INDEX TO THE NOTES.
Herbert Allen Giles translation
VOL. PAGE NOTE
Abstinence from Wine and Meat i. 23 52
Actors i. 218 188
Adoption „ „ i. 386 310
ii. 156 492
ii. 272 611
Adulteration ii. 332 675
Age of graduates i. 345 274
Age to marry i. 113 112
Alchemy „ i. 65 83
ii. 313 654
Alms’-bowl „ i. 246 211
i. 395 320
Amusements, Literary i. 215 186
Anatomy, Chinese ii. 253 590
“Angels” of Taoism i. 17 48
Arbiter of Life and Death i. 226 194
Archery i. 91 92
Aristocracy, The i. 186 156
Auspicious Sites i. 336 268
Bad Sons „ „ „ „ i. 147 131
ii. 212 545
ii. 281 622
Bambooing i. 55 76
Banquets, Theatrical Entertainments during ii. 54 396
Beadles ii. 17 373
Beauty, Chinese ii. 123 449
Beggars i. 246 212
Betrothals „ „ i. 108 108
i. 193 165
i. 227 195
Bikshu i. 395 320
Blowing into meat ii. 306 647
Blue China Epoch ii. 303 645
Bôdhisatva i. 208 182
Bridal procession i. 338 269
Bridegroom living in bride’s family i. 193 163
Brotherly deference „ dependence i. 314 247
i. 318 250
Brothers having separate establishments ii. 322 669
Brown deer of Formosa i. 399 329
Buddha, Repeating the name of i. 367 293
“Bull’s hide” trick, The ii. 180 518
Burials i. 197 171
Burying stray bones, &c. ii. 147 485
Caligraphy ii. 174 512
Capping verses „ „ i. 332 262
ii. 57 399
Cash „ i. 6 42
ii. 171 503
Cat and dog Restaurant ii. 308 649
Catalepsy „ i. 4 40
ii. 73 410
Celibacy i. 23 52
Censorate, The i. 229 197
Chai-mui i. 333 265
Chamber of Horrors i. 93 94
Change of residence i. 321 251
Charitable gifts i. 137 129
Chess, Chinese i. 46 66
Chou, General ii. 221 557
Chowry ii. 71 407
Clay-image makers ii. 276 616
Clepsydra i. 49 70
“Climbing trees to catch fish” ii. 305 646
Coffins „ „ deposited in Temples „ for poor people „ Sleeping in i. 102 104
i. 197 172
i. 237 203
ii. 316 658
ii. 354 691
Concubines i. 395 321
Confucius, Descendants of i. 33 61
Conservatism i. 427 348
Contemplation, Priestly ii. 71 406
Coroners ii. 196 530
Counting cattle, Method of ii. 255 594
Cow-herd and the Lady i. 27 55
Cricket-fighting i. 75 85
Crows, Feeding the i. 279 229
Cumquats ii. 301 644
Cycle, The Chinese i. 180 152
Cynthia, The Chinese i. 171 147
Damon and Pythias i. 166 143
Death „ Fear of i. 150 134
i. 101 103
Death-summons, The i. 150 134
Decapitation ii. 78 414
Degrees, The three i. 1 37
Devils, Good and bad ii. 201 534
Dice ii. 145 480
Divorce i. 360 288
Doctors ii. 293 634
Dogs, Chinese ii. 309 651
Dolphin, Fresh-water ii. 43 386
Double-entendres ii. 176 515
Dragon-boat festival ii. 168 497
Dragons „ ii. 112 439
ii. 349 686
Dreams ii. 250 586
Dwarfs i. 224 193
Drunkenness „ „ i. 30 59
i. 365 292
ii. 30 378
Eating ii. 111 438
Education „ i. 297 237
ii. 322 668
Elixir of Immortality „ „ i. 19 49
ii. 168 498
Examinations, Competitive „ „ „ „ i. 195 168
ii. 64 403
ii. 91 426
Eye, Pupils of the i. 8 43
Fa Hsien’s journey ii. 232 567
Fabulous Lion ii. 343 682
Facing the South ii. 103 431
Falconry i. 22 51
Fan, An Autumn i. 361 289
Fantan i. 421 343
Fatalism i. 340 270
Feet of betrothed tied together i. 431 354
Fêng-Shui ii. 322 667
Feudal Governor ii. 287 628
“Fiancé,” Death of a i. 99 101
Figure-head ii. 54 395
Fire-wells ii. 238 575
Flageolets i. 28 58
Folk-lore in the North and South ii. 329 674
Fondness for children i. 401 332
Foot-binding i. 192 161
Fortune-tellers i. 47 68
Foundries, Iron ii. 216 549
Four Books, The i. 297 237
Four Seas, The ii. 116 444
Fox influence i. 32 60
Foxes, Soothsayers possessed by ii. 358 694
Gambling i. 421 343
Ganges, The ii. 28 377
Gates of a city shut at night ii. 262 598
Geese i. 255 217
“Gentleman,” The Chinese i. 168 145
Geomancy i. 227 195
Gioros i. 66 84
Girdles, The pearl i. 283 230
Glass „ i. 249 214
ii. 233 571
Go-betweens „ i. 187 157
ii. 154 490
God of War, The i. 2 39
“Golden lilies” i. 188 159
“Golden Orchid” Societies i. 196 170
Gongs ii. 105 433
Good fortune, Absorbing only a certain quantity of i. 342 271
Graduates by purchase i. 202 177
Graduates, Senior i. 199 175
Grave, The i. 240 207
Great beam, Fixing the ii. 267 602
Greed ii. 74 411
Han dynasty i. 258 219
Han-lin, The Chinese National Academy i. 195 169
Homicide i. 353 285
Honesty in olden times ii. 250 587
“Hsi-yüan-lu,” The i. 98 100
“Hu,” The name i. 89 90
Hué i. 397 325
Human life, Value of ii. 338 678
Hungry devils ii. 270 607
Immortality i. 157 139
Immortals, Record of the ii. 88 423
Imperial mandates ii. 240 578
Impressment i. 220 190
Infernal Regions „ „ ii. 95 427
ii. 354 690
Inheritance, Law of ii. 345 683
Initiation of a Priest ii. 69 405
Inner apartments „ „ „ „ i. 53 74
i. 252 215
ii. 46 388
Jelly-fish ii. 332 676
Judas tree ii. 151 488
Judges ii. 96 429
Jugglers ii. 189 527
Khakkharam, The i. 395 320
Kangs ii. 133 469
Keeping secret professional knowledge ii. 255 593
Kidnapping i. 183 154
Kite-flying Festival ii. 268 605
Knife Hill, The ii. 205 539
Kot‘ow, The i. 388 314
K‘u-ts‘an ii. 255 592
Kuan-yin i. 241 208
Lanterns, Feast of i. 99 102
Li T‘ai-poh ii. 144 476
Lictors ii. 205 537
Lighting the Eyes ii. 224 558
Lingering death, The i. 396 322
Literary chancellor ii. 284 626
Literati, The ii. 36 384
Literature, God of ii. 320 662
Liu Ch‘üan and the melon ii. 351 689
Living Lictors of Purgatory, The i. 207 180
Loans ii. 171 501
Locusts ii. 242 579
Lohans ii. 321 666
Long Robes ii. 273 612
Lots, Drawing ii. 73 409
Love-matches i. 115 113
Lucifer Matches ii. 120 447
Lunatics ii. 30 378
Lü Tung-pin ii. 296 639
Magic Sword i. 62 80
Mandarin Dialect i. 398 327
Manslaughter i. 222 192
Marriage Ceremonies „ „ „ „ „ „ i. 10 45
i. 181 153
i. 227 195
i. 228 196
Marriages „ i. 108 109
i. 193 165
Marrying a second time i. 112 110
Mars, The Chinese i. 2 39
Medical testimonials ii. 292 633
Memorial tablet, Inking ii. 224 558
Mercy, The Goddess of i. 241 208
Messengers of good tidings ii. 252 589
Milky way, The i. 152 135
Miracles i. 396 323
“Mirror and Listen” trick ii. 251 588
Misappropriation of funds ii. 224 559
Moon, The Goddess of the „ The Lady of the i. 19 49
i. 19 49
Mothers-in-law i. 315 249
Mourning for a father i. 199 174
Mules ii. 242 580
Murders i. 230 198
Names, Family „ Personal i. 92 93
ii. 132 466
Night, Divisions of the i. 215 187
Nine grades of official life i. 388 313
Nunneries i. 262 221
Oath of confederation ii. 146 482
Oblivion, Potion of ii. 207 544
Official corruption „ responsibility ii. 79 415
i. 232 199
Officials i. 237 202
Old age ii. 31 379
Olive, the sign of peace i. 324 256
Paper men „ money „ „ i. 49 71
i. 391 317
ii. 172 505
Pao Shu i. 166 143
Patra, The „ „ i. 395 320
i. 246 211
Pawn-shops i. 198 173
Persia ii. 25 376
Phœnix Tower ii. 270 608
Physiognomy, Professors of ii. 290 630
Planchette ii. 295 638
Playing wei-ch‘i for money ii. 271 609
Poetical proficiency i. 33 62
Police system i. 221 191
Politeness ii. 203 536
Poor scholars i. 160 142
Pope of the Taoists i. 118 114
Porterage ii. 181 519
Posthumous Honours i. 305 241
Praying for good or bad weather ii. 294 637
Praying-mat ii. 183 521
Precedence at table i. 332 261
Predestination „ i. 48 69
i. 156 138
Primogeniture i. 203 179
Prisoners in China „ „ „ „ i. 372 299
ii. 96 428
ii. 261 597
P‘u-hsien, God of Action ii. 232 569
Pulse, The i. 39 64
Punishments i. 381 306
Pupils taken by priests ii. 119 446
Purgatory, Capital of ii. 238 575
Quail-fighting i. 75 85
Quail’s Tail, A i. 209 183
Rebel, The first ii. 52 392
Red-garment figure, The i. 19 50
Red-haired barbarians ii. 179 517
Relationship, Test of ii. 278 619
Religion and the drama i. 345 277
Resemblance between soul and body ii. 280 620
Retinues of mandarins „ „ „ „ i. 389 315
ii. 174 510
ii. 175 513
Returning invitations ii. 227 561
i. 62 81
Reward of filial piety i. 351 283
Rising when spoken to ii. 280 621
Roc, The ii. 341 680
Rosary, The Buddhist i. 369 295
Royal Mother, The ii. 187 525
Rulers of animal and vegetable kingdoms i. 292 235
Running water ii. 110 437
Sacred edict, The i. 203 179
Sale of children „ degrees i. 183 154
ii. 170 499
Salt monopoly ii. 215 547
“Same-year men” i. 136 128
Saving life „ „ ii. 200 533
ii. 214 546
Scribbling and carving names ii. 123 451
Sea-serpent, The ii. 113 441
Secret societies i. 196 170
Sections of Purgatory, The nine ii. 205 538
Senses, The five i. 259 220
Separation of sexes ii. 167 496
Shaking hands „ „ i. 287 233
ii. 151 489
Sham entertainment i. 323 254
Shampooing ii. 53 393
“Shang-yang” brings rain ii. 131 464
“Shoes” of silver i. 148 133
Short weights ii. 325 670
Shun, The Emperor i. 37 63
Shun Chih, The Emperor ii. 184 522
Sickness i. 107 107
Six Boards, The i. 26 54
Slave-girls’ feet i. 430 353
Slavery i. 211 185
Small feet „ „ „ waists i. 76 86
i. 192 161
ii. 47 390
Sons i. 64 82
Spirit calling „ entering another’s body i. 189 160
ii. 24 375
Spirits, Disembodied „ „ „ „ „ „ i. 79 87
i. 119 115
i. 123 119
i. 157 139
Spiritualistic séances ii. 133 467
Sponge, A i. 248 213
Spring festival ii. 186 524
Squeezes i. 219 189
Staff of Buddhist priests, The i. 395 320
Stealing, Pardonable ii. 217 551
Strong rooms ii. 172 504
Styx, The ii. 216 548
Subscriptions ii. 220 556
Substantiality of ghosts „ „ i. 239 205
ii. 236 574
Substitution theory i. 334 267
Suicide „ Meritorious i. 311 244
ii. 142 475
Superior man, The i. 168 145
Supernatural government i. 292 235
Supreme Ruler, The i. 242 209
Surnames, Common i. 210 184
Sutra, The Diamond i. 238 204
Tails of horses not cut ii. 286 627
Taking life i. 79 88
Talking when born i. 243 210
Tao i. 14 46
Taot‘ai ii. 229 562
Tartar general ii. 128 461
Temples, Repairs to ii. 127 460
Theatricals i. 218 188
Threshing-floors ii. 236 573
Thunder, God of „ „ i. 43 65
ii. 112 440
Ting P‘u-lang ii. 109 435
Titles of Nobility i. 305 241
Torture „ Supply of instruments of ii. 81 417
ii. 238 576
Tree worship ii. 72 408
Trousseau, Bride’s i. 256 218
Tung-t‘ing Lake i. 271 226
Types of friendship i. 166 143
Tzŭ-ang, a Chinese Landseer ii. 287 629
Ulysses, A Chinese i. 91 91
Ushnisha, The ii. 320 665
Valuables in coffins i. 311 245
Verdict i. 56 78
Visiting the tutor ii. 126 458
Vital spots on the body ii. 356 693
Wang Wei, The poet ii. 149 487
Washing-blocks ii. 315 656
Watchmen i. 51 72
Wedding-presents i. 28 57
Wei-ch‘i ii. 268 604
Wên-shu, the God of Wisdom ii. 232 569
White Lily sect ii. 189 526
Widowers ii. 183 520
Widows ii. 39 385
Windows i. 61 79
Wine-cup upside down, Turning the i. 264 224
Wine taken hot ii. 144 477
Witnesses in a court of justice ii. 156 491
Women ride astride i. 354 286
Wooden fish, The ii. 195 529
Works of supererogation i. 426 346
Worldly-mindedness ii. 312 653
Wu Wang i. 278 228
Yamên i. 2 38
Yang Ta-hung ii. 310 652
Yang-tsze, The ii. 176 514
Years, Names of i. 113 111
Yellow girdles i. 66 84
Yin and the yang, The i. 176 150
Yojana, A i. 394 319
Yü-chiao-li, The ii. 164 495
BY THE SAME AUTHOR:—
CHINESE SKETCHES. Demy 8vo. pp. 204.
CHINESE WITHOUT A TEACHER. Being a Collection of Easy and Useful Sentences in the Mandarin Dialect, with a Vocabulary. Post 8vo. pp. 60, paper cover.
DICTIONARY OF COLLOQUIAL IDIOMS. In the Mandarin Dialect. Demy 4to, half bound.
FROM SWATOW TO CANTON OVERLAND. Demy 8vo. pp. 76, paper cover.
A GLOSSARY OF REFERENCE, on subjects connected with the Far East. Demy 8vo. pp. 184, paper cover.
HAND-BOOK OF THE SWATOW DIALECT. With a Vocabulary. Demy 8vo. pp. 60, paper cover.
RECORD OF THE BUDDHISTIC KINGDOMS. Translated from the Chinese. Demy 8vo. pp. 130, paper cover.
SYNOPTICAL STUDIES IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE. Demy 8vo. pp. 118, half bound.
THE SAN TZU CHING; or, Three Character Classic and the Ch‘ien Tzŭ Wên or 1,000 Character Essay Metrically translated. Post 8vo. pp. 28, paper cover.
A SHORT HISTORY OF KOOLANGSU. Demy 8vo. pp. 38, paper cover.
Notes in this chapter
Note 2 · That is, he had taken the first or bachelor’s degree. I shall not hesitate to use strictly English equivalents for all kinds of Chinese termNote 3 · The official residence of a mandarin above a certain rank. return to textNote 4 · The Chinese Mars. A celebrated warrior, named Kuan Yü, who lived about the beginning of the third century of our era. He was raised after deNote 5 · Catalepsy, which is the explanation of many a story in this collection, would appear to be of very common occurrence amongst the Chinese. SuNote 2 · The common European name for the only Chinese coin, about twenty of which go to a penny. Each has a square hole in the middle, for the conveNote 3 · The belief that the human eye contains a tiny being of the human shape is universal in China. It originated, of course, from the reflection Note 2 · The all-important item of a Chinese marriage ceremony; amounting, in fact, to calling God to witness the contract. return to footnote anchorNote 1 · That is, of the religion of Tao, or, as it is sometimes called, Rationalism. It was founded some six centuries before the Christian era by aNote 1 · The “angels” of Taoism—immortality in a happy land being the reward held out for a life on earth in accordance with the doctrines of Tao, foNote 2 · The beautiful wife of a legendary chieftain, named Hou I, who flourished about 2,500 B.C. She is said to have stolen from her husband the elNote 3 · The name of a celebrated pas seul of antiquity. return to textNote 1 · This form of sport may still be seen in the north of China. A hare being started, two Chinese greyhounds (which are very slow) are slipped fNote 2 · Abstinence from wine and meat, and celibacy, are among the most important dogmas of the Buddhist church, as specially applied to its priesthNote 1 · One of the “Six Boards” at the capital, equivalent to our own War Office, Board of Works, etc. return to footnote anchor 54 return to footnoNote 2 · The Chinese names for two stars: βγ Aquila and α Lyra. return to textNote 4 · This is, as with us, obligatory on all friends invited to a marriage. return to textNote 5 · The accompaniment of all weddings and funerals in China. return to textNote 6 · The soberest people in the world, amongst whom anything like sottishness is comparatively unknown, think it no disgrace, but rather complimeNote 7 · The wedding-party was, of course, composed entirely of foxes; this animal being believed by the Chinese to be capable of appearing at will uNote 1 · Lineal descendants of Confucius are to be found at this day near their founder’s mausoleum in Shantung. The head of the family is a hereditaNote 2 · More or less proficiency in the art of poetry is an absolutely essential qualification for all who present themselves at the great competitiNote 3 · One of the two celebrated but legendary rulers of China in the golden ages of antiquity. Yao—who died B.C. 2258—nominated as his successor aNote 4 · Volumes have been written by Chinese doctors on the subject of the pulse. They profess to distinguish as many as twenty-four different kindsNote 5 · The Chinese believe that wicked people are struck by the God of Thunder, and killed in punishment for some hidden crime. They regard lightniNote 6 · Chinese “chess” is similar to, but not identical with, our game. The board is divided by a river, and the king is confined to a small squareNote 2 · The trade of fortune-teller is one of the most flourishing in China. A large majority of the candidates who are unsuccessful at the public eNote 3 · A firm belief in predestination is an important characteristic of the Chinese mind. “All is destiny” is a phrase daily in the mouth of everyNote 4 · An appliance of very ancient date in China, now superseded by cheap clocks and watches. A large clepsydra, consisting of four copper jars stNote 5 · “Paper men” are a source of great dread to the people at large. During the year 1876 whole provinces were convulsed by the belief that some Note 6 · Watchmen in China, when on their nightly rounds, keep up an incessant beating on what, for want of a better term, we have called a wooden goNote 2 · Where the women of the family live, and into which no stranger ever penetrates. Among other names by which a Chinese husband speaks of his wNote 4 · This is the instrument commonly used for flogging criminals in China, and consists of a strip of split bamboo planed down smooth. Strictly sNote 6 · It is a principle of Chinese jurisprudence that no sentence can be passed until the prisoner has confessed his guilt—a principle, however, nNote 7 · Wooden frames covered with a semi-transparent paper are used all over the northern provinces of China; in the south, oyster-shells, cut squaNote 8 · Every Taoist priest has a magic sword, corresponding to our “magician’s wand.” return to footnote anchor 80 return to footnote anchor 121Note 9 · In China, a man has the right to slay his adulterous wife, but he must slay her paramour also; both or neither. Otherwise, he lays himself oNote 10 · The importance of male offspring in Chinese social life is hardly to be expressed in words. To the son is confided the task of worshipping aNote 11 · The belief that a knowledge of alchemy is obtainable by leading the life of a pure and perfect Taoist, is one of the numerous additions in lNote 1 · The direct issue of the Emperors of the present dynasty and their descendants in the male line for ever are entitled to wear a yellow girdleNote 2 · Quail fighting is not so common now in China as it appears to have been formerly. Cricket-fighting is, however, a very favourite form of gamNote 1 · Impeded, of course, by her small feet. This practice is said to have originated about A.D. 970, with Yao Niang, the concubine of the pretendNote 2 · The disembodied spirits of the Chinese Inferno are permitted, under certain conditions of time and good conduct, to appropriate to themselveNote 3 · Here again is a Taoist priest quoting the Buddhist commandment, “Thou shalt not take life.” The Buddhist laity in China, who do not hesitateNote 1 · Hu is the sound of the character for “fox;” it is also the sound of quite a different character, which is used as a surname. return to footnNote 2 · The name of the Chinese type was Ch‘ên P‘ing. See Mayer’s Reader’s Manual, No. 102. return to textNote 3 · At the date at which we are writing skill in archery is still de rigueur for all Manchus, and for those who would rise in the Chinese army. Note 1 · Every Chinese man and woman inherits a family name or surname. A woman takes her husband’s surname, followed in official documents by her maNote 2 · The name given by foreigners in China to the imitation of the ten torture-chambers of purgatory, as seen in every Ch‘êng-huang or municipal Note 5 · The Chinese as a nation believe to this day that the heart is the seat of the intellect and the emotions. return to footnote anchor 97 returNote 6 · The heart itself is supposed to be pierced by a number of “eyes,” which pass right through; and in physical and mental health these passagesNote 8 · The Hsi-yüan-lu, a well-known work on Chinese medical jurisprudence, and an officially-authorised book, while giving an absurd antidote agaiNote 9 · It was almost a wonder that she got a second fiancé, few people caring to affiance their sons in a family where such a catastrophe has once Note 10 · Held annually on the 15th of the first Chinese month—i.e., at the first full moon of the year, when coloured lanterns are hung at every doorNote 11 · It was John Stuart Mill who pointed out that the fear of death is due to “the illusion of imagination, which makes one conceive oneself as iNote 12 · “Boards of old age” and “Clothes of old age sold here” are common shop-signs in every Chinese city; death and burial being always, if possibNote 1 · Sickness being supposed to result from evil influences, witchcraft, &c., just as often as from more natural causes. return to textNote 2 · The rule which guides betrothals in China is that “the doors should be opposite”—i.e., that the families of the bride and bridegroom should Note 3 · Marriage between persons of the same surname is forbidden by law, for such are held to be blood relations, descended lineally from the origiNote 4 · A very unjustifiable proceeding in Chinese eyes, unless driven to it by actual poverty. return to textNote 5 · The Chinese years are distinguished by the names of twelve animals—namely, rat, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, cockNote 6 · Parents in China like to get their sons married as early as possible, in the hope of seeing themselves surrounded by grandsons, and the famiNote 7 · This scene should for ever disabuse people of the notion that there is no such thing as “making love” among the Chinese. That the passion isNote 8 · The semi-divine head of the Taoist religion, sometimes called the Master of Heaven. In his body is supposed to reside the soul of a celebratNote 9 · Disembodied spirits are supposed to have no shadow, and but very little appetite. There are also certain occasions on which they cannot stanNote 13 · These disembodied spirits are unable to stand for any length of time the light and life of this upper world, darkness and death being as it Note 3 · The common application of the term “same-year-men,” is to persons who have graduated at the same time. return to textNote 4 · This is by no means an uncommon form of charity. During the temporary distress at Canton, in the summer of 1877, large tubs of gruel were toNote 2 · We shall come by and by to a story illustrative of this extraordinary belief. return to textNote 4 · Chinese silver, called sycee (from the Cantonese sai see “fine silk;” because, if pure, it may be drawn out under the application of heat inNote 5 · Death is regarded as a summons from the authorities of Purgatory; lictors are sent to arrest the doomed man, armed with a written warrant siNote 1 · The Milky Way is known to the Chinese under this name—unquestionably a more poetical one than our own. return to footnote anchor 135 return Note 4 · Predestination after the event is, luckily for China, the form of this superstition which really appeals to her all-practical children. Not Note 5 · Any disembodied spirit whose conduct for a certain term of years is quite satisfactory is competent to obtain this reward. Thus, instead of Note 1 · The usual occupation of poor scholars who are ashamed to go into trade, and who have not enterprise enough to start as doctors or fortune-teNote 1 · Kuan Chung and Pao Shu are the Chinese types of friendship. They were two statesmen of considerable ability, who flourished in the seventh cNote 1 · The term constantly employed by Confucius to denote the man of perfect probity, learning, and refinement. The nearest, if not an exact, tranNote 3 · The Lady of the Moon. See No. V., note 49. return to textNote 6 · The female principle. In a properly-constituted human being the male and female principles are harmoniously combined. Nothing short of a smaNote 8 · “From time immemorial, the Chinese have employed a combination of two sets of characters, numbering ten and twelve respectively, to form a cNote 9 · Bride and bridegroom drink wine together out of two cups joined by a red string, typical of that imaginary bond which is believed to unite tNote 10 · The bill of sale always handed to the purchaser of a child in China, as a proof that the child is his bonâ fide property and has not been kiNote 1 · There is nothing in China like an aristocracy of birth. Any man may raise himself from the lowest level to the highest; and as long as he anNote 2 · The medium, without whose good offices no marriage can be arranged. Generally, but not always, a woman. This system of go-betweens is not coNote 4 · The so-called “golden lilies” always come in for a large share of criticism. See No. XII., note 86. This term originated with an emperor whoNote 5 · A common custom; e.g. in the case of a little child lying dangerously ill, its mother will go outside the door into the garden or field, andNote 6 · This process must be regularly gone through night and morning, otherwise the bandages become loose, and the gait of the walker unsteady. retNote 8 · This is a not unusual arrangement in cases where there are other sons in the bridegroom’s family, but none in that of the bride’s, especiallNote 10 · They are supposed never to see each other before the wedding-day; but, after careful investigation of the subject, I have come to the concluNote 13 · This is occasionally done, great influence or a heavy bribe being brought to bear upon the Examiners, of whom there are only two for the MasNote 14 · Admission to the Han-lin, or Chinese National Academy, is the highest honour obtainable by a scholar. Its members are employed in drawing upNote 1 · Besides the numerous secret societies so much dreaded by the Government, membership of which is punishable by death, very intimate friends aNote 2 · A Chinaman loves to be buried alongside of his ancestors, and poor families are often put to great straits to pay this last tribute of respeNote 3 · See No. XIV., note 104. The price of an elaborate Chinese coffin goes as high as £100 or £150. return to textNote 4 · The never-failing resource of an impecunious Chinaman who has any property whatever bearing an exchange value. The pawn-shop proper is a licNote 5 · Nominally of three years’—really of twenty-eight months’—duration. return to textNote 6 · These are entitled to receive from Government a small allowance of rice, besides being permitted to exercise certain petty functions, for whNote 8 · An intermediate step between the first and second degrees, to which certain privileges are attached. return to textNote 2 · The first of the sixteen maxims which form the so-called Sacred Edict, embodies these two all-important family ties. The doctrine of primogeNote 3 · Ordinary devils being unable to stand for any length of time the light and life of the upper world, the souls of certain persons are often tNote 5 · The Chinese corrupted form of Bodhisatva. Now widely employed to designate any deity of any kind. return to footnote anchor 182 return to foNote 6 · The usual similitude for a Chinese tatterdemalion. return to textNote 7 · The surnames Chang, Wang, and Li, correspond in China to our Brown, Jones, and Robinson. return to textNote 8 · Slavery, under a modified form, exists in China at the present day. All parents, having absolute power over their children, are at liberty tNote 1 · No Chinese wine-party is complete without more or less amusement of a literary character. Capping verses, composing impromptu odes on personNote 2 · The Chinese night lasts from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and is divided into five watches of two hours each, which are subdivided into five “beats” ofNote 1 · The rôles of women are always played in China by men, dressed up so perfectly, small feet and all, as to be quite undistinguishable from reaNote 1 · All underlings (and we might add overlings) in China being unpaid, it behoves them to make what they can out of the opportunities afforded. Note 2 · Anybody is liable to be “impressed” at any moment for the service of the Government. Boat owners, sedan-chair and coolie proprietors, especiNote 3 · Constables, detectives, and others, are liable to be bambooed at intervals, generally of three or five days, until the mission on which theyNote 4 · Extended by the Chinese to certain cases of simple man slaughter. return to textNote 1 · The Cantonese believe the following to be the usual process:—“Young children are bought or stolen at a tender age and placed in a ch‘ing, orNote 1 · Meaning that it would become known to the Arbiter of life and death in the world below, who would punish him by shortening his appointed terNote 2 · One important preliminary consists in the exchange of the four pairs of characters which denote the year, month, day, and hour of the birthsNote 3 · The bridegroom invariably fetches the bride from her father’s house, conveying her to his home in a handsomely-gilt red sedan-chair, closed Note 4 · The Censorate is a body of fifty-six officials, whose duty it is to bring matters to the notice of the Emperor which might otherwise have esNote 5 · In the Book of Rites (I. Pt. i. v. 10), which dates, in its present form, only from the first century B.C., occurs this passage, “With the sNote 6 · The Chinese theory being that every official is responsible for the peace and well-being of the district committed to his charge, and even lNote 1 · No man being allowed to hold office within a radius of 500 li, or nearly 200 miles, from his native place. return to textNote 2 · This is a very common custom all over China. return to textNote 3 · Of all the Buddhist sutras, this is perhaps the favourite with the Chinese. return to textNote 4 · Contrary to the German notion that the spirit of the dead mother, coming back at night to suckle the child she has left behind, makes an impNote 6 · A very ancient expression, signifying “the grave,” the word “wood” being used by synecdoche for “coffin.” return to textNote 7 · The supposed residence of Kuan-yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, she who “hears prayers” and is the giver of children. return to footnote aNote 8 · The great Supreme Ruler, who is supposed to have absolute sway over the various other deities of the Chinese Pantheon. return to textNote 9 · Generally spoken of as an inauspicious phenomenon. return to textNote 1 · This is the Buddhist patra, which modern writers have come to regard as an instrumental part of the Taoist religion. See No. IV., note 46. rNote 2 · To call attention to his presence. Beggars in China accomplish their purpose more effectually by beating a gong in the shop where they ask fNote 3 · Sc. a “sponge.” return to textNote 4 · Said to have been introduced into China from the west by a eunuch named San-pao during the Ming dynasty. return to textNote 1 · The women’s apartments being quite separate from the rest of a Chinese house, male visitors consequently know nothing about their inhabitantNote 3 · A very ancient custom in China, originating in a belief that these birds never mate a second time. The libation is made on the occasion of tNote 4 · A Chinese trousseau, in addition to clothes and jewels, consists of tables and chairs, and all kinds of house furniture and ornaments. returNote 1 · Which ended some sixteen hundred years ago. return to textNote 2 · Corresponding with our five “senses,” the heart taking the place of the brain, and being regarded by Chinese doctors as the seat not only ofNote 1 · These nunneries, of which there are plenty in China, are well worth visiting, and may be freely entered by both sexes. Sometimes there are aNote 4 · The usual signal that a person does not wish to take any more wine. return to textNote 1 · The celebrated lake in Hu-nan, round which has gathered so much of the folk-lore of China. return to footnote anchor 226 return to footnote Note 1 · The guardian angel of crows. return to textNote 2 · In order to secure a favourable passage. The custom here mentioned was actually practised at more than one temple on the river Yang-tsze, anNote 3 · Alluding to a legend of a young man meeting two young ladies at Hankow, each of whom wore a girdle adorned with a pearl as big as a hen’s egNote 3 · Although the Chinese do not “shake hands” in our sense of the term, it is a sign of affection to seize the hand of a parting or returning frNote 5 · The various subdivisions of the animal and vegetable kingdoms are each believed by the Chinese to be under the sway of a ruler holding his cNote 2 · Which form the unvarying curriculum of a Chinese education. These are (1) the Four Books, consisting of the teachings of Confucius and MenciNote 6 · In accordance with Chinese usage, by which titles of nobility are often conferred upon the dead parents of a distinguished son. return to teNote 2 · A common form of revenge in China, and one which is easily carried through when the prosecutor is a man of wealth and influence. return to tNote 3 · Another favourite method of revenging oneself upon an enemy, who is in many cases held responsible for the death thus occasioned. Mr. AlabasNote 4 · Valuables of some kind or other are often placed in the coffins of wealthy Chinese; and women are almost always provided with a certain quanNote 1 · Deference to elder brothers is held by the Chinese to be second only in importance to filial piety. return to textNote 3 · A wife being an infinitely less important personage than a mother in the Chinese social scale. return to textNote 4 · Literally, of hand and foot, to the mutual dependence of which that of brothers is frequently likened by the Chinese. return to textNote 5 · Any permanent change of residence must be notified to the District Magistrate, who keeps a running census of all persons within his jurisdicNote 8 · A sham entertainment given by the Fu-t‘ai, or governor, to all the successful candidates. I say sham, because the whole thing is merely nomiNote 10 · Thereby invoking the Gods as witnesses. A common method of making up a quarrel in China is to send the aggrieved party an olive and a piece Note 2 · Without any regard to precedence, which plays quite as important a part at a Chinese as at a western dinner-party. In China, however, the moNote 3 · It is almost impossible to give in translation the true spirit of a Chinese antithetical couplet. There are so many points to be brought outNote 6 · Accurately described in Tylor’s Primitive Culture, Vol. I., p. 75:—“Each player throws out a hand, and the sum of all the fingers shown has Note 8 · The “substitution” theory by which disembodied spirits are enabled to find their way back to the world of mortals. A very interesting and imNote 1 · Such is the dominant belief regarding the due selection of an auspicious site, whether for a house or grave; and with this superstition deepNote 2 · The bridegroom leads off the procession, and the bride follows shortly afterwards in an elaborately-gilt sedan-chair, closed in on all sidesNote 3 · Here again we have the common Chinese belief that fate is fate only within certain limits, and is always liable to be altered at the will ofNote 4 · This is another curious phase of Chinese superstition, namely, that each individual is so constituted by nature as to be able to absorb onlyNote 1 · There is no limit as to age in the competitive examinations of China. The San-tzŭ-Ching records the case of a man who graduated at the maturNote 4 · Religion and the drama work hand in hand in China. return to footnote anchor 277 return to footnote anchor 570Note 2 · A curious note here follows in the original, not however from the pen of the great commentator, I Shih-shih:—“In 1696 a severe earthquake ocNote 2 · The Chinese distinguish five degrees of homicide, of which accidental homicide is one (see Penal Code, Book VI.) Thus, if a gun goes off of Note 1 · Women in China ride à califourchon. return to footnote anchor 286 return to footnote 580Note 1 · The Chinese acknowledge seven just causes for putting away a wife. (1) Bad behaviour towards the husband’s father and mother. (2) Adultery. Note 2 · This elegant simile is taken from a song ascribed to Pan Chieh-yü, a favourite of the Emperor Ch‘êng Ti of the Han dynasty, written when herNote 1 · I have already discussed the subject of drunkenness in China (Chinese Sketches, pp. 113, 114), and shall not return to it here, further thanNote 2 · “The very name of Buddha, if pronounced with a devout heart 1,000 or 5,000 times, will effectually dispel all harassing thoughts, all fightiNote 4 · The Buddhist rosary consists of 108 beads, which number is the same as that of the compartments in the Phrabat or sacred footprint of BuddhaNote 8 · Such is the invariable result of confinement in a Chinese prison, unless the prisoner has the wherewithal to purchase food. return to textNote 5 · An illegal form of punishment, under the present dynasty, which authorizes only bambooing of two kinds, each of five degrees of severity; baNote 9 · In order to leave some one behind to look after their graves and perform the duties of ancestral worship. No one can well refuse to give a sNote 3 · Chinese official life is divided into nine grades. return to textNote 4 · Prostrating himself three times, and knocking his head on the ground thrice at each prostration. return to textNote 5 · The retinue of a high mandarin is composed as follows:—First, gong-bearers, then bannermen, tablet-bearers (on which tablets are inscribed tNote 7 · This use of paper money in China is said to date from A.D. 1236; that is, during the reign of the Mongol Emperor, Ogdai Khan. return to footNote 9 · A yojana has been variously estimated at from five to nine English miles. return to textNote 10 · The patra and khakkharam of the bikshu or Buddhist mendicant. return to footnote anchor 320 return to footnote anchor 566Note 11 · It is not considered quite correct to take a concubine unless the wife is childless, in which case it is held that the proposition to do so,Note 12 · This is the celebrated form of death, reserved for parricide and similar awful crimes, about which so much has been written. Strictly speakiNote 13 · Alluding to a well-known Buddhist miracle in which a bikshu was to be thrown into a cauldron of boiling water in a fiery pit, when suddenly Note 2 · Hué, the capital of Cochin-China. return to textNote 4 · To which sounds the languages of the west have been more than once likened by the Chinese. It is only fair, however, to the lettered classesNote 6 · The animal here mentioned is the plain brown deer, or Rusa Swinhoii, of Formosa, in which island I should prefer to believe, but for the greNote 9 · Fondness for children is specially a trait of Chinese character; and a single baby would do far more to ensure the safety of a foreign traveNote 2 · Gambling is the great Chinese vice, far exceeding in its ill effects all that opium has ever done to demoralize the country. Public gaming-hNote 3 · The virtuous conduct of any individual will result not only in happiness and prosperity to himself, but a certain quantity of these will desNote 5 · This seems a curious charge to bring against a people who for a stolid and bigoted conservatism have rarely, if ever, been equalled. MenciusNote 5 · Slave-girls do not have their feet compressed. return to textNote 6 · Wherein resides an old gentleman who ties together with a red cord the feet of those destined to become man and wife. From this bond there iNote 2 · These beadles are chosen by the officials from among the respectable and substantial of the people to preside over a small area and be respoNote 4 · That is to say, his spirit had entered, during his period of temporary insanity, into the cricket which had allowed itself to be caught by hNote 1 · This is the term used by the Chinese for “Persia,” often put by metonymy for things which come from that country, sc. “valuables.” Thus, “toNote 1 · The name here used is the Hêng or “ceaseless” river, which is applied by the Chinese to the Ganges. A certain number, extending to fifty-thrNote 2 · Drunkenness is not recognised in China as an extenuating circumstance; neither, indeed, is insanity,—a lunatic who takes another man’s life Note 3 · A favourite Chinese figure expressive of old age. It dates back to the celebrated commentary by Tso Ch‘iu Ming on Confucius’ Spring and AutuNote 1 · This term, while really including all literary men, of no matter what rank or standing, is more usually confined to that large section of unNote 1 · Unless under exceptional circumstances it is not considered creditable in China for widows to marry again. It may here be mentioned that theNote 1 · Literally, a “pig old-woman dragon.” Porpoise (Fr. porc-poisson) suggests itself at once; but I think fresh-water dolphin is the best term, Note 3 · In passing near to the women’s quarters in a friend’s house, it is etiquette to cough slightly, that inmates may be warned and withdraw fromNote 5 · Small waists are much admired in China, but any such artificial aids as stays and tight lacing are quite unknown. A certain Prince Wei admitNote 7 · A rebel chieftain of the legendary period of China’s history, who took up arms against the Emperor Huang Ti (B.C. 2697–2597), but was subseqNote 8 · This favourite process consists in gently thumping the person operated upon all over the back with the soft part of the closed fists. ComparNote 10 · Generally known as the “cut-wave God.” return to textNote 11 · At all great banquets in China a theatrical troupe is engaged to perform while the dinner, which may last from four to six hours, drags its Note 1 · In this favourite pastime of the literati in China the important point is that each word in the second line should be a due and proper antitNote 1 · The examination consists of three bouts of three days each, during which periods the candidates remain shut up in their examination cells daNote 3 · This interesting ceremony is performed by placing little conical pastilles on a certain number of spots, varying from three to twelve, on thNote 4 · There is a room in most Buddhist temples specially devoted to this purpose. return to textNote 5 · The Buddhist emblem of cleanliness; generally a yak’s tail, and commonly used as a fly-brush. return to textNote 6 · Tree-worship can hardly be said to exist in China at the present day; though at a comparatively recent epoch this phase of religious sentimeNote 1 · Literally, “had been allotted the post of Nan-fu magistrate,” such appointments being always determined by drawing lots. return to textNote 2 · Such is one common explanation of catalepsy (see No. I., note 40), it being further averred that the proper lictors of the Infernal regions Note 3 · Upon a wall at the entrance to every official residence is painted a huge fabulous animal, called Greed, in such a position that the residenNote 6 · The great sorrow of decapitation as opposed to strangulation is that the body will appear in the realms below without a head. The family of Note 7 · This story is an admirable exposé of Chinese official corruption, as rampant at the present day as ever in the long history of China. returnNote 2 · Such has, doubtless, been the occasional result of torture in China; but the singular keenness of the mandarins, as a body, in recognising tNote 4 · Alluding to a similar story, related in the Record of the Immortals, of how these two friends lost their way while gathering simples on the Note 2 · If there is one institution in the Chinese empire which is jealously guarded and honestly administered, it is the great system of competitivNote 1 · The Infernal Regions are supposed to be pretty much a counterpart of the world above, except in the matter of light. return to textNote 2 · The visitor to Canton cannot fail to observe batches of prisoners with chains on them sitting in the street outside the prisons, many of theNote 3 · The judge in a Chinese court is necessarily very much dependent on his secretaries; and, except in special cases, he takes his cue almost enNote 1 · In Book V. of Mencius’ works we read that Shun, the perfect man, stood with his face to the south, while the Emperor Yao (see No. VIII., notNote 3 · These are about as big as a cheese-plate and attached to a short stick, from which hangs suspended a small button of metal in such a manner Note 1 · A famous official who lived in the reign of Hung Wu, first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368–1399). I have not been able to discover whNote 2 · The Chinese, fond as they are of introducing water, under the form of miniature lakes, into their gardens and pleasure-grounds, do not approNote 1 · That Chinaman thinks his a hard lot who cannot “eat till he is full.” It may be noticed here that the Chinese seem not so much to enjoy the Note 2 · The full explanation and origin of this saying I have failed to elucidate. Dragons are often represented with pearls before their mouths; anNote 3 · Such is the common belief in China at the present day. There is a God of Thunder who punishes wicked people; the lightning is merely a mirroNote 1 · The “sea-serpent” in this case was probably nothing more or less than some meteoric phenomenon. return to textNote 2 · The Four Seas are supposed by the Chinese to bound the habitable portions of the earth, which, by the way, they further believe to be squareNote 1 · Buddhist priests not unusually increase the revenue of their monastery by taking pupils; and it is only fair to them to add that the curricuNote 2 · These consist simply of thin slips of wood dipped in brimstone, and resemble those used in England as late as the first quarter of the preseNote 4 · Beside which lived Hsi Shih, the famous beauty of the fifth century after Christ. return to textNote 6 · The Chinese have precisely the same mania as our Browns, Joneses, and Robinsons, for scribbling and carving their names and compositions allNote 13 · Such is the invariable custom. Large presents are usually made by those who can afford the outlay, and the tutor’s name has ever afterwards Note 1 · The elaborate gilding and wood-work of an ordinary Chinese temple form a very serious item in the expense of restoration. Public subscriptioNote 2 · This is the title generally applied to the Manchu commanders of Manchu garrisons, who are stationed at certain of the most important points Note 1 · It is related in the Family Sayings, an apocryphal work which professes to give conversations of Confucius, that a number of one-legged birdNote 3 · This is a clever hit. The “personal” name of a man may not be uttered except by his father or mother, grandfather, grandmother, uncles, etc.Note 4 · I consider the whole of the above a curious story to be found in a Chinese work exactly 200 years old, but no part of it more so than the foNote 6 · The couches of the north of China are brick beds, heated by a stove underneath, and covered with a mat. Upon one of these is generally a dwaNote 1 · This would be regarded as a very meritorious act by the Chinese. return to textNote 2 · The Byron of China. return to textNote 3 · Chinese wine—or, more correctly, spirits—is always taken hot; hence the term wine-kettle, which frequently occurs in these pages. return to Note 6 · Chinese dice are the exact counterpart of our own, except that the ace and the four are coloured red: the ace because the combination of blaNote 8 · Alluding to the celebrated oath of confederation sworn in the peach garden between Kuan Yü, or Kuan Ti (see No. I., note 39), Chang Fei (seeNote 11 · The Chinese recognise no act more worthy a virtuous man than that of burying stray bones, covering up exposed coffins, and so forth. By suchNote 1 · From a poem by Wang Wei, a noted poet of the T‘ang dynasty. The second line is not given in the text. return to textNote 2 · From a poem by P‘an T‘ang-shên, which runs:—Note 3 · I have already observed that men and women should not let their hands touch when passing things to each other (see No. XL., note 233); neithNote 4 · Alluding to Wang’s breach of etiquette in visiting the father himself, instead of sending a go-between, who would have offered the same sum Note 5 · Witnesses in a Chinese court of justice take no oath, in our sense of the term. Their written depositions, however, are always ended with thNote 6 · Adoption is common all over China, and is regulated by law. For instance, an adopted son excludes all the daughters of the family. A man is Note 3 · The dénouement of the Yü-chiao-li, a small novel which was translated into French by Rémusat, and again by Julien under the title of Les DeuNote 1 · The sexes do not dine together. On the occasion of a dinner-party, private or official, the ladies give a separate entertainment to the wiveNote 2 · This occurs on the 5th of the 5th moon, and is commonly known as the Dragon-Boat Festival, from a practice of racing on that day in long, naNote 3 · A hare or rabbit is believed to sit at the foot of the cassia-tree in the moon, pounding the drugs out of which is concocted the elixir of iNote 1 · By which he would become eligible for Government employ. The sale of degrees has been extensively carried on under the present dynasty, as aNote 3 · Such is the common system of repaying the loan, by means of which an indigent nominee is enabled to defray the expenses of his journey to thNote 5 · Literally, “Square hole.” A common name for the Chinese cash. See No. II., note 42. return to textNote 6 · In the case of wealthy families these strong rooms often contain, in addition to bullion, jewels to a very great amount belonging to the ladNote 7 · Pieces of silver and gold paper made up to represent the ordinary Chinese “shoes” of bullion (See No. XVIII., note 133), and burnt for the uNote 12 · The retinue of a Mandarin should be in accordance with his rank. I have given elsewhere (See No. LVI., note 315) what would be that of an ofNote 14 · Good writing holds a much higher place in the estimation of the Chinese than among western nations. The very nature of their characters raisNote 15 · The commentator here adds a somewhat similar case, which actually occurred in the reign of K‘ang Hsi, of a Viceroy modestly attended fallingNote 1 · The Yang-tsze: sometimes spoken of as the Long River. return to footnote anchor 514 return to footnote anchor 601Note 2 · The full point of this story can hardly be conveyed in translation. The man’s surname was Sun, and his prænomen, Pi-chên, (which in Chinese Note 1 · We read in the History of Amoy:—“In the year 1622 the red-haired barbarians seized the Pescadores and attacked Amoy.” From the Pescadores thNote 2 · Our author would here seem to have heard of the famous bull’s hide which is mentioned in the first book of the Æneid. In any case, the substNote 1 · The common method of porterage in China is by a bamboo pole over the shoulder with well-balanced burdens hanging from each end. I have oftenNote 1 · It would be more usual to “renew the guitar string,” as the Chinese idiom runs. In the paraphrase of the first maxim of the Sacred Edict we Note 2 · This, as well as the staff mentioned below, belongs to Buddhism. See No. IV., note 46. return to textNote 1 · The first Manchu ruler of the empire of China. He came to the throne in A.D. 1644. return to textNote 2 · The vernal equinox, which would fall on or about the 20th of March. return to textNote 3 · A fabulous lady, said to reside at the summit of the K‘un-lun mountain, where, on the border of the Gem Lake, grows the peach-tree of the anNote 4 · One of the most celebrated of the numerous secret societies of China, the origin of which dates back to about A.D. 1350. Its members have alNote 5 · Of Chinese jugglers, Ibn Batuta writes as follows:—“They produced a chain fifty cubits in length, and in my presence threw one end of it towNote 1 · This instrument, used by Buddhist priests in the musical accompaniment to their liturgies, is said to be so called because a fish never closNote 2 · The duties of Coroner belong to the office of a District Magistrate in China. return to textNote 2 · We have in this story the keynote to the notorious and much-to-be-deprecated dislike of the Chinese people to assist in saving the lives of Note 3 · As there are good and bad foxes, so may devils be beneficent or malicious according to circumstances; and Chinese apologists for the discourNote 5 · A phrase constantly repeated, in other terms, by a guest to a host who is politely escorting him to the door. return to textNote 1 · The spiritual lictors who are supposed to arrest the souls of dying persons, are also believed to be armed with warrants signed and sealed iNote 2 · Literally, the “nine dark places,” which will remind readers of Dante of the nine “bolgie” of the Inferno. return to textNote 3 · This is a cliff over which sinners are hurled, to alight upon the upright points of knives below. The branches of the Sword Tree are sharp bNote 2 · According to the Yü-li-ch‘ao, this potion is administered by an old beldame, named Mother Mêng, who sits upon the Terrace of Oblivion. “WhetNote 1 · And such is actually the prevalent belief in China to this day. return to footnote anchor 545 return to footnote 622Note 1 · Note 533 to No. CVII. should be read here. To save life is indeed the bounden duty of every good Buddhist, for which he will be proportionatNote 1 · Salt is a Government monopoly in China, and its sale is only permitted to licensed dealers. It is a contraband article of commerce, whether Note 2 · The Styx. return to textNote 3 · These words require some explanation. Ordinarily they would be taken in the sense of casting cash of a base description; but they might equaNote 5 · No Chinese magistrate would be found to pass sentence upon a man who stole food under stress of hunger. return to textNote 3 · Such is one of the most common causes of hostile demonstration against Chinese Christians. The latter, acting under the orders of the missioNote 4 · An historical character who was formerly among the ranks of the Yellow Turban rebels, but subsequently entered the service of Kuan Yü (see NNote 5 · This curious ceremony is the final touch to a newly-built or newly-restored temple, and consists in giving expression to the eyes of the freNote 6 · Such indeed is the fate of a per-centage of all public subscriptions raised and handled by Chinese of no matter what class. A year or two agNote 1 · It is considered a serious breach of Chinese etiquette to accept invitations without returning the compliment at an early date. return to teNote 2 · A high Chinese official, known to foreigners as Intendant of Circuit; the circuit being a circuit of Prefectures, over which he has full conNote 3 · Much of the above recalls Fa Hsien’s narrative of his celebrated journey from China to India in the early years of the fifth century of our Note 5 · For Kuan-yin, see No. XXXIII., note 208. Wên-shu, or Manjusiri, is the God of Wisdom, and is generally represented as riding on a lion, in aNote 2 · The term here used stands for a vitreous composition that has long been prepared by the Chinese. Glass, properly so called, is said to have Note 2 · A large, smooth, area of concrete, to be seen outside all country houses of any size, and used for preparing the various kinds of grain. retNote 3 · Compare—“The not uncommon practice of strewing ashes to show the footprints of ghosts or demons takes for granted that they are substantial Note 1 · Fêng-tu is a district city in the province of Szechuen, and near it are said to be fire-wells (see Williams’ Syllabic Dictionary, s.v.), othNote 2 · To the Imperial Treasury. From what I know of the barefacedness of similar official impostures, I should say that this statement is quite wiNote 4 · An Imperial mandate is always written on yellow silk, and the ceremony of opening and perusing it is accompanied by prostrations and other aNote 1 · Innumerable pamphlets have been published in China on the best methods of getting rid of these destructive insects, but none to my knowledgeNote 2 · See No. LII., note 286. The mules of the north of China are marvels of beauty and strength; and the price of a fine animal often goes as higNote 2 · The highly educated Confucianist rises above the superstition that darkens the lives of his less fortunate fellow countrymen. Had such a dreNote 3 · The Chinese love to refer to the “good old time” of their forefathers, when a man who dropped anything on the highway would have no cause toNote 1 · One method is to wrap an old mirror (formerly a polished metal disc) in a handkerchief, and then, no one being present, to bow seven times tNote 2 · In former days, these messengers of good tidings to candidates whose homes were in distant parts used to earn handsome sums if first to annoNote 1 · Accurate anatomical descriptions must not be looked for in Chinese literature. “Man has three hundred and sixty-five bones, corresponding toNote 3 · Radix robiniæ amaræ. return to textNote 4 · As the Chinese invariably do whenever they get hold of a useful prescription or remedy. Master workmen also invariably try to withhold sometNote 5 · The text has “of two hundred hoofs.” return to textNote 1 · The ordinary “wine” of China is a spirit distilled from rice. See No. XCIII., note 477. return to textNote 2 · The commentator would have us believe that Mr. Lin’s fondness for wine was to him an element of health and happiness rather than a disease tNote 1 · In an entry on torture (see No. LXXIII., note 417), which occurs in my Glossary of Reference, I made the following statement:—“The real tortNote 2 · For a small bribe, the soldiers at the gates of a Chinese city will usually pass people in and out by means of a ladder placed against the wNote 1 · This corresponds to our ceremony of laying the foundation stone, except that one commemorates the beginning, the other the completion, of a Note 1 · A most abstruse and complicated game of skill, for which the Chinese claim an antiquity of four thousand years, and which I was the first toNote 2 · On this day, annually dedicated to kite-flying, picnics, and good cheer, everybody tries to get up to as great an elevation as possible, in Note 4 · One of the prêtas, or the fourth of the six paths (gâti) of existence; the other five being (1) angels, (2) men, (3) demons, (5) brute beastNote 5 · An imaginary building in the Infernal Regions. return to textNote 6 · Mencius reckoned “to play wei-ch‘i for money” among the five unfilial acts. return to textNote 2 · That is, in carrying out the obligations he had entered into, such as conducting the ceremonies of ancestral worship, repairing the family tNote 1 · The long flowing robe is a sign of respectability which all but the very poorest classes love to affect in public. At the port of Haiphong, Note 1 · The clay image makers of Tientsin are wonderfully clever in taking likenesses by these means. Some of the most skilful will even manipulate Note 4 · Such is the officially authorised method of determining a doubtful relationship between a dead parent and a living child, substituting a bonNote 1 · “In various savage superstitions the minute resemblance of soul to body is forcibly stated.”—Myths and Myth-makers, by John Fiske, p. 228. rNote 2 · An important point in Chinese etiquette. It is not considered polite for a person in a sitting position to address an equal who is standing.Note 3 · By becoming his son and behaving badly to him. See No. CX., note 545, and the text to which it refers. return to textNote 2 · The examiner for the bachelor’s, or lowest, degree. return to textNote 1 · The Chinese never cut the tails of their horses or mules. return to textNote 2 · One of the feudal Governors of by-gone days. return to textNote 3 · A Chinese Landseer. return to textNote 1 · Advertisements of these professors of physiognomy are to be seen in every Chinese city. return to textNote 4 · A doctor of any repute generally has large numbers of such certificates, generally engraved on wood, hanging before and about his front doorNote 5 · The story is intended as a satire upon Chinese doctors generally, whose ranks are recruited from the swarms of half-educated candidates who Note 3 · A sneer at the superstitious custom of praying for good or bad weather, which obtains in China from the Son of Heaven himself down to the loNote 1 · Planchette was in full swing in China at the date of the composition of these stories, more than 200 years ago, and remains so at the presenNote 2 · An official who flourished in the eighth century of our era, and who, for his devotion to the Taoist religion, was subsequently canonized asNote 1 · Literally, “golden oranges.” These are skilfully preserved by the Cantonese, and form a delicious sweetmeat for dessert. return to textNote 1 · A.D. 1573–1620, the epoch of the most celebrated “blue china.” return to textNote 1 · A satirical remark of Mencius (Book I.), used by the sage when combating the visionary projects of a monarch of antiquity. return to textNote 2 · This disgusting process is too frequently performed by native butchers at the present day, in order to give their meat a more tempting appeaNote 1 · The city of Canton boasts several “cat and dog” restaurants; but the consumption of this kind of food is much less universal than is generalNote 3 · The Chinese dog is usually an ill-fed, barking cur, without one redeeming trait in its character. Valued as a guardian of house and propertyNote 1 · A celebrated scholar and statesman, who flourished towards the close of the Ming dynasty, and distinguished himself by his impeachment of thNote 2 · Mr. Yang was a man of tried virtue, and had he been able to tolerate oculo irretorto, the loss of his money, the priest would have given himNote 1 · Alchemy was widely cultivated in China during the Han dynasty by priests of the Taoist religion, but all traces of it have now long since diNote 3 · These are used, together with a heavy wooden bâton, by the Chinese washerman, the effect being most disastrous to a European wardrobe. returNote 5 · To provide coffins for poor people has ever been regarded as an act of transcendent merit. The tornado at Canton, in April, 1878, in which sNote 3 · The God of Literature. return to textNote 6 · A fleshy protuberance on the head, which is the distinguishing mark of a Buddha. return to textNote 7 · The eighteen personal disciples of Shâkyamuni Buddha. Sixteen of these are Hindoos, which number was subsequently increased by the addition Note 1 · Literally, “wind and water,” or that which cannot be seen and that which cannot be grasped. I have explained the term in my Chinese SketchesNote 2 · As a rule, only the daughters of wealthy families receive any education to speak of. return to textNote 3 · A reprehensible proceeding in the eyes of all respectable Chinese, both from a moral and a practical point of view; “for when brothers fall Note 1 · Chinese tradesmen invariably begin by giving short weight in such transactions as these, partly in order to be in a position to gratify the Note 2 · A common saying is “Foxes in the north; devils in the south,” as illustrative of the folk-lore of these two great divisions of China. returnNote 1 · In no country in the world is adulteration more extensively practised than in China, the only formal check upon it being a religious one—theNote 2 · The text has here a word (literally, “mud”) explained to be the name of a boneless aquatic creature, which on being removed from the water lNote 2 · There is a widespread belief that human life in China is held at a cheap rate. This may be accounted for by the fact that death is the legalNote 1 · This story is inserted chiefly in illustration of the fact that all countries have a record of some enormous bird such as the roc of the “ArNote 1 · The term here used refers to a creature which partakes rather of the fabulous than of the real. The Kuang-yün says it is “a kind of lion;” bNote 1 · The Law of Inheritance, as it obtains in China, has been ably illustrated by Mr. Chal. Alabaster in Vols. V. and VI. of the China Review. ThNote 2 · Clouds being naturally connected in every Chinaman’s mind with these fabulous creatures, the origin of which has been traced by some to wateNote 1 · When the soul of the Emperor T‘ai Tsung of the T‘ang dynasty was in the infernal regions, it promised to send Yen-lo (the Chinese Yama or PlNote 2 · As the Chinese believe that their disembodied spirits proceed to a world organised on much the same model as the one they know, so do they tNote 3 · A dying man is almost always moved into his coffin to die; and aged persons frequently take to sleeping regularly in the coffins provided agNote 2 · The Chinese distinguish sixteen vital spots on the front of the body and six on the back, with thirty-six and twenty non-vital spots in simiNote 1 · Certain classes of soothsayers are believed by the Chinese to be possessed by foxes, which animals have the power of looking into the future