for eating.

The people of the "Celestial Empire" are celebrated for their fondness
for making beautiful gardens; but their houses and gardens are quite
different from ours.

What a pretty scene! what a delicious cool walk is formed by the grove
of trees leading to the porcelain tower. And those ladies walking
towards the boat,--or hobbling, more likely; for the Chinese ladies
have feet not much larger than your papa's thumb, which is there
considered a great beauty.

[Illustration]

The common women cannot afford to have little feet, as the feet of the
rich girls are bandaged up in iron shoes, when they are two or three
years old, to prevent their growing larger. These small feet are
called "Golden Lilies;" but I am glad no such barbarous custom
prevails in our own dear country. The Chinese ladies, however, are
extremely accomplished, and can play on many musical instruments,
paint, and embroider. The merchants of China are not at all remarkable
for their honesty, though a few of them are very scrupulous. Many of
them amass great fortunes.

The Chinese have sent in embroidered shawls, table-covers, teas,
curious and intricate toys, and specimens of handicraft.

[Illustration]

Why, we have even specimens of Russian industry, in the Great