474 Vofjctffe of the Novara. 



nostrils, after which his pipe was again replenished with a 

 small supply of tobacco. 



We next had an examj^le of the custom, already mentioned, 

 of wiping the face with a liot dam23 towel,- one of the attend- 

 ants dipping a rather thick piece of linen cloth in a tub of hot 

 water, which was then wrung out, when the cloth was pre- 

 sented to the Mandarin, who, without in any way interrupt- 

 ing the conversation, from time to time wiped the perspiration 

 from his brow. 



The Tau-Tdi had a well-made, handsome figure, pleasing, 

 rather intelligent, features, a round, smooth, delicate face, 

 without any trace of beard, eyes as usual drawn up at the 

 outer corner, small elegant hands, and beautifully tapered 

 fingers, with very long nails. His dress was very simple ; he 

 wore, for the sake of coolness, a shirt made of thin bamboo 

 shoots, with a long, yellowish, loose surcoat, white drawers, 

 and, instead of the usual Chinese shoe with its high cork soles, 

 or white thick gaiters, he wore light shoes of European make. 

 His head was covered with a cone-shaped straw-hat of very 

 fine texture, with a red tassel and blue knot in the midst, and 

 a dark green peacock's feather, extending horizontally back- 

 wards. 



Business over, a table was covered, and the Tdu-Tai invited 

 to partake. According to the Chinese custom, only confec- 

 tionery, preserves, and fruit were handed round. The liquids 

 consisted of sherry, liqueurs, Chinese wine or Samschoo (made 

 from rice and imbibed from cups in lieu of glasses), and green 



