EXACTIONS OF THE SOLDIERS. 
141 
ascertained the excessive fondness of all classes of the Chinese for snuff. 
Sir George Staunton having put in my possession several bottles 
of Brasil snuff, which they prefer to any other, I always started on 
my excursions furnished with a good supply, in small packets, and 
found them accepted as a sufficient and grateful reward for any ser- 
vice. It was highly amusing to see the eagerness with which any 
one who had just obtained a packet was assaulted by those about him* 
The instant the paper was opened, thumbs and fingers from all quar- 
ters speedily emptied its contents. Although the Chinese would in 
this way take it from their companions, I could never persuade 
them to do so with me. They would shake it into their hands from 
the paper or box, but would never take it out of either with their 
fingers. 
It was necessary, in giving any thing to the common class of 
people, to watch our opportunity when the soldiers who attended us 
were off their guard. Whenever they observed us offering any thing 
to their countrymen, they, by some sign or other, informed them that 
it was their property ; and when once their basilisk look had taken 
effect, the victim durst not attempt to appropriate the gift. Of this 
influence I had several striking proofs. In passing from one 
bank of the river to the other, I often employed any poor waterman 
whose boat I chanced to meet with ; but I do not recollect an instance 
of his being able to secure the slight payment he received from the 
rapacity of my guard. In one instance I obliged the soldier who 
crossed with me to land before me, and then gave poor Charon his 
fare, and made signs for him to push his boat from the shore. I 
thought he had done so, and walked off, keeping the soldier before 
me ; but had not proceeded far, when my attention having been for a 
few minutes attracted by some plants, I missed the soldier ; and on 
looking for him, saw him robbing the poor wretch, who had not 
dared to quit the spot on which I had landed. I could with all my 
heart have sent the soldier to the bottom of the river. But any 
violent expression of rage, on such an occasion, would only have 
been repaid tenfold on the unfortunate object for whose sake it had 
