The boy travellers in the Far East : adventures of two youths ... - Library

RIDING IN A CHINESE CHAIR. aax
CHINESE GENTLEMAN IN A SEDAN.
China, because the streets are very narrow, and the carriage could not
move about. But we saw some sedan-chairs, and one of these days we
are going to have a ride in them. It looks as though a ride of this sort
would be very comfortable, as you have a good chair to sit in, and then
you are held np by men who walk along very steadily. Ordinai'ily you
have two men ; but if 3'ou are a grand personage, or are going on a long
course, three or four men are needed. The chair is quite pretty, as it has
a lot of ornamental work about it, and the lower part is closed in with
light panelling or bamboo-work. It is sui'prising what loads the coolies
carry, and how long they will walk without apparent fatigue. They are
accustomed to this kind of work all their lives, and seem to think it is
all right.
" We came back pretty tired, as the streets are not agreeable for walking
on account of the dust and the rough places. The}^ don't seem to care
how their streets are in China. When they have finished a street, they
let it take care of itself ; and if it wears out, it is none of their business.
I am told that there are roads in China that were well made at the start,
but have not had a particle of repair in a hundred years. They must be
rough things to travel on."