II. General View of the Interior of the Saloon.

Taking the reader for our companion, we pass into the Museum building, by the grand entrance at the western end of the vast pile. Over the door on our left, is "a handsome but odd looking sign, with several Chinese characters in gold upon it. Easily divining the meaning, though unable to interpret the writing, we instinctively take this direction, and find ourselves, upon the instant, in the vestibule of the green-room, where we are to procure our tickets of admission. Here we appear to ourselves to be suddenly multiplied into a small army by the numerous mirrors, which serve as panels to the partitions and doors by which we are surrounded. The exterior of the green-room is as elegant a piece of work as one need desire to look upon. The mirrors, especially, are a capital idea. They will be the source of infinite divertisement, and will put every body in a good humour just at the right time. Passing through another vestibule, that of the grand saloon, which is separated from it by a beautiful Chinese screen, such as is seen in most houses of the better sort in the Celestial Empire, we find ourselves within full prospect of all the glories treasured within the spacious Hall of the Collection. Here, as if touched by the wand of an enchanter, we are compelled to pause, for the for the purpose of taking a general survey, and giving vent to our admiration. The view is imposing in the highest degree. But it is so unlike any thing we are accustomed to behold, that we are at a loss for epithets exactly descriptive of it. Brilliant, splendid, gorgeous, magnificent, superb-all these adjectives are liberally used by visiters, and they are strictly apposite, but they want the proper explicitness; they do not place the

scene,-new, strange, and bizarre as it is,-distinctly before the mind. The rich screen-work at the two ends of the saloon, the many-shaped and many-coloured lamps suspended from the ceiling, the native paintings which cover the walls, the Chinese maxims adorning the columns, the choice silks, gay with a hundred colours, and tastefully displayed over the cases along the north side, and the multitude of cases crowded with rare and interesting sights, form a tout-ensemble, possessing an interest and a beauty entirely its own, and which must be seen before it can be appreciated. The beauty of the general view, and the attractiveness of the whole exhibition, will be greatly enhanced by an improvement soon to be commenced. Mr. Dunn is about to have constructed an elegant fountain in the centre of the saloon, with a basin enlivened by gold fish, and surrounded by a row of Chinese plants and flowers. There will be a jet in the centre, and a waterfall on each side; and the whole will be illuminated at night with gas lights underneath. The scene cannot fail to be singularly brilliant and beautiful; and, during the hot summer months, the refreshing coolness diffused throughout the saloon, must make it ever a place of general resort.

III.

The two Octagonal Glass Cases.

In our preliminary notices, we referred to these cases as being near the door. On this account, as well as on some others, they are, to a person entering, the most conspicuous objects in the saloon; and they contain some of the most splendid and costly articles in the whole Collection. They are about fifteen feet high, and are covered with an exact fac-simile 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 pictures 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.

The case on the south side of the saloon, contains, and is nearly filled by, a superb lamp, used only upon occasions of state. This lamp is totally unlike any thing we have, and no description can convey an adequate idea of it. It is hexagonal, and cannot be much, if any, less than ten feet in height, and three 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 trappings 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, pendent from various parts. In short, this national lamp 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, an article in universal use. Gentlemen as well as ladies carry it, not laying it aside even in cold weather.

The octagonal case on the opposite side of the saloon, contains a variety of interesting, and, to us, strange articles. We have here three national lamps, each made for a distinct purpose, a saddle and bridle, six Chinese candles, specimens of indigenous fruits in enamel and clay, divers specimens of embroidery, and a sample of their woollen fabrics. This last, which is spread out upon the floor, covering almost the whole of it, is not of wool alone, but has a mixture of cotton in it. It is a rather favour

able specimen of their skill in this kind of manufactures, but would not gain much applause among us. The Chinese do not excel in the making of woollen goods. The fine broadcloths in which they clothe themselves in winter, are imported from foreign countries.

The saddle would be taken, at first sight, for two or three, piled one on the other. It is covered with rich embroidery, and, though clumsy in appearance, looks as if it would make a very pleasant riding seat. The bridle has silver mountings; and there is a trapping consisting of two large tufts of red horse hair, worn under the animal's neck.

The candles are of enormous size, being not less than three feet in length, and over two inches in diameter, with wicks of corresponding dimensions. They are gaily adorned with artificial flowers made of wax. This kind is used only in temples, on public festival occasions, and at the most sumptuous private entertainments. Candles in China are made of a material obtained by crushing and boiling together the seeds and capsules of the tallow tree. They are naturally very white, but a colouring substance is sometimes mixed with that of which they are made. A portion of linseed oil and wax is also occasionally added, to give consistence.

The specimens of embroidery are exceedingly beautiful. In this art, the Chinese excel all others; and their fondness for it seems scarcely less than a passion. Men, as well as women, labour at this occupation; and it must be one of the most productive kinds of industry, as we are informed that some females earn by it twenty, and even twenty-five dollars a month.

Of the three lamps in this case, one, like that before described, is a state lamp. This is suspended in the centre. It is of smaller dimensions and less costly work

manship, but in other respects similar to that in the other case. There is another, differing materially in its form from these, but made chiefly of silk, which is much used in theatrical representations. This is of exquisite beauty, both in materials and manufacture. The third, again, differs totally from either of those before noticed. It is carried in marriage processions, and the gayness of its appearance harmonizes well with the joyousness supposed to characterize such occasions.

IV. Lamps and Lanterns.

We may as well, in this connexion, notice briefly the other lamps and lanterns in the Collection, of which there is a liberal supply. They depend from the ceiling in all parts of the saloon, and are of almost every imaginable form and size. In scarcely any thing 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 moods, and the various decorations lavished upon them are in a corresponding style. As a national ornament, peculiar to the Chinese, the lantern does not give place to any thing found in any other country.

The fondness of the Chinese for lamps and lanterns, and the universal use of them, constitutes one of the marked peculiarities in the customs of the race. The "Stranger in China" remarks, that a Chinaman and his