( 56 ) 



Inftead of roads, the center avenues are fometimes 

 formed into navigable canals, from one hundred to one 

 hundred and fifty feet wide, being fufficiently deep to admit 

 galleys and other fmall vefiels; with horfe-ways on each 

 fide of the canals, for the convenience of towing them, 

 either againft the wind or the ftream. On thefe the 

 emperor, and Chinefe mandarines, are frequently con- 

 veyed, in large magnificent fampans or barges, divided 

 into many fplendid rooms ; being fometimes attended by 

 a considerable train of fmaller veffels, of different con- 

 ft ructions, adorned with dragons, ftreamers, lanterns of 

 painted filk, and various other ornaments, the whole 

 compofing a very brilliant and entertaining jfhow. 



All the imperial forefts, befides the high roads which 

 pafs through them, have many fpacious avenues cut in 

 the woods, fpreading from different centers, like rays of 

 ftars, and terminating at idol temples, towers, caftles, and 

 ajl the interefting objects of the circumjacent country. The 

 centers from which thefe avenues part, are of a circular 

 or octagonal figure, with eight avenues ; or of a femi- 



circular 



