Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 67.djvu/531

Rh occupant to heaven-bestowed success. In consequence of the favor thus vouchsafed to those who studied in this room, there was such a great rush each season to secure it that vigorous quarrelling and even murder ensued, so that it was relegated to an idol and since then no student has been allowed to study there'.

Mr. R. E. Lewis, of Shanghai, in his 'Educational Conquest of the Far East,' recites the amusing experience of himself and three American companions when visiting the grotto a few years ago. The curiosity of the Chinese concerning all things foreign has often been noted before, but the actions of these students may still be recalled with interest:

We stood in Chü Hsi's venerable college, and presently one, two, three, hesitating, inquisitive men with long finger nails, approached, and stood awkwardly about. After a word of greeting we were shown the main eating room where high square tables, benches with no backs, rice bowls and chop-sticks were chiefly in evidence. Looking around for the New York man of the party, we saw him still in the outer court, beset by two importunate students. They had begun with his shoes, the laces and metal eye-holes being duly explained. They took in his stockings, which were black, in curious contradistinction to a Chinese gentleman's white hose. They fingered his white duck trousers and coat, anxious to know T the cost. The chief Confucian inquisitor proceeded to ask and to prove how many sets of garments a foreigner wears on his arms. This coincided with the three coats which the Chinese expect to wear in weather somewhat colder. When they had reached the New Yorker's pith-hat, there was an outburst of ill-mannered laughter. This prince of Chinese investigators held the piece of head gear in his hand and commented on its lightness in comparison to its umbrella dimensions. He made this sally, 'What is your honorable hat made of?' The New Yorker being yet young in China could not recall the Chinese expression for 'pith,' and turned to another of the party