170 HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE. [Cuar. X. 
observed some very beautiful specimens of the 
new fir (Cryptomeria japonica), and obtained some 
plants and seeds of it, which may now be seen 
growing in the Horticultural Gardens at Chiswick. 
After we had breakfasted, one of the head priests 
came and gave us a very pressing invitation to dine 
with him about mid-day ; and in the meantime he ac- 
companied us over the monastery, of which he gave 
the following history: — ‘Many hundred years 
ago a pious old man retired from the world, and 
came to dwell in these mountains, giving himself up 
entirely to the performance of religious duties. So 
earnest was he in his devotions that he neglected 
everything relating to his temporal wants, even to 
his daily food. Providence, however, would not 
suffer so good a man to starve. Some boys were 
sent in a miraculous manner, who daily supplied 
him with food. In the course of time the fame of 
the sage extended all over the adjacent country, 
and disciples flocked to him from all quarters. A 
small range of temples was built, and thus com- 
menced the extensive buildings which now bear 
the name of “ Tein-tung,” or the “Temple of the 
Heavenly Boys;” Tein signifying heaven, and tung 
a boy. At last the old man died, but his disciples 
supplied his place. The fame of the temple spread 
far and wide, and votaries came from the most 
distant parts of the empire —one of the Chinese 
kings being amongst the number — to worship and 
leave their offerings at its altars. Larger temples 
were built in front of the original ones, and these 
