182 ON CHINESE GARDENS. 



the vessels pass. From these arbours are cut many vistas through 

 the woods, to distant prospects of towns, bridges, temples, and 

 various other objects, which successively strike the eye, and fill 

 the mind with expectation ; when suddenly a farther progress is 

 rendered impracticable by rocks, strong branches, and whole trees 

 lying across the channel ; between which the river is still seen to 

 continue, with many islands ; whereon, and also in the water 

 appear the remains of antient structures, monumental inscriptions, 

 and fragments of sculpture : which serve to give an edge to curi- 

 osity, and to render the disappointment more affecting. 



Sometimes too, instead of being intercepted in your passage, 

 the vessel, together with the whole river, are, by the impetuosity 

 and particular direction of the current, hurried into dark caverns, 

 overhung with woods : whence after having been furiously im- 

 pelled for some time, you are again discharged into day-light, 

 upon lakes encompassed with high hanging woods, rich prospects 

 on mountains, and stately temples, dedicated to Tien-ho, and the 

 celestial spirits. 



Upon their lakes, the Chinese frequently exhibit sea-fights, 

 processions, and ship-races ; also fire-works and illuminations : 

 in the two last of which they are more splendid, and more expert 

 than the Europeans. On some occasions too, not only the lakes 

 and rivers, but all the pavilions, and every part of their Gardens, 

 are illuminated by an incredible number of beautiful lanterns, of 

 a thousand different shapes, intermixed with lampions, torches, 

 fire-pots, and sky-rockets ; than which a more magnificient sight 

 cannot be seen. Even the Girandola, and illumination of St. 

 Peter's of the Vatican, though far the most splendid exhibitions of 

 that sort in Europe, are trifles, when compared to these of 

 China. 



At the feast of Lanterns, in "particular, all China is illuminated, 

 during three days : it seems as if the whole empire were on fire ; 

 every person lights up a number of painted lanterns, of various 

 beautiful forms ; sometimes of horn, glass, or mother of pearl, but 

 most commonly framed of wood, carved, varnished and gilt, upon 

 which is strained thin silk, painted with flowers, birds and human 

 figures, that receive an uncommon brilliancy from the number of 

 lights within : some there are likewise madejike our magic lanterns, 

 representing, by coloured shadows, ships sailing, armies marching, 

 horses galloping, and birds flying, : others are full of puppets, 

 representing mountebanks, buffoons, boxers, wrestlers and dancers 





