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 number of artificers."

CASE XVIII. 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, corresponding with the one on the opposite side.

The visitor'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 XX.

THIS case, with the one on the opposite side of the room corresponding 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 drawings 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 from a projecting portion of 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, pendant 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 appendage 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 cannon, 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.

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 informed 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.”

397. Python bivittatus. Chinese Boa Constrictor and a wild Cat.