194 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XII. 
Devil's children, which they charitably apply to the na- 
tions of the western world. 
Having finished dinner, we rose from the table and 
returned to the hall. Warm water and a wet cloth were 
now set before each of us, to wash with after our meal. 
The Chinese always wash with warm water, both in 
summer and winter, and rarely use soap or any sub- 
stance of a similar nature. Having washed my face 
and hands in the true Chinese style, I intimated my 
wish to go out and inspect the hills and temples in the 
neighbourhood. 
Calling Sing-Hoo to accompany me, we descended the 
flight of steps and took the path which led down to the 
lake at the bottom of the basin. On our way we visited 
several temples ; none of them, however, seemed of any 
note, nor were they to be compared with those at Koo- 
shan, near Foo-chow-foo. In truth the good priests 
seemed to pay more attention to the cultivation and 
manufacture of tea than to the rites of their peculiar 
faith. Everywhere in front of their dwellings, I observed 
bamboo framework erected to support the sieves, which, 
when filled vdth leaves, are exposed to the sun and air. 
The priests and their sen'-ants were all busily employed 
in the manipulation of this valuable leaf. 
When we arrived at the lake it presented a fine 
appearance. The noble leaves of the nelumbium were 
seen rising above its surface, and gold and silver fish 
were sporting in the water below, while all around the 
scenery was grand and imposing. Leaving the lake we 
followed the path which seemed to lead us to some per- 
pendicular rocks. In the distance we could see no 
