Page:The costume of China, illustrated in forty-eight coloured engravings.pdf/149

 A CHINESE PORTER, OR CARRIER.

When the wind is favourable, and where the level face of the countiy will admit, the Chinese sometimes hoist this simple kind of sail to lessen the exertion of the driver; when the wind is adverse, the sail is laid aside, and another labourer employed to assist in pulling the machine, by means of a rope placed across his shoulders.

The carriage contains, among other articles, some vegetables, a basket of fruit, a box of tea, loose bamboos, and a jar of wine, the stopper of which is covered with clay, to prevent the air injuring the liquor; on the side are placed his hat, and some implements for keeping the machine in order.

This contrivance is thus described by Milton, in his Paradise Lost, Book III. line 43 7, Sec.

" But in his way lights, on the barren plains

•' Of Sericana, where Chineses drive,

" With sails and wind, their cany waggons light."