25O SHOOTING IN CHINA 



hall where the sons of the deceased 

 worship at stated intervals throughout 

 the year, and the third spirit remains with 

 the coffin and goes to the grave. As holes 

 are left in the vault it would appear that 

 the number three spirit may want to come 

 out sometimes and go about, but the 

 Chinese believe that when this spirit comes 

 out it is for mischief. 



A curious custom prevails in the city of 

 Huchow in connection with a bridge which 

 spans the principal canal which runs 

 through that city. When a boat passes 

 under this bridge no one in the boat is 

 allowed to speak ; when a boat is approach- 

 ing the bridge the boatman will stamp 

 on the deck or make a noise to direct the 

 attention of all on board to the fact that 

 the boat is about to pass under the bridge 

 and all maintain the strictest silence until 

 the bridge is passed. There is no doubt in 

 the belief in the country around and in the 

 city also that if anyone speaks while passing 

 under the bridge he, or some one related to 

 him, is sure to be overtaken by some great 

 calamity, and if the boat should meet with 

 an accident it is immediately concluded 



