Page:The Visit of the Teshoo Lama to Peking.djvu/25

Rh spectacles he noticed, was a most splendid display of fireworks, exhibited in celebration of the commencement of the new year, which greatly engaged his attention and admiration. This entertainment continued for three successive days, during which time the Teshoo Lama in company with the Emperor, was a frequent spectator of their beauty and effect. The singular magnificence of some of the Imperial Gardens had made an equal impression upon his mind. In one of these, according to his description, was a large canal, surrounded with figures of a gigantic size, representing the signs of the zodiac; each figure, as the sun entered its corresponding sign, becoming a fountain of water, which continued to play until its passage to the next. An extensive menagery, filled with rare and curious animals, among which were tigers, leopards, bears, deer and the wild boar, was equally successful in attracting their notice. He stated also, that the Emperor had ordered a ship to be constructed on a large lake and armed with guns to resemble a first-rate man-of-war. The guns were discharged on board this ship, to give them an idea of a sea engagement. Feats of horsemanship were not forgotten, with a design to vary their amusements, and fill up the time. In this he said the people of China displayed great agility and skill........"

The Lama is too reported to have given on one occasion an audience to the ladies of the Imperial harem, who came to receive his benediction, which he bestowed upon them while sitting behind a fan of yellow gauze; and fixing