Page:China- Its State and Prospects.djvu/36

14 dreaded Tartar hordes now on both sides of the wall, and in possession of the palaces and capital of the empire. The name of the first ruler of the Tsin dy nasty is, however, held in detestation by the Chinese.

Since the days of Tsin, a succession of dynasties have swayed the destinies of China; among the most celebrated of which are Han, Tang, Sung, and Ming, with the two Tartar dynasties Yuen and Tsing. The dynasty Han, lasting from B.C. 205 to A.D. 226, is distinguished for the military prowess and courage at that time displayed; hence the Chinese are still fond of calling themselves sons of Han. After the downfaldownfall [sic] of this race of kings, six smaller dynasties followed, of whom little remarkable is recorded. During the Tang dynasty, from A.D. 620 to 906, learning was extensively cultivated, and the literary examinations were then first established. Between the age of Tang and Sung, five smaller dynasties intervened, during which period printing was invented by one Fung-taou, A.D. 924; while the practice of binding the feet of women appears to have commenced about the same time. At the close of the Sung dynasty, A.D, 1275, Marco Paulo, the Venetian traveller, visited China. While the Mongolian Tartars had possession of China the grand canal was dug, which proved of such incalculable service to the empire; and the Yellow River was brought back to its former bed, by which means much land was brought under cultivation, and former inundations prevented. Under the reign of the Ming dynasty, from A.D. 1368 to A.D. 1643, the Portuguese visited China, and settled themselves at Macao. The present Tartar race have possessed the throne one hundred and ninety-four years.