1 224 
THROUGH ASIA 
the mission-station of the Belgian Catholic Brothers at 
the village of Sung-shu-chwang, situated twenty-five li 
(seven miles) east of Liang-chow-fu. The bishop had 
gone to Peking, but was expected home for Christmas. 
I was however received with great friendliness by three 
of the Brothers, who offered me red sparkling wine, 
cigars, and cakes. Their church, a noble building, partly 
constructed in the Chinese style of architecture, and with 
a high tow'er surmounted by a cross, was visible from 
a great distance all round the village. The large window 
behind the altar was filled with stained glass, and there 
was an image of the Virgin on the altar, with candles 
burning in front of it. It was a strange sight, to see a 
full score of Chinese rustics kneeling on the floor of the 
