262 
WANDERINGS IN CHINA. Chap. XVII. 
namen told us we should pass a celebrated temple on 
the northern side, which we had now to descend. This 
ter-iple, they said, was called Shan-te-Maou, and was 
situated amongst the most beautiful mountain-scenery, 
besides being a famous place for refreshment and rest. 
It was evidently a place in high repute amongst the 
Chinese, so we pushed on for it, determining to dine 
and spend the remaining portion of the day there. We 
had not gone very far when our road led through some 
beautiful bamboo woods. These and other large trees 
told, in language not to be mistaken by the Chinese 
traveller, that we were within the precincts of the 
Buddhist temple. 
Shan-te-Maou is built upon a steep hill-side. As we 
approached it, the temples were seen on the right-hand 
side of the road, and the refectory on the left, while the 
space between was thatched over to afford protection 
from the sun and rain. The temples were in three grand 
divisions, each rising one behind the other up the hill- 
side. They were crowded with images, many of which 
were very large. The refectory was also upon a large 
scale, and was evidently a source of considerable profit 
to the priests of Buddha, who inhabit this mountain. In 
its centre there was a large space, roofed over, but open 
at the sides, and crowded with tables, forms, and chairs 
for the guests. On each side there were kitchens, bake- 
houses, and all the appurtenances of a large inn. 
As the place was so beautiful, and its productions so 
interesting to me, I determined to halt for a day or two 
at this temple, before bidding adieu for ever to the Bohea 
mountains. The good priests had no objections to this 
