Chap. II. 



A PICNIC. 



37 



that they can sometimes discern the relic illumined 

 with brilliant colours, and as big as a cart-wheel, 

 while the unbelievers can see nothing at all." 



Such are the Chinese traditions concerning 

 these so-called precious relics of Buddha, which 

 one meets with so frequently in Buddhist temples, 

 not only in China, but also in India. 



After inspecting this precious relic I returned 

 through the various temples, which were still 

 crowded with worshippers, to the open air. As 

 the day was warm, I sought shelter from the 

 scorching rays of the sun in a little wood of bam- 

 boos and pines which was close at hand. Here 

 I mixed with groups of worshippers who were now 

 picnicking under the shade which the trees afforded. 

 Each little group had brought its own provisions, 

 which appeared to be relished with great zest. In 

 many instances I was asked to join with them 

 and partake of their homely fare, an invitation 

 which I declined, I trust, in as polite a manner as 

 that in which it was given. Many of them seemed 

 weary and footsore with their long journey, but 

 all were apparently happy and contented, and 

 during the day I did not observe a single instance 

 of drunkenness or any disturbance whatsoever. 

 The Chinese as a nation are a quiet and sober 

 race : their disturbances when they have them are 

 unusually noisy, but they rarely come to blows, 

 and drunkenness is almost unknown in the country 

 districts, and rare even in densely populated cities. 



