Chap. XVII. MOUNTAIN PASSES AND TEMPLES. 299 



fatiguing. We crossed over three passes during the 

 day. These mountains, like the Woo-e hills, seem 

 to be the strongholds of Buddhism. This morning, 

 on reaching the top of the first pass, I found we were 

 within the precincts of a temple. It was on the left- 

 hand side of the road, while on the right there was a 

 large tea-house for the refreshment of travellers ; a 

 kind of awning connected the two buildings, and 

 formed a covered way which served as a protection 

 from sun and rain. 



A young priest, who observed us, ran and made 

 a table ready and set tea before me. When I had 

 finished tea he returned, carrying a large book in his 

 hand, in which subscriptions for the support of the 

 temple were entered with the names of the donors. 

 This he presented to me, and intimated that " the 

 smallest sum would be thankfully received." Sing- 

 Hoo now explained to him that I was not a Buddhist, 

 and would not subscribe to the support of that re- 

 ligion. Giving him a small sum for the tea, and 

 thanking him for his civility, I took my departure. 

 He closed the book and carried it off, apparently 

 perfectly satisfied. 



About mid-day we reached the top of another pass 

 having a temple somewhat like the last, and a large 

 tea-house or refreshment room attached to it. 



We were now on the borders of two provinces, 

 namely, Fokien and Chekiang, and had to pass 

 through a border-town where a number of troops 

 were stationed. This place is called Ching-che, and 

 stands on the banks of a small mountain-stream 



