60 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. III. 
had an imposing appearance, and was just such as the 
Chinese most admire. Guides conducted us through the 
place in the same way as at the show-houses in England, 
and also expected to be paid for their services. The 
resemblance went a little further, for we 'were passed 
on from one guide to another, and each had to be paid. 
On the hill sides in this part of the country I met 
\ with many plants which are rare in other parts of China, 
I at least on the hills nearer to the sea. The fragrant 
I Chimonanthus, which is now such a favourite in England 
(where it blooms in the open air at Christmas), was quite 
common. But the most interesting of these plants I 
found in an old garden, and it is likely to be much 
prized at home. I will here relate the accident by which 
it was discovered while we were at Tung-che. My 
coolie and myself were busy collecting tea-seeds on a 
small hill not far from the town. After collecting all 
.. the seeds we could find, I happened to get a glimpse of 
/ a very fine specimen of the funereal cypress, -with which 
I was so charmed, that I determined to go to the spot 
where it was growing and enjoy a nearer view. I desired 
my attendant to accompany me, in case any ripe seeds 
might be found upon it. As we approached the village 
we discovered that the tree was inside a garden, which 
was surrounded by very high walls. Naturally sup- 
posing that there must be a gate somewhere, we walked 
round the walls until we came to a little cottage, which 
seemed to have served the purpose of a lodge. We 
passed in here with all the coolness of Chinamen, and 
soon found ourselves in a dilapidated old garden. A 
large house, which had formerly been the mansion, was» 
