249 



expenditure of what they earn . Much of this selfish- 

 ness too, may be more superficial than real, and may 

 lake n* tone from the trammels of the social system, or 

 from the superstitious, Sf tins bustling people. Thus, 

 in China, a man will pass by another who is in danger 

 nt Ix in- drowned without helping him. A foreigner 

 would exeJ.iim against the iulinuianity of such cou- 

 duct ; but the Chinese there know that every one 

 who should happen to be seen near the spot where a 

 man is found dead, runs a serious risk of heing impli- 

 cated in murder. The habits of Chinese society 

 have all a leaning to the side of luxury, and it almost 

 neressarily follows that incessant industry is required 

 of its members to enable them to enjoy that luxury ; 

 and as physical enjoyment is their supreme aim, few 

 bf the Chinese— of ours at least — distract their minds 

 by serious mental occupation, 



Were die iron rod which now keeps the busy mub 

 titudes of China in subjection, to l>e broken, and a 

 more equitable rule to !>e substituted, there can be 

 little doubt that the) would exhibit an equal decree 

 of frigidity on political subjects, and as strenuous a 

 disregard of whatever should not minister to the 

 senses and the cravings of self-love and interest, as 

 they now display in the Straits, in Siam, and in other 

 Indo-Chinese regions and that, under such circum- 

 stances, it would be quite a matter of indifference to 

 them who swayed the Capricorn banner within the 

 great wall.* 



• The Leeoong, which is the sign of Capricorn in China, sprawls on the 

 Emperor's banner.. Hi* Imperial Majesty is privileged with a portraiture of 

 this fabuioai animal on his stand .rd, each foot of which lias five toes. The 

 figures of it on inferior banners bare no more than four toes. The rid) thea- 

 trical silk dresses of the Chinese are emblazoned with representations of it. 

 It is ihe Macara, or horned alligator, of Hindoo astronomy and mythology. 

 The Mamrkon of ihe Siamese. 



