China : a history of the laws, manners and customs of the people . of the term,to the ale-houses or gin-palaces which disgrace the cities of morecivilized lands. On country roads, what may be termed tea-shedstake tlie place of tea-saloons. These erections generally consistof a tile roof supported by pillars of brick, and as a rule thehighways pass underneath them. Large and airy, they are agrateful shelter from the burning heat of a tropical sun, to themany wayfarers whose business calls them from home. The teawhich is set before the thirsty travellers is very palatable, and,judging from the m
China : a history of the laws, manners and customs of the people . of the term,to the ale-houses or gin-palaces which disgrace the cities of morecivilized lands. On country roads, what may be termed tea-shedstake tlie place of tea-saloons. These erections generally consistof a tile roof supported by pillars of brick, and as a rule thehighways pass underneath them. Large and airy, they are agrateful shelter from the burning heat of a tropical sun, to themany wayfarers whose business calls them from home. The teawhich is set before the thirsty travellers is very palatable, and,judging from the manner in which they drink cup after cup, itis very much appreciated. Sometimes such tea-sheds are to befound by the side of comparatively deserted roads. In 1853 Iwas travelling with two friends in the district of Heong-shan,and to reach our destination we had to pass through a wild tractof country. For several miles it appeared as if the district wewere traversing was without an inhal)itant. On arriving ata mountain-pass, we found it in sonv parts so rugged and. XIX.] DOGS AND CATS P^LESII IJEvSTAl^J^ANTS. 75 precipitous as to render it necessary for us to dismount from ourponies and walk. The fatigue was much increased by theextreme heat of the summer sun. Feeling sure that we shouldhave no opportunity of refreshing ourselves until the end of ourjourney, we were in a very despairing mood, when fortunatelyour spirits were revived by the sight of a mat-shed, beneathwhich, at a table with cakes and cups of tea arranged on it, satan aged man with a long white beard. We w^ere only too gladto avail ourselves of our unexpected good fortune. Our hostand his fare reminded us of the lines— No flocks that range the valley freeTo slaughter I condemn ;Taught hy that Power that pities me,I learn to pity them. But from tlie mountains grassy sideA guiltless feast I bring—A scrip with herbs and fruits supi)lied,And water from the spring. Noticeable among the restaurants to be found in cit
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Keywords: ., bo, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, bookpublisherlondonmacmillan
