Chap. VIII. AH-SAX-SAW — THE TEMPLES. 
125 
which had a very good effect ; a huge’ belfry stood 
on one side ; and a number of large trees, such as 
pines and Salisburia adiantifolia, surrounded the 
temple. Each side of the avenue was lined with 
shops and stalls, open in front like a bazaar, in 
which all sorts of Japanese things were exposed 
for sale. Toys of all kinds, such as humming-tops, 
squeaking-dolls with very large heads, puzzles, and 
pictures were numerous, and apparently in great 
demand. Looking-glasses, tobacco-pipes, common 
lacquer-ware, porcelain, and such like articles, 
were duly represented. Had the whole been 
covered over with glass, it would have been not 
unlike the Lowther Arcade in London. Crowds of 
people followed us as we entered the avenue, who 
had evidently seen little of Europeans before ; but 
although somewhat noisy, they treated us with the 
most perfect civility and respect. 
On our arrival at the head of the avenue, we 
found ourselves in front of the huge temple, and 
ascended its massive steps. Its wide doors stood 
open ; candles were burning on the altars, and 
priests were engaged in their devotions. It was 
the old story over again — unmeaning sounds, 
beating of drums, tinkling of bells, &c., which I 
had so often heard when a guest in the Buddhist 
temples of China. 
The temple has numerous tea-houses attached 
to it for the accommodation of visitors and devo- 
tees. Adjoining them are many pretty gardens 
with fish-ponds, ornamental bridges, artificial rock- 
