Directory_and_Chronicle_1845 — Page 200

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To the foregoing we add a few particulars from Lieutenant Ouch- terlony's book, in which, by the bye, are some "astounding errors and incorrect representations.” For instance, the "Illustration" opposite page 304 throws up Alpine ridges in the rear of Sháng-hái, where not a hill or mound of any height is to be seen! The lieutenant tells us that the ramparts of the city, though well built, cannot be accounted strong, by reason of their insignificant height, which renders them easy of escalade in many points; the gateways, four in number, are well placed in square bastions, projecting clear of the main rampart, and having double entrances, so as to isolate the in- ner gates in the enceinte from the outer opening in the front face of the bastion. The military establishments were not found to be on an important scale; the arms and ammunition were poor in quality and of no large amount. The most remarkable buildings are situated near the centre of the city, and consist of spacious halls and pagodas, built in a sort of square of great extent, having in the centre a sheet of water, with bridges, weeping willows, acacias, ornamental stone-. work, &c., &c. The private dwelling houses have usually many squares included in their range, the whole being walled in by high brick enclosures, with only two doors for ingress and exit. The pawnbroker's establishments, except in style and extent, closely re- sembled those of England. The lieutenant's account of these is amusing, but we must refer our reader for it to his book. The ice- houses, a most welcome discovery," were very simple in form and principle of construction, but perfectly efficient, the rays of the sun being reflected from thick high roofs made of thatch, and the com- munication of heat to the interior being prevented by thick mud walls. The ice was abundant. Much of the furniture in the houses was exceedingly solid and good, often elaborotely carved and orna- mented in a very costly manner.” The slabs of marble were es- pecially beautiful.

"One of these, which was let into the back of a couch, measured seven feet and a half in length, and fifteen inches in breadth; it was white, variegated with veins of different hues, and presenting a most tasteful and georgeous appearance."

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