SINGAPORE. 
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On great occasions this hangs down to its full length; but at other 
times, being somewhat in the way, it is wound up on the back of the 
head. I have heard it asserted, that the Chinese never become bald 
or gray; but this opinion seemed to be erroneous, from what I saw in 
this small community. 
The Chinese is at all times to be found industriously employed, 
except when gambling; and were it not for this latter propensity, and 
his desire of cheating foreigners, has probably as few vices as exist in 
any other race. • Wherever he is found, peace and quietness seem to 
dwell ; he moves, and has been moving for ages in the same path, and 
prefers all his own ways to those of the rest of the world. We saw 
the Chinese in some pleasing lights, and were much struck, on these 
festival occasions, by their attention towards their children, and the 
fondness and invariable kindness with which they were treated. 
Besides their seasons of festivity, it appeared that their devotion at 
their temples, or josh-houses, claimed some of their time; and we had 
an opportunity of visiting the interior of one of these. The opposite 
plate, from a drawing made by Mr. Agate, will give a good idea of its 
exterior; but to give it full effect, it wants the accompaniment of the 
moving throng, and the peculiar feelings that one experiences when 
surrounded with the motley groups of the East. This temple is built 
near the water, of granite, brought from China, and is a conspicuous 
object in the landscape. The columns in front are curiously sculptured. 
The interior combines both the ludicrous and hideous. Its interior may 
be said to consist of a central building, in which the principal idols 
are: this is surrounded by a neatly-paved passage, which is uncovered; 
in the centre are seats appropriated to the worshippers. Th.e inner 
temple was called by our cicerone, who was apparently on guard, the 
great temple. It is occupied by three colossal carved wooden idols, 
representations of the human form, about ten feet high, and in a sitting 
posture. One of these, that had a long black beard and mustaches, 
was richly clothed, and painted red, with much tinsel and gilding round 
the head. This idol was named “ Rajerman.” In front of him was a 
female figure, of smaller size, richly dressed, who received from our 
cicerone the name of “ Beebee.” The two other figures were equal in 
size to the first, and as contemptible in carving. Indeed there is not a 
ship-carver in our country, who would not execute a better piece of 
statuary. In front of the figures was an altar-table, on which was a 
smaller one, and on the latter there were coloured wax candles and 
josh-sticks burning. Some of these were made of tightly-rolled gilt 
paper, that had been lighted by the worshippers who had been there 
before us; some flowers were also seen on the altar-tables. At the 
