41 8 On the Construction of Kitchen 



Let those reflect seriously on this illustrious example 

 of provident and benevolent attention to the wants of 

 mankind who are disposed to consider the domestic 

 arrangements of the labouring classes as a subject too 

 low and vulgar for their notice. 



If attention to the art by which food is provided be 

 not beneath the dignity of a great monarch, that art 

 by which food is prepared for use, and by which it may 

 be greatly economized, cannot possibly be unworthy of 

 the attention of those who take pleasure in promoting 

 the happiness of mankind. 



As the implements used in China for cooking are 

 uncommonly simple, it may perhaps be amusing to the 

 reader to be made acquainted with them. They consist 

 of the two articles represented below : 



Fig. 65. 



Fig. 66. 



This Fig. 65, which is made of earthen-ware, is the 

 fire-place, which is set down on the ground. The 

 shallow pan, represented by the Fig. 66, is of cast iron, 

 and serves for every process of Chinese cookery. It is 

 cast very thin, and, if by any accident a hole is made in 

 it, their itinerant tinkers mend it by filling up the hole, 



