The daily intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Territory [i.e. Wash.]) 1876-1881, 1877-03-05

Of exquisite carving, stands the opium
lounge, while arranged along the sides
are chairs Of heavy black wood with
polished marble backs and seats. there
being between each Of the two chairs a
marble topped table OF the same ponde-
rous make Ia the centre Of the hall
l. an Diagonal table on which the viands
laid cut are with tempting profusioa
and nrnamen.ed with the choicest tiow
ers Of the orange. citron. camelliA and
China aster, while standing on brack-
cts on the walls Of the sglo5s are repre-
sentations Of animals. the frame work
made OF split BAN boo, and covered with
tubeI roses. jessAmine and meili-. ia or
honey flower, So IS completely to con-
ceal the frame. The table groAns with
various descriptions of dried spices,
preserved fruits and sweet meats. whilst
pine apples, shaddocks, lilkle and ban.
anLas and other luscious fruits placed are
in porcelain bowls Of antique shape,
with due regard TO effect.
The visuds are cut into small. square
pieces aud served up in = rich gravy.
the iruit being placed in bowls instead
Of dishes. each bowl corresponding with
the other in size. pattern and shape. the
largest being placed in the centre Of the
table. The sauces. such as oil, soy. vim
egar and capers are In small bowls
placed OH lacquer trays, while the wine.
which is drank warm is held in metal
pots of slender. upright form, with
handle and spout. and which are dis
persed at eQua. distances about the
board; instead Of plates from which to
eat, saucers are used. alongside of each
of which a pair Of chop-sticks. in lieu
of knife and fork. is laid together
with small china spoon.
Now comes what might be called the
crowning mercy. Course follows course
in rapid succession, and the ceremony
may be prolonged dd infnitum. In di-
ametrical opposition to US the Celestial
commences with the fruit and winds up
with the soup. 80 one has to 60 through
the interminable rami6cations of fruit.
flesh. fowl. and tish-broiled ducks,
roast pork, sharks fms, and sea-
slug. until last but not least,
the birds nest soup makes its sp-
pearance. This much priced COM
estible is made from the gelatinous
lining Of the swallows nest, aud after
being favored is by no means to be des-
pissed. 1t has often been asserted that
earth worms are to be found at the
tables Of the luxurious. This statement
l believe to be incorrect, but on one oc-
cason saw what might easily be mis-
taken for the creeping things, namely;
the bulb formed at the root of the
sugar cane. and which are con-
sidered delicious morsel by the Chi
nese species 4 mark Of extreme good
breeding is for the host with the chop
sticks he has beep just using to thrust
some rare tit-bit on to his visitors plate
st the same time lauding its full and
rich flavor. When taking wine the host
rises from his chair and challenges one
Of the ass .mbly. who in his turn rises
also aud accepts the challenge. Tho
wine cups are raised with both hands
head high; they toss off the contents,
then reversing them and tapping them
with the thumb nail to show they have
been drained dry.
Possibly the only circumstance incon-
sistent with all notions Of good breed
ing to be witnessed at q Chinese dinner
is that during and after the meal eruc-
tations are heard around to an alarming
extent. This practise is INDUCED iu
for the purpose of evincing how good
the food is. aud how fully the guests
have satisfied the cravings OF hunger.
FOX according 10 Chinese notions a stig-
ma would be cast upon the host aud en-
tertainment weie these musical slunds
omitted. 1t Is most polite phr.sa when
retiring from a feast to say to the host
who insists upon walking to the door to
bid you q safe journey. "do not move,
DO not move, lest the flavor of your
meal should depart from you" f.