Page:The costume of China, illustrated in forty-eight coloured engravings.pdf/161

 A MANDARIN'S TRAVELLING BOAT.

Mandarins, who are employed in travelling from place to place on the public service, keep barges for that purpose, as carriages are kept in England.

They are generally ornamented by painting and varnishing the pannels and mouldings with various devices, Sec. At night, or during rain, the part occupied by the Mandarin is inclosed by shutters, and the light is then received through lattices, covered with laminae of oyster shells.

The gunwale of these barges (as with most Chinese vessels) is sufficiently broad for the watermen, Sec. to pass from stem to stern, without inconvenience to passengers in the principal apartments.

The Mandarin is seen attended by soldiers and servants, who are bringing his dinner; the double umbrella, or ensign of his authority, is conspicuously placed to demand respect; the flag and board at the stern, with Chinese characters on them, exhibit his rank and employment; these insignia of power also serve as a signal for other vessels to make clear passage for him, in consequence of which, such boats are seldom obstructed in their progress through the immense number of vessels constantly employed on the canals. The master of any vessel who, by mismanagement, or even accident, should impede these officers in the exercise of their duty, would most likely receive the instant punishment of a certain number of blows from the bamboo, at the discretion of the Mandaiin.