Page:The costume of China, illustrated in forty-eight coloured engravings.pdf/179



Along the canals and public roads of China, great numbers of military posts are erected, at which eight or ten soldiers are generally stationed.

Adjacent to each of these stands a look-out house, commanding an extensive prospect; and adjoining are placed five cones of plastered brick work, out of which certain combustibles are said to be fired in times of alarm from invasion or insurrection. In front of the building is a simple triumphal entrance, on which is an inscription suitable to the place. Near this the imperial ensign is elevated; and on the leftof the house is a frame of wood, in which are deposited different arms, as pikes, matchlocks, bows, &c.

The vessel passing by with a double umbrella, contains some mandarin of distinction, who is saluted by the firing of three petards,* and by the guard, who are drawn out in a rank.


 * The Chinese, on these occasions, never use more than three guns, which are always fired perpendicularly, to prevent accidents.