bazaar in search of a hat or a pair of
shoes. In these bazaars, it is customary for a dealer to ask much
more than he means to take, and for a buyer to offer infinitely less
than he means to give; it is, therefore, rather difficult to strike a
bargain, and sometimes several days are occupied chaffering about a
price.

The Turkish houses, above the ground floors, are usually built of thin
laths, painted of different gay colours, and the roofs made of tiles,
so that every few months a terrible fire takes place, and several
thousand dwellings are burnt down; but the people are so accustomed to
this that they do not mind it, and look on very contentedly while the
fire rages, smoking their pipes, and drinking coffee.

The Turks are exceedingly charitable, and not only give alms to the
sick and poor, but even to travellers and strangers; and some of them
have exercised their benevolence so far that they have left a sum of
money for digging wells, and for the support of several cats and dogs.
A very great trade is carried on from many parts of the world with
them, as their country is famous for its rich brocades, thick soft
carpets, mattings, baskets, curiously-wrought gold and silver
embroidery, and balsams. It is also remarkable for its attar of roses,
spices, figs, and coffee; all very good things, I dare say, you will
think.

[Illustration]

Some things have been sent from China to our Exhibition; but the
Chinese people do not seem to care much about it. Indeed, I wonder
they sent at all, for they consider themselves as the only civilized
nation in the world, and call China the "Celestial Empire," while they
imagine that the Emperor is an intimate relation of the Sun, Moon, and
Stars! They are a very industrious nation, however, and the Emperor
encourages them by his example. The poor work in every way they can;
and one of their occupations is carrying about water for sale, as they
have not water brought by pipes into the houses, as we have here.
Here is the picture of a Chinese water carrier.

[Illustration]

They also make the most elaborately carved ornaments, in wood and
ivory; their toys and lanterns are celebrated for their ingenuity and
workmanship. Their fireworks are superior to all those of other
nations; and they excel in tricks and amusing entertainments. The
cultivation of tea is universal, and agriculture--which, you know is
the art of tilling the earth--is held in high esteem; the principal
products