ands, beating two bamboo sticks against each
other, an operation with which he continues to annoy all whom he
visits, till he is relieved by some trifling gratuity, usually a
single _cash_. A gilt image of Fo is inserted in the front part
of the counter, and a small covered tub, filled with tea, with a
few cups near by, standing on the counter, from which customers
are always invited to help themselves.

"The merchants and shop-keepers of Canton are prompt, active,
obliging, and able. They can do an immense business in a short
time, and without noise, bustle, or disorder. Their goods are
arranged in the most perfect manner, and nothing is ever out of
its place. These traits assimilate them to the more enterprising
of the Western nations, and place them in prominent contrast
with the rest of the Asiatics. It is confidently asserted by
those who have had the best opportunities of judging, that as
business men, they are in advance of Spanish, Italian, and
Portuguese merchants.

"There is a variety of amusing inscriptions on the scrolls hung
up in the interior of some of the shops, which serve at the same
time to mark the thrifty habits of the traders. A few specimens
are subjoined:--'Gossipping and long sitting injure business.'
'Former customers have inspired caution--no credit given.' 'A
small stream always flowing.' 'Genuine goods; prices true.'
'Trade circling like a wheel,' et cet."

In addition to the above models, the collection includes an almost
innumerable variety of specimens of the fine arts and manufactures,
comprising almost every article of use and luxury--furniture, modern and
antique porcelain, models houses, pagodas, boats, junks, and bridges;
pieces of silk, linen, cotton, grass-cloth, and other fabrics
manufactured in China for home consumption; books and drawings, costume,
idols, and appendages of worship; weapons, musical instruments, signs,
mottoes, and entablatures, and numerous paintings, which last, it is
justly observed, "will satisfy every candid mind that great injustice
has been done to the Chinese artists, in the notion hitherto entertained
respecting their want of skill. They paint insects, birds, fishes,
fruits, flowers, with great correctness and beauty; and the brilliancy
and variety of their colors cannot be surpassed. They group with
considerable taste and effect, and their perspective--a de