The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-10-24
A Visit to a Family III AMMAN.

A sojourn of two days gives the pas
sengers on the Natal ample time to visit
the city of Saignon. This European
city is very attractive on account of the
beautiful and well kept trees that border
its streets like the lanes in a park, and
the pretty little hotels which line its
roads. Large and handsome gardens
are within easy reach aud add to the
pleasure of a visit there.
Thanks to the kindness of some friends
who acted as guides, l was able to visit
the most curious section of the district,
namely, Cholon, the Chinese section,
where over 60, 600 Chinese and Annamites
reside. They live in little picturesque
houses, and adorn their shops with
various exotic plants full of interest to
stranger Guided by my friends, we
visited very rich Annamite family, who
lived in one of the prettiest streets in
Cholon. Unfortunately the father was
studying i'll PARIS. We were, however,
most Hospitality received by the two
eldest daughters. They were attractive
looking women with beautiful eyes, but
their black teeth, which were lacquered,
detracted somewhat from their beauty.
They were clothed in long trousers, and
with tunie of white Chinese crepe
which entirely enveloped their figures.
They wore gold collars and diamond
| bracelets, while their hair was held in
position by golden pin that clasps
their locks in knot. After the formal
presentation, We were conducted through
the principal apartments of the house.
They were very simple in appearance,
| with bare white walls but they were
filled with beautiful furniture inlaid
with mother Of pearl, and we noticed
some exquisite brio a-brac, such as
| chiseled silver vases, jade ornaments,
arms and embroidered silks, worthy of
the finest collections. The garden was
| charming, and the young ladies showed
| US with pride some ornamental plants
that their father had procured for them
from Canton.
One of these represented a peacock
| seated on its perch, another a tiger with
enameled eyes. Perhaps the most cur
ious of all were little dolls representing
| Chinese ladies and mandarins. TIE
head, the hands, and the feet were of
enameled porcealine, while the body was
| made of wire and covered with trailing
vines. The vines are planted in such
way that they grow through the feet of
the image. The vine grows rapidly,
except hands, feet, and head. When
the figure is entirely clothed with the
| foliage, the effect is very fine.
In the middle of the garden and sur
rounded by pools of hmpld water is
pagoda of carved wood. The pavement
is laid in precious marble, and it's col
umns are of carved wood, while the roof
is richly ornamented. At the rear OF
the pavilion there are thee affairs, on
which are three bronze vases and
brazlers, in front of large statues of
Buddha. Our hostesses invited us to
rest in this pavilion. Their mother had
erected it in honor of their father DUR
irg his visit to the exposition at Paris
as surprise for him upon his return.
After refreshments were served, at
our request Their servants brought their
the gold work that they showed us, gold
bracelets, carved ivory boxes, etc.-By
Albert 1issandier, in La Nature