Cuar. X.] SALE OF GODS OR JOSSES. 189 
the remains of candles and sticks of incense. In 
almost all Chinese towns there are shops for the 
sale of idols of all kinds and sizes, varying in price 
from a few “cash” to a very large sum. Many of 
those exposed for sale are of great age, and have 
evidently changed hands several times. I am 
inclined to believe that the Chinese exchange those 
gods which do not please them for others of higher 
character, and which they suppose are more likely 
to grant an answer to their prayers, or bring 
prosperity to their homes or their villages. 
The periodical offerings to the gods are very 
striking exhibitions to the stranger who looks upon 
them for the first time. When staying at Shanghae, 
in November, 1844, I witnessed a most curious 
spectacle in the house where I was residing. It 
was a family offering to the gods. Early in the 
morning the principal hall in the house was set in 
order, a large table was placed in the centre, and 
shortly afterwards covered with small dishes filled 
with the various articles commonly used as food by 
the Chinese. All these were of the very best de- 
scription which could be procured. After a certain 
time had elapsed a number of candles were lighted, 
and columns of smoke and fragrant odours began 
to rise from the incense which was burning on the 
table. All the inmates of the house and their 
friends were clad in their best attire, and in turn 
came to Ko-tou, or bow lowly and repeatedly in 
front of the table and the altar. The scene, 
although it was an idolatrous one, seemed to me to 
