198 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. 
Chap. XII. 
fancy seemed inclined to convert the rocks and trees 
into strange living forms. In circumstances of this kind 
I like to let imagination roam uncontrolled, and if now 
and then I built a few castles in the air they were not 
very expensive, and easily pulled down again. 
Sing-Hoo now came out to seek me, and to say that 
our evening meal was ready, and that the priests were 
waiting. When I went in I found the viands already 
served. We seated ourselves at the table, pledged each 
other in a cup of wine, and the meal went on in the same 
manner as the former one. Like most of my country- 
men, I have a great dislike to the Chinese sam-shoo, a 
spirit somewhat like the Indian arrack, but distilled 
from rice. Indeed the kind commonly sold in the shops 
is little else than rank poison. The Woo-e-shan wine, 
however, was quite a different affair : it resembled some 
of the lighter French wines ; was slightly acid, agree- 
able, and in no way intoxicating, unless when taken 
in immoderate quantities. I had no means of ascer- 
taining whether it was made from the grape, or whether 
it was a kind of sam-shoo which had been prepared in a 
particular way, and greatly diluted with water. At all 
events it was a very agreeable accompaniment to a 
Chinese dinner. 
During our meal the conversation between Sing-Hoo 
and the priests turned upon the strange scenery of these 
hills, and the numerous temples which were scattered 
over them, many of which are built in the most inacces- 
sible places. He informed them how delighted I had 
been with my walk during the afternoon, and how 
much I was struck with the strange scenery I had 
