369. 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 Shwuy 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, unknown 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 another, 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. "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 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 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 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 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 fiftyeight 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 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: CASE XXI. 385. Phasianus Torquatus ORNITHOLOGY. Ring-necked Pheasant. 386. 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 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." |