Page:Illustrations of China and Its People vol. IV.pdf/68

 water, and in like manner the humps are furnished with a store of food in the shape of fatty matter which may be absorbed in case of need.

The Pekinese mule-litter is shown in No. 54. It is the usual conveyance adopted by the Chinese, if they wish for ease and comfort, when they visit localities outside the great wall. Two long shafts support the litter, and are harnessed at the ends to the backs of two mules. It was to this chair that I consigned myself on the occasion of my journey to the Great Wall. 1 had formed a high opinion of the sagacity and patience of Pekingese mules; but I was, if possible, still more favourably impressed with their docility after the experiences of the Utter. The defile known as the Nankow Pass is extremely rugged, and the path runs sometimes over rough, precipitous, and dangerous hillsides, sometimes over jagged rocks and boulders; yet the mules planted their steps with care and precision, never stumbling, and only slightly incommoding the occupant of the litter. The shafts of this mule sedan, as may be observed on a close inspection, are long enough to act as springs, so as to do away with the hard jolting, which is a leading characteristic of the Peking cart.