﻿126 PICTORIAL MISCELLANY. 



charity. They limp along in the most awkward and painful man- 

 ner, and generally excite great compassion. 



This custom is confined entirely to the native Chinese, and was 

 never followed by the Tartars, who, on the contrary, wear shoes 

 with soles two or three inches thick, longer than the foot, and turned 

 up in front, as may be seen in the Chinese pictures. 



Long nails are also considered a badge of rank, and are cherished 

 with the greatest care. Little cases, made of bamboo, to fit the 

 finger, are worn at night, to prevent the nails being broken during 

 sleep. 



China was made known to Europe by Ptolemy. 



The first English vessel, under Capt. Weddel, visited Canton in 

 the year 1687. 



Trade between China and America commenced in 1784, 



Formerly, all trade with foreigners was transacted by sixteen per- 

 sons appointed by the Chinese government, called Hong merchants, 

 these merchants were heavily taxed by their rulers, and paid them- 

 selves by charging high prices for their goods; and as there was no 

 competition, this was submitted to. 



Formerly, ships on arriving here paid the mandarin of the port 

 a present, amounting to 2 or 3000 dollars, for a permission to trade. 



Since the English \var the board of Hong merchants has been 

 abolished, and all persons may trade with the Fauquies, (as the 

 English are called.) 



The current coin of the country is a small piece of copper, of the 

 value of a mill ; they are used in bunches of 100, strung together by 

 a square hole in the centre. The bunch is called a mace. Foreign 

 dollars are much used in trade, but they are marked by each one 

 who pays them out, and become very much defaced; they are then 

 called chop dollars. 



WHAT is BRANDY MADE OF? 



A chief of the Ottaway Indians, called White John, being once asked 

 what he thought brandy to be made of, answered, that he believed it must be 

 made of hearts and tongues ; for when he had drank plentifully of it he felt 

 as if he had a thousand hearts, and could talk much faster, louder, and longer 

 than when sober. 



