140 
VALUABLE WINE-GLASSES. 
up its narrow streets; and, after we had been carried some 
three miles, we got out at the head of one of the most 
quiet-looking to stretch our limbs. We were soon sur- 
rounded by a crowd of several hundred; but, though 
they followed us, laughed at us, and even frowned in 
some cases, we got back again without being “spit 
upon.” We saw some singular sights in the shops of 
that no longer “ quiet street.” My journal says : — 
“We entered the open door of this old-curiosity shop 
as much to avoid the crowd as any thing else, and looked 
around us to pass the time. The first thing I saw was an 
oval frame of glass, under which were two xery ordinary- 
looking wine-glasses that were evidently regarded by the 
shopman as rare and valuable. To satisfy my curiosit^q 
I asked him the price of them, and was told five dollai's: 
they could be bought in the United States for fifty cents 
the dozen, if not less.” 
We saw also some beautiful specimens of lacquer-ware 
in another shop : — 
“This man, who was a skilful workman, and whose 
wares were all sent to Pekin (at least a thousand miles) 
as fast as they left his hands, showed us a tray containing 
twelve oval lacquered boxes about as large as one’s fist, 
for which he asked fifteen dollars a set: we admired them 
greatly, buttoned up our pockets, and retreated to our 
chairs. There were four in a set.” 
We returned to the Consulate in time for dinner, and 
the next day were again climbing the wall-like sides of 
the unfortunate “old John.” 
e remained at our anchorage near the pagoda 
several days, during which time we made a partial survey 
