[49] The beautiful wife of a legendary chieftain, named Hou I, who flourished about 2,500 B.C. She is said to have stolen from her husband the elixir of immortality, and to have fled with it to the moon.
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[50] The name of a celebrated pas seul of antiquity.
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[51] This form of sport may still be seen in the north of China. A hare being started, two Chinese greyhounds (which are very slow) are slipped from their leash in pursuit. But, as the hare would easily run straight away from them, a falcon is released almost simultaneously. The latter soars to a considerable height, and then swoops down on the hare, striking it a violent blow with the “pounce,” or claw. This partially stuns the hare, and allows the dogs to regain lost ground, by which time the hare is ready once more, and off they go again. The chase is ended by the hare getting to earth in a fox’s burrow, or being ultimately overtaken by the dogs. In the latter case the heart and liver are cut out on the spot, and given to the falcon; otherwise he would hunt no more that day. Two falcons are often released, one shortly after the other. They wear hoods, which are removed at the moment of flying, and are attached by a slip-string from one leg to the falconer’s wrist. During the night previous to a day’s hunting, they are not allowed to sleep. Each falconer lies down with one falcon on his left wrist, and keeps up an incessant tapping with the other on the bird’s head. This is done to make them fierce. Should the quarry escape, a hare’s skin is thrown down, by which means the falcons are secured, and made ready for a further flight. Occasionally, but rarely, the falcon misses its blow at the hare, with the result of a broken or injured “arm.”
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[52] Abstinence from wine and meat, and celibacy, are among the most important dogmas of the Buddhist church, as specially applied to its priesthood. At the door of every Buddhist monastery may be seen a notice that “No wine or meat may enter here!” Even the laity are not supposed to drink wine.
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[53] Having renewed his youth by assuming the body of the young man into which his soul had entered.
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[54] One of the “Six Boards” at the capital, equivalent to our own War Office, Board of Works, etc.
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[55] The Chinese names for two stars: βγ Aquila and α Lyra.
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[56] Lanterns very prettily made to resemble all kinds of flowers are to be seen at the Chinese New Year.
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[57] This is, as with us, obligatory on all friends invited to a marriage.
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[58] The accompaniment of all weddings and funerals in China.
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