168 BRONZE ELEPHANT 



through a dark archway, is an ele2:)hant cast in bronze 

 and of large size, quite as large as the tallest found in 

 nature, and- very lifelike, except that it has six tusks, 

 three each side. This has been cast in three horizontal 

 pieces. On his back is a huge lotus flower in which 

 is seated a gilt image of Buddha. The whole is sur- 

 rounded by a hexagonal stone palisading through which 

 there is a doorway. 



The interior of the building is verj^ dark and is square 

 at the base, or nearly so, changing to a circular domed 

 roof. This was the most interesting image I saw on the 

 mountain. The castings must be of immense weight 

 and are undoubtedly of great age. Who the workmen 

 were, it is, I believe, impossible to find out, and also 

 why the figure of an elephant has been introduced, as 

 they are unknown in the region. I have never seen 

 an image of one before in China. 



On stalls near the temple may be seen pieces of 

 crystal for sale. These are said to come from caves in 

 Wa-shan, and some of them contain a small quantity 

 of water, which much increases their value. A very 

 peculiar kind of tea is also sold, and is, I believe, only 

 found here. When prepared for use in the ordinary 

 Way, it is very sweet without any addition of sugar. 

 Long carved sticks are to be purchased to help one up 

 the steep ascent, and also to take away as mementos. 



