168 BRONZE ELEPHANT 
through a dark archway, is an elephant 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 very 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. 
