Many of these games became obsolete in course of time, and new ones
were invented. At the end of the Monarchical Period, during the Manchu
dynasty, we find those most in use to be foot-shuttlecock, lifting of
beams headed with heavy stones--dumb-bells four feet long and weighing
thirty or forty pounds--kite-flying, quail-fighting, cricket-fighting,
sending birds after seeds thrown into the air, sauntering through
fields, playing chess or 'morra,' or gambling with cards, dice, or
over the cricket- and quail-fights or seed-catching birds. There were
numerous and varied children's games tending to develop strength,
skill, quickness of action, parental instinct, accuracy, and
sagacity. Theatricals were performed by strolling troupes on stages
erected opposite temples, though permanent theatres also existed,
female parts until recently being taken by male actors. Peep-shows,
conjurers, ventriloquists, acrobats, fortune-tellers, and story-tellers
kept crowds amused or interested. Generally, 'young China' of the
present day, identified with the party of progress, seems to have
adopted most of the outdoor but very few of the indoor games of
Western nations.


Domestic Life

In domestic or private life, observances at birth, betrothal, and
marriage were elaborate, and retained superstitious elements. Early
rising was general. Shaving of the head and beard, as well as cleaning
of the ears and massage, was done by barbers. There were public
baths in all cities and towns. Shops were closed at nightfall, and,
the streets being until recent times ill-lit or unlit, passengers or
their attendants carried lanterns. Most houses, except the poorest,
had private watchmen. Generally two meals a day were taken. Dinners to