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 “The City of Rams.” 37

richly-ornamented cornices and ceilings. It is an assem- bly hall for the merchants of Chin-chow, where they meet to transact business. A certain idol is chosen as their patron, to which regular worship is paid, while once a year a series of theatrical performances are given in the

THE FRENCH CATHEDRAL, CANTON.

rear court, where a pavilion, with a permanent stage, is erected in front of the main reception-hall. This recep- tion-room, called the “Hall of the Southern Pearl,” sparkles with mirrors and chandeliers and vases of antique porcelain, while the walls are decorated with curiously- written scrolls and ancient drawings. The temple was