Chap. VII. 
TEMPLE OF KOO-SHAN. 
105 
hill of Koo-shan is fully 3000 feet above the level of the 
river Min, and the temple is about 2000 feet up, or 1000 
feet below the summit. A well-paved path, about six 
feet in width, has been made the whole way up to the 
temple. As the traveller ascends by this winding cause- 
way, he gets now and then the most charming view that 
can be imagined, which well repays him for his toil in 
the ascent. Now he looks down amongst rocks and trees 
into some retired and rugged valley, where the soil is so 
barren that it will not repay the industry even of the 
Chinese : — a corner is turned, and he reaches one of 
those resting-places which are built at regular distances 
for the accommodation of the weary pilgTim, where a 
glorious view is spread before him. It is the wide and 
fertile valley of the Min, intersected everywhere by 
rivers and canals, and teeming with a numerous and 
industrious population. 
In about an hour I reached the porch of the temple. 
Some idle-looking priests were lounging about the steps 
which led up to the first range of buildings. As soon as 
I was observed, one of them ran off and informed the 
superior or abbot, who came down and received me with 
great politeness. I told him I had come to see the 
temple, of which I had often heard, and requested he 
would send some one to conduct me over it. An old 
priest clothed in a yellow gown now presented himself 
to conduct me through the various parts of this exten- 
sive edifice and over the grounds. 
This temple is built upon the same plan as that at 
Tein-tung, near Ning-po ; indeed a description of one 
would nearly do for the other. It consists of three 
f3 
