Page:The punishments of China.djvu/31

 PLATE IV.

AN OFFENDER UNDERGOING THE BASTINADE.

is thrown flat upon his face, and held in that position by one, or more, if necessary, of the magistrate's attendants kneeling upon his back, whilst another applies the pan-tsee to his posteriors.

The pan-tsee is a thick piece of split bamboo cane, the lower end of which is about four inches in width, and the upper end small and smooth, to render the instrument more convenient for the hand. Mandarins of power have usually some persons in their train, who attend them with these pan-tsees, whenever they travel, or go into public, and who are ready, at the nod of their master, to exercise their office in the manner described. After this ceremony, it is customary for the delinquent to return thanks to the Mandarin, for the good care he takes of his education.