue, is a pretty clear indication that there are practical checks to the exercise of imperial authority which it is not thought prudent to disregard. In whatever else a difference of opinion may exist respecting the Chinese, all must agree that they are an original people. Their marked peculiarities in manners and customs, the frame-work and administration of their government, the idiosyncrasy of their education and educational institutions, and their modes and implements of agricultural and mecha- nical labour,— all proclaim their originality beyond doubt or cavil. Whoever attentively examines this collection of Chinese curiosities, which this volume but briefly describes, will need no further proof of the THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 105 ingenuity of the Chinese in arts and manufactures. In several branches of labour, both agricultural and mechanical, which evidently originated with themselves, they have never been surpassed ; and in some, they are unequalled by any other people. Without any claims to be considered a scientific nation, the various contrivances by which they economise labour, and force nature to become their handmaid, are many of them equally simple, ingenious, and efficient. The three inventions and discoveries which, in their results, have (previously to the invention of steam) contributed more powerfully than all other causes combined to give to modern society its peculiar form and fashioning, and which are destined instrumentally to carry forward, in connection with steam-power, to its utmost limit of perfection, the civilisation of the human race, first started into being in the Celestial Empire ; and, whatever mortification the statement may indict upon our vanity, there is much reason to suppose that those who, throughout Christendom, are generally considered as the inventors of the art of printing, the composition of gunpowder, and the magnetic needle and mariner's compass, received their first promptings, and had their genius quickened into activity, by information flowing through different chan- nels from the sjDrings of Eastern Asia. FOREIGN INTERCOURSE WITH CHINA. The ancients may be said to have had no knowledge of China ; for, though a few scattered gleams appear to have reached them from that remote region, and one or two feeble efforts were made to obtain infor- mation concerning its inhabitants, they were not sufficient to produce any practical results. Yet, when Rome was still an infant, and the Grecian philosophy among the things to be, China had produced a sage, second only, in the long catalogue of heathen philosophers, to the illustrious and pure-minded Socrates. Some Nestorians appear to have introduced Christianity into China, in the year 635, but the world is indebted to them for no account of the country, either in its physical or moral aspect. Two Arabians, in the ninth century, visited and described it with considerable fullness. Much contained in their itineraries is applicable to the Chinese of the present day. Commercial relations of some importance existed then, and subse- quently, between China and Arabia. The Chinese appear to have sought, in those early ages, commercial liaisons with several of the neigh- bouring nations. Carpini, the first Catholic missionary to China, was 1(J6 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF sent thither in 1246. He was kindly received, and sent back with a friendly letter. Another missionary was sent in 1253, who met with a like reception. About the same time the two Polos, Nicholas and Matthew, reached the court of the Mongol conqueror, Coblai-Khan, by whom they were most graciously received, and, at their departure, invited to return. They accordingly, in 1274, went back, taking young Marco with them. This young man became a great favourite with the Khan, and resided at his court seventeen years. He was the first European who gave the world an account of China. His book was long consi- dered little more than a pleasant romance, but has since been proved to be remarkably faithful and accurate. Its glowing pictures kindled the imagination of the young Columbus, and fed for years his soaring hopes. The next Catholic missionary to China was Corvino. He went to Pekin, was kindly received by the Emperor, built a church by imperial permission, and baptised several thousand converts. The missions con- tinued to flourish, and the missionaries were unmolested in their labours, till they began to meddle with the government, and thus became poli- tically obnoxious. The Portuguese were the first Europeans who traded to China. They made their appearance there early in the sixteenth century ; and were followed by the Spaniards, Dutch, French, &c. The Russians have an overland commerce with China, but are not allowed to use ships. Their dealings are restricted to the frontier station at Kiackta, in Tartary. The earliest attempt made by the English to establish a trade with China, was under Elizabeth, in 1596. The three ships, fitted out for this purpose, were all wrecked on their outward voyage. About forty years later, a somewhat more successful effort was made by a fleet under the command of Captain WeddeL; but the main object was defeated through the jealousy and misrepresentations of the " Por- tingals." Numerous attempts followed, with various success; but it was not until the beginning of the last century that permission was obtained for establishing a factory, and the trade fixed upon a permanent basis. The first American vessel that went on a trading voyage to China, sailed from New York, in 1784; but so rapidly did the trade thus opened increase, that in 1789, there were fifteen American vessels at Canton ; a larger number than from any other country, except Great Britain. During twenty-eight years, between 1805 and 1833 inclusive, the whole number of arrivals of American vessels at the port of Can- ton, was 896, giving an annual average of 32. The total estimated measurement tonnage of these vessels was 500,000, averaging, there- fore, 17,857 per annum. The entire value of the China trade, during THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 1(37 the above-mentioned period, may be stated, in round numbers, at 150,000,000 dollars, or over £5,250,000 sterling yearly, rather more than £1,000,000 of this sum have been paid in dollars and bills of exchange. The bulk of the trade is in teas. Of these, twelve kinds are known to the foreign commerce, six of black, and as many of green. A great variety of other articles enter into the trade, but they form a comparatively unimportant part of it. Opium is the chief import into China. Mr. Bridgman, in his " Description of Canton," estimates the whole number of vessels employed in the China trade, belonging to all the different nations, at 140, " But the trade," he adds, " has always been carried on under circumstances peculiar to itself. It is secured by no commercial treaties ; it is regulated by no stipulated rules. Mandates and edicts not a few there are on record ; but they all emanate from one party : still the trade lives, and, by that imperial favour which extends to the ' four seas,' flourishes and enjoys no small degree of protection." The foreign commerce with China, the land trade carried on by the Russians alone excepted, is restricted to the five ports already alluded to, of which Canton forms the principal, and is conducted, so far as the Chinese themselves are concerned, by a body of licensed traders, called " Hong merchants." This body is called the Co-hong, and its mem- bers pay roundly for the privilege of entering it. It is not a joint stock company ; each Hong enjoys his individual gains, yet the whole Co-hong is made responsible for the debts of every member, so far as they consist of government dues and obligations to foreigners. These merchants generally amass large fortunes, and live like princes. Howqua, the pre- sent head of the Co-hong, is supposed to be one of the richest commoners in the world. His annual expenses exceed £100,000. The factories at Canton, as the warehouse and residences of the foreign merchants are called, are built on a plot of ground, in part reclaimed from the river, having not more than 660 feet of frontage, with about 1000 feet of depth. Within these narrow limits is conducted the whole foreign trade of the Celestial Empire, amounting to from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 dollars annually. The factories are all of granite or brick, and present a handsome and substantial front. The ground on which they stand, as also most of the buildings themselves, are owned by the Hong merchants. The Chinese have been, repeatedly, denounced in terms savouring little of Christian forbearance and charity. In their business transac- tions, they have been presented to our imagination as a nation of cheats ; in their bearing towards foreigners, as scornful and repulsive to the last degree of supercilious self-complacency ; and in their own social rela- tions, as bereft of every noble sentiment and generous sympathy. The 1G8 DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF policy, heretofore of excluding foreign traders from all but a single port of the empire, has been made the subject of the most acrimonious denunciations. Far be it from us to enter the lists in defence of this policy ; nor will we take up the proferred gauntlet on the general question of Chinese respectability and worth. But truth and justice are suitors at the bar, and demand a few words in explanation of one or two points, which seem not to be generally understood. We have already seen that this people, at an early day, sought commercial con- nections with various of the neighbouring nations ; that the Arabians traded freely with them wherever they pleased ; that the earliest Euro- pean visiters were received with marked kindness, and treated with extraordinary hospitality ; and that the Catholic missionaries had free admission to all parts, and made and baptised converts without let or hindrance. These zealous and able sectaries were frequently promoted to the highest dignities of the empire. They founded churches at their will ; and hundreds of thousands of Chinese were, nominally at least, through their exertions, converted to the Christian faith. They con- tinued in favour till they indiscreetly began to tamper with government affairs, and attempted to undermine the ancient institutions of the realm. No restrictions of place were imposed upon those western merchants who first frequented the shores of China. Every port was open to then- enterprise, and they were not required to confine their dealings to any defined spot, or particular class of merchants. But the burning- jealousies and fierce wranglings perpetually kept up between the sub- jects of the different European governments that sought to share in the rich gains of the China trade, roused the suspicions of the Chinese, and inspired no very favourable opinion of their character. The abominable arts to which the foreigners in former times, under the temptations of a base cupidity, resorted to injure each other, would seem almost to justify the epithet " Fan-kweis," or " foreign demons," applied to them by the natives. These circumstances, together with various positive abuses of the liberties of trade at first freely granted, caused the government to commence at length the work of abridging the privileges of foreigners, and the result appears in the rigid system of restrictions lately enforced. If European and American traders may fairly blame the illiberality of the Chinese, these have certainly just ground of complaint against them in the illegal practices to which their cupidity tempts them. Fifteen to twenty millions worth of opium has been for years, in defiance of the laws and known wishes of the government, annually emptied upon the shores of China by Christian merchants! Alas for missionary effort, so long as the grasping avarice of the countries whence the missionaries come, sets at naught every Christian obligation before the very eyes of the people whom it is sought to con- THE CHINESE COLLECTION. 1G[) vert ! Most devoutly do we long for the auspicious day, when the pure religion of Jesus shall shed its sacred influences on every human being; but we believe it will not come till the principles of that religion shall take a firmer hold upon the affections of those who profess to enjoy it, and rear a mightier embankment around their sordid and stormy pas- sions. When the missionary shall find an auxiliary in the stainless life of every compatriot who visits the scene of his labours, for purposes of pleasure or of gain, — when he can point not only to the pure maxims and sublime doctrines proclaimed by the Founder of his faith, but to the clustering graces that adorn its professors, — then indeed will the day dawn, and the day-star of the millennium arise upon the world ! London : Yizetellt Brothers and Co., Printers and Engravers, Peterborough Court, 135 Fleet Street. JUST PUBLISHED, SECOND EDITION, !n One Volume, Royal 8vo, 288 Pages, Illustrated with 28 Woodcuts. Handsomely bound in Cloth, Gilt and Lettered. TEN THOUSAND THINCS RELATING TO CHINA AND THE CHINESE; AN EPITOME OF THE GENIUS, GOVERNMENT, HISTORY, LITERATURE, AGRICULTURE, ARTS, TRADE, MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND SOCIAL LIFE OP THE PEOPLE OP THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE: TOGETHER WITH A SYNOPSIS Ot THE CHINESE COLLECTION. By WILLIAM B. LANGDON, Esq,., Curator op the Chinese Collection. To be had only at the Collection, Hyde Park Corner. Literary Gazette. " It contains a mass of curious general information respecting China and the Chinese, partly from original observations in that country, and partly from the best authors who have written upon it. 'Ten Thousand Things' about the Celestial Empire is exactly what we are gaping for at this moment; and anybody who pops even five hundred into our mouths must be welcomed with a ready palate and good appetite. Readers will find much pleasant and nourishing food to digest in Mr. Langdon's volume, which shews a number of matters touching the oldest world." Morning Herald. " It will not supersede the necessity of a visit to that agreeable place of amusement and instruction, but it will prepare those who peruse it for the pleasure which is in store for them, and give them that information which is absolutely necessary before so vast a collection is examined." Chambers' Journal. "The style of this work is perspicuous and correct. The main facts which are set forth have all the advantages of lucid arrangement, and the minute details have all the interest which can be imparted to them by the nice discrimination of an intelligent writer." Naval and Military Gazette. " In giving this volume our warmest recommendation, we cannot use better or truer words than those of the writer, in his advertisement: — ' The object desired in the present publication, is to present to the reader, and the visiter of the Collection, the greatest amount of knowledge in the smallest possible space.' " Court Gazette. " We recommend it as a useful and requisite vade mccum, to the numerous, and distinguished, and fashionable visiters of the Collection, as well as a valuable accession to the library of the antiquarian and scientific virtuoso." United Service Gazette. " Those who would he instructed as well as delighted, having first perused with attention the volume before us, should make it the companion of their visit. Whether, however, he is enabled to visit the realities or not, Mr. Langdon's description of them, illustrated as it is by a great number of wood engravings, will be found, per se, to contain an infinite fund of amusement and instruction." Evangelical Magazine. " As a guide to the Collection, it is invaluable ; but as a sketch of Chinese life and manners, it may be read with interest and advantage by any one at his own fireside. We cannot but regard the volume before us as a most seasonable publication." Bath Journal. " It is with great reluctance that we are obliged to contract the space originally designed to dedicate l" Mr. Langdon's work; we must content ourselves by saying, that it is one of the most interesting on the subject of China, that ever came under our notice; we cordially recommend it to all classes of our readers. As a book of reference on Chinese matters iu general, we pronounce it, henceforward, a standard work." Now Monthly Belle Asscmblcc. " Great praise is due to the author for the research he has displayed in the volume before us, and we do not hesitate to say that 'Ten Thousand Things relating to China and the Chinese,' will become a standard work, worthy to be placed in the library of the man of science, the studio of the artist, and the boudoir of the woman of taste." Observer. "It. contains a variety of original information of the most interesting nature, and will, no doubt, meet with that appreciation it is deservedly entitled to." Blanet. " It is, unquestionably, one of the most elaborate and erudite works on China and the Chinese that I i ever been published ; and not only the general render, but those to whom China is now becoming ,1 country of permanent importance, will find so much to interest and amuse, that we feel the work must find its way amongst every class of readers." British Queen. "This work is well timed, and must meet with a hearty welcome from all classes of readers. China is now regarded with peculiar interest, and a book which gives us so comprehensive an account of her people as this, coming from such a quarter, should be most extensively encouraged." Law Intelligencer. " The book under notice contains a history of the religion, the manners, the customs, and the arts of the people ; together with much valuable and interesting information ; and to those who have not an opportunity of visiting China, as displayed in the Chinese Collection, will give a very accurate notion of its contents." Conservative Journal. "Altogether, the work is calculated to give a more satisfactory and correct idea of the Celestial Empire than could possibly be obtained from books of travels or history." Bell's New Weekly Messenger. " It is, however, to the literary portion of the work we have to look,, and this we cannot praise too highly, as it furnishes us with a better insight into the manners and customs of the Chinese than any work that has been published of late." Kent Guardian. " It is full of authentic information on all matters involved in the political, social, and domestic economies of the Cninese. With this volume in his hand, the visiter to the Collection is at once transported into the Chinese world ; and sitting afterwards at his fireside, he is enabled, by the associ- ations called up by this unassuming production, and by the condensed and lucid mass of information it conveys, to obtain a fuller and more distinct insight into the realities of China and the Chinese than can otherwise be accomplished, save by a voyage to the Yellow Sea." Illustrated Polytechnic Review. "The book before us contains an account of a Collection, which, more than any work, no matter how eloquently or lucidly written — than any series of drawings, be they never so spirited and graphic, makes the European feel the distinctness from himself of the singular people of whom we are now speaking. Next, however, to that Collection itself, and more successfully than any book that has been previonusly written, does it conjure up vivid notions of what the Chinese must be." &c. Athenaeum. "Although this volume is more particularly designed for visiters to the Chinese Collection, the work contains much that will interest the general reader; and it would not be easy to find more information respecting China condensed into a smaller space, or presented in a more pleasing form." Watchman. "Apart from the Collection — although much more in connection with it — it is a work that will amply repay, both in amusement and instruction, any attention which the reader may bestow upon it." Bell's Weekly Messenger. "We can recommend this work to our' readers ; it goes through the detail of domestic life and manners in China, and is one of the most complete accounts published in the present day." The Age. "This is a very interesting and entertaining work. It is a book that at all times must afford gratification to the reader, and as such we recommend it to the public in general." Atlas. " The work is peculiarly elegant, whilst its contents are ample, amusing, and instructive. The opening of China is one of the most important events of modern times, and everything which throws light on its history, customs, and institutions, is necessarily invested with intense interest." City Chronicle. " Of all the works we have had on China, we never rose from their perusal with more feelings of gratification and delight, than the one claiming our particular attention." Argus. " It is the best and most amusing Catalogue raisonnee that has ever fallen under our observation, and the more attractive as, at this time, every anecdote or illustration of China and its inhabitants, singular as they are, is sure to find eager and general perusal. Everybody should see the Collection and buy the book; the former as a day's amusement, the latter as a work of constant reference and information." Britannia. " The volume enters fully into detail, and, besides being a complete guide to the Chinese Collection, is, perhaps, as good a book as can be purchased for/urnishing a familiar and descriptive account of the Celestial Empire and its inhabitants." Morning Advertiser. " This elegant and beautifully illustrated volume may be regarded as a book of great interest on China and its inhabitants, that is fitted in every way to adorn the drawing-room table, and to take a high rank in the library, among the works that have been written concerning the Celestials, and their gigantic empire. The book has many great and very powerful claims." Dispatch. " The work treats upon the history of China, her resources, her agriculture, her manufactures, and arts, with an earnestness and fidelity that must stamp the author's labours with no ordinary appro- bation. Such a book was much wanted, and we apprehend the higher orders, appreciating its merits, will award their patronage to it. University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. | & OCT 3 2000 \JUN12 2QQ0 «W 1 Series 9482 REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 000 233 845 7 ?•!?&•# ' Universi South Libr