The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1854-08-17

square structures, with peaked roofs, con
tanning colossal gilded statues of variou:
divinities, most of whom were seated
cross-legged, with their hands on their
stomach and a grin of inefable good hu-
NOR on their faces. They were no doubt
represented as having dined we'll, and
therefore the more easily to be propitia-
ted. We reached the main temple in
time to witness the rites of the Boodhist
priests. Numerous candles and 'joss-
sticks of sandal-wood were burning at
the feet of the vast statues, and the shaw
en-headed priests, thirty or forty in num-
Der, walked solemnly in circle around
the open space before them, chanting
their hymns. The character of their
chants we're very similar to some of those
used in the Roman Catholic service, and
there were other features in the ceremo-
nies of the priests which showed the same
resemblance. believe this fact has been
noticed by other travellers.
After the chanting was concluded, the
priests came out in single file, and passed
into the large building which they inhab-
II in common. So2c Of them paused to
speak to Mr.. Bonney, who was known to
them, and whom they seemed to regard
without the least animo mosity notwithstand-
ing his missionary character. We then
entered labyrinth of smaller buildings,
in one of which was a printing establish
ment, where the legends Of Boodhism are
multiplied in great quantities. Many Of
the books were Illustrated with curious
wood cuts. A little further, we came up
on the stable of the sacred hogs, and were
allowed a look at the venerated animals
Alas! like many humans, their swinish
nature was only increased and intensified
by their exalted station. Very slothful
and greedy were they.
The temple, with its various attendant
edifces, courts and gardens, covers an a
rea Of forty two acres. The garden, how
ever, is a mere vegetable patch, with
pond of the sacred lotus in the midst
Several of these superb plants were in
bloom, and we bribed laborer to wade
out in the Shiny pool, and procure US a
few blossoms. The slepdcr stem, five
feet in length upholds a brood cup, as
elegant in form as the Warwick Vase,
and about eight inches in diameter, when
fully expanded. The leaves have the
velvety whiteness of alabastcr, veined
with delicate pencillings of the purest rose
color, and in the centre lies the fruit, an
inverted cone of pale green surrounded
with fringe of golden anthers. The
perfume has that fresh and healthy sweet
ness which never clogs the sense. The
rose may be queen among flowers, but
the Lotus, sublime in its purity, grace
and exquisite beauty, is goddess. How
gorgeous a show must its blossoms make,
on the White Nile, where, at the first ray
of sunrise, tens Of thousand fash open all
at once, along leagues of shore.
Beyond the pool was a little copse, in
which stands small building, used in
the incrematon of the dead priests. 1t
is a simple chamber, with a small en-
trance, and vents for the escape of the
smoke. The body is placed on funeral
pile, which is replenished until the flesh
is roasted in cindcrs, and the bones cal
cined into dust. On our way back to the
river we passed through the habitation of
the priests, taking look at their kitchens
and refactories. 4 number Of the young
brethren gathered around US, lusting
strongly after the carnal qualification of
cigars, and my whole stock was soon di-
vided among them. Mr.. Bonney took
me to visit former abbot, man of much
learning, who now lives in a quiet way,
on pension He received US with much
cordiality ard showed US his bachelor es-
tablishment of three rooms and little
garden, which were kept in great neat
ness and order. He was about sixty
years of age, and his pale face, calm eye,
and high, retreating brow, spoke Of a Sc
rene and studious life. In an inner
chamber, however, [ noticed one Of those
couches which are used by the opium
smokers, and the faint subtle odor of the
drug still hung about the furniture and
the walls.
In spite of the penalties attached to it
by Chinese Law, the smoking Of opium is
scarcely a concealed practice at present.
I have seen it carried on in open shops
in Shanghai, where there are some streets
which are never free from the sickoning
smell. 1t had always been my intention
to make a trial Of the practice, in order
to learn its effects from personal expert
ence, and being now on the eve of leaV-
ing China, l applied to q gentleman re-
siding here, to put me in the way of en-
joying a pipe or two. He was well ac-
quaintcd with Chinaman who is addic
ted to the practice, and by an agreement
with him, took me to his house last even
ing. We were ushered into long room,
with divan or platform about three feet
high, at the farther end. Several China
men were in the room, and one stretched
out on the platform, was preparing his
pipe at lamp. The host invited me to
stretch myself opposite to him, and place
my head upon one of those cane head
stools, which serve the Chinese in lieu of
nilloWs