A Cruel Punishment. 



them. All are open in front as is customary in the East, the 

 shopkeeper sitting cross-legged in the midst of his wares, extolling 

 their virtues but discreetly saying nothing about their vices. 

 The bazaars have covered-in roofs of matting, making the 

 thoroughfare cool and shady, though it tends to keep the many 

 odours arising from shops and people in constant evidence. 



Notable at many of the gateways of Chinese towns are 

 prisoners condemned for various offences. A common sight is 

 the " cangue," a heavy square board fastened round the neck and 



JjiJiUii 



A PRISONER SUFFERINC THE PUNISHMENT OF THE " CANCJUE. 



varying in weight from 25 to 40 pounds. The unfortunate indi- 

 vidual undergoing this punishment must perforce carry this 

 formidable instrument during the whole period of his sentence, 

 making sleep a difficulty and life for the time being a torture. 

 Often when thus exposed they are the butt for the jeers and 

 missiles of passers-by. 



During my stroll through the bazaars of Yarkand I met several 

 Indian traders, some having served with well-known English 

 travellers and being intimately acquainted with the country 



127 



