Page:China- Its State and Prospects.djvu/606

 to the nature of the Chinese language; while it possesses all the advantages of European stereotype, except durability. It is adapted for printing in different forms and sizes of the character. It requires no complicated machinery, or expensive apparatus. The blocks once cut, need no further correction; though they are capable of it, if necessary. New editions may be frequently printed without trouble; and in travelling, a few blocks may be packed in a small compass, and printed from at every stage.

But the disadvantages of block-printing are, that it is not adapted for ephemeral works, or miscellaneous pieces: neither is it calculated for expedition, in engraving or throwing off copies. The same character must be cut over again, if it should occur ten thousand times. It is difficult, by such a system, to combine other languages with the Chinese. The blocks, after a certain number of copies have been struck off, are of no use but for fire-wood; while they are liable to be destroyed by white ants, before they are worn out. In addition to this, they occupy much room. The blocks for the octavo edition of the Scriptures would occupy sixty-seven cubic feet. If one block be lost or injured, the whole edition is spoiled, unless a type-cutter be at hand, to supply the deficiency. By means of wooden stereotype, the earliest and most inferior works of missionaries are perpetuated, when years of experience, and more extensive knowledge of the language, might enable them to produce something better. Besides which, the type-cutters are troublesome men, very difficult to be kept in order, and should they be prohibited from quitting their native land, our work must come to a stand.

Of lithography, the advantages are,—that small