n^>t^ \.y ■*i<'-fl>) .'/*'t <^^ '4iM-#^- l^fje Hibrarp otttje Wim\ytviitv otMovtfi Carolina Wi)i^ boofe Ijoasf presJenteb T'Vve V*a;\.\e r s o n Fa vx\\ V / ''• ?^.=^. y^. ^ /1^/r^^^ %*^ *1> ■ : X ■: ^ ; SX '. \ ■::> ■■>:■ UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL IIIIIIIIMI 00022230569 ^gfK Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2012 with funding from University of Nortin Carolina at Chapel Hill http://archive.org/details/peterparleystalegood ASIA, PETER PARLEY'S e^.^V^. ^. TALES ABOUT ASIA. WITH A MAP AND NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. BOSTON; GRAY & BOWEN, AND CARTER & HENDEE. DISTRICT OF MASSACHTTSETTS, towif: District Clerk's Office, Be it remembered, That on the fifteenth day of December, A. D. 1830, in the fifty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States OF America, Gray Sf Bowen, of the said District, have deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof they claim as propri- etors, in the words following, to wit : '* Peter Parley's Tales about Asia. With a Map and numerous Engrav- ings." In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled ,^ ' An act for the encouragement of learning by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned 5" and also to an act, entitled, " An act supplementary to an act, entitled, an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts^ and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical- and other prints."' mo. W. DAVIS, \ ""'''^^SS^^^ ADVERTISEMENT. This is designed as a fourth volume in a series of Geographical and Historical Tales for children. Tales of America, Europe, and Africa, have already been published. Tales of Islands in the Pacific Ocean, Tales of the Sea, and Tales of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, completing the series, have also been published. LANCASTER: CARTER, ANDREWS, AND CO., PRINTERS. CONTENTS, Chapter. Page. I. Story of a Tiger and Crocodile 5 II. Parley tells about the country and people of Asia , . 11 III. Parley tells how to go to China, and how he went there . 7 IV. Description of Canton 24 V. Something about China, and the Emperor, and Pekin and Wankin 9 VI. Parley tells about the People of China .... 34 VII. Parley tells about Tartary, and the Tartars . . . 3^^ VIII. Parley gives an account of Thibet 44 IX. Some account of Japan. A short method of saying pray- ers 48 X. Parley meets with an Adventure. Tales about Tea . 63 XI. Description of Malacca and the Malays .... 69 XII. Account of China, India, and the Birman Empire. Grand Procession. Mr. and Mrs. Judson .... 62 XIII. Story of Mr. and Mrs. Judson 64 XIV. Parley tells about Hindostan, the Hindoos, and a Hurri- cane 75 XV. About Elephants, Tigers, Rhinoceroses, and Serpents . 79 XVJ. Religion of the Hindoos 83 XVII. Parley returns to America. A Waterspout. James Jen- kins 87 XVIII. Adventures of James Jenkins . . . . . .91 XIX. Some account of Arabia. Jenkins's Adventures continued 98 XX. Jenkins's Adventures continued 108^ XXI. , , .114 PETER PARLEY^S TALES ABOUT ASIA. CHAPTER 1. Story of a Tiger and Crocodile. * Here comes old Peter Parley once more !' Yes, here I am, alive and well, but I am more lame,- -than ^ I was Ja St year.. I used to get along comfortably, with a cane, but in the winter I slipped down upon the ice, as I was going across Boston Common, and ever since, I have been obliged to go about with a crutch. But if my legs are stiff, my tongue is free ; and as I cannot walk as well as formerly, I love to tell stories better than ever. So I will now tell you about a Tiger and a Crocodile. 1 # PARLEY^S TALES OF ASIA. But I must describe these animals, for I suppose you never have seen either of them. The Tiger is a w^ild cruel animal, shaped like a cat, but larger than the largest dog. Here is a picture of a Tiger. \»n . - — ;«{m\\\\\\\\\\\\v-- ^^^^\ » \V™i A Crocodile is a large ugly creature, with a prodigious mouth, a long tail, and a hard shell. It lives in rivers, and can sink to the bottom, or rise to the top, w^ith great ease. It is very swift in the water, but on the land, it crawls Describe a Tiger 1 Describe a Crocodile 1 parley's tales of ASIA. about with difficulty. Here is a picture of a Crocodile. Now, there was once a ship, sailing along by the mouth of a river. The people in the ship were in want of fresh water, for you know the water of the sea is salt, and cannot be drank. So some of the people in the ship went ashore to get fresh water. One of the men wandered from the rest, and went to a considerable distance along the bank of the river. By and by, he came to a beautiful place, and sat down to rest himself. The trees and bushes were loaded with ripe fruit, and fragrant flowers. There were a multitude of birds with bright plumage, in the 8 parley's tales of ASIA. air and in the woods. They were singing their merry songs, and sporting amid the branches of the trees. It was indeed a delightful spot, and the weather being warm, the wanderer remained sometime beneath the cool shade of the trees, looking with pleasure upon the beautifid scene. He was sitting upon the grass close by the river. By and by, he thought he heard a slight noise in the water. He turned round, and could distinctly see a large Crocodile, just be- neath the surface of the clear wave. The huge animal was already close to him, and the man could see his projecting eyeballs fix- ed upon him. Scarcely had he time to spring to his feet, before the open jaws of the Crocodile were raised above the water, ready to receive their prey. The man instantly leaped upon a rock that was near him, and was preparing to fly from the spot, when a new, and more startling danger, presented itself. Directly before him, a PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. huge Tiger lay crouched in the thicket. The eye of the animal was fixed on the man, and as if sure of his victim, he was waving his tail triumphantly in the air. For a single instant, the sailor looked in speechless amazement upon the Tiger. Then with a sudden leap, he sprang aside, in the #faint hope of escape. With the agility of a cat, the Tiger bounded from his lurking place. His eyes flashing, and his claws expanded, he rushed toward his intended victim, uttering at the same moment a terrible growl. But he missed his aim. The man had passed a little beyond his reach, and the Tiger, leaping nearly over his head, plunged, like a thunder bolt, into the very jaws of the Crocodile. Th'e two monsters now closed with each other in deadly struggle. The Crocodile drew the Tiger into the w^ater, and here the conflict was terrible. . Each striving for victory, they alternately rose and sank in the river. The waves bubbled and swelled around them, and PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. TIGER AND CROCODILE. 10 parley's tales of ASIA. the water to a considerable distance, was stained with blood. At length the Tiger rose to the surface apparently exhausted, and utter- ing a thrilling yell, he sank in the stream. The water settled quietly over him, and no more was seen of these fearful monstefs. The sailor, who had witnessed this scene, paused a moment, and fell upon his knees, to thank Heaven for his remarkable deliverance. He then returned to his companions, and told them this strange story. Now, where do you think this affair happen- ed, if it happened at all ? Not in America, for there are no Tigers nor Crocodiles in America. Not in Europe, for there are none of these animals there. Not in Africa, for there are no real Tigers there. It must have been in Asia therefore. Are there any Tigers or Crocodiles in America 1 Are there any in Europe 1 Are there any i-eal Tigers in Afirica 1 Where are Tigers found 1 parley's tales op ASIA 11 CHAPTER II. Parley tells about the Countries and People of Jlsia. But where is Asia ? That is what I am going to tell you. The world, jou know, is round, and Asia is on the other side of it. If you will take an apple, and stick a pin in one side of it, then turn it over, and stick a pin in the other side of it, one of these pins will represent America, and the other Asia. In order to go to Asia one may travel either east, or west. A part of the way, we may go by land, but the greater part of the distance we must sail in a ship, for there are great oceans between us and Asia. Now Asia is an immense country. It is larger than either America, Africa or Europe. It has as many people in it, as all the rest of the world. It is the country in which Adam and Eve dwelt, in which Moses, David, Solo- mon, and our Saviour lived. Asia is, in fact, parley's tales of ASIA. SIBDRIANS. CHINESE. 12 one of the most remarkable, and interesting portions of the earth. At the beginninpj of this book, is a map of x\sia. The top of the map is north, the right, hand, east, the bottom part, south, and the left hand, west. Now tl;fis great division of the world, is separated, as you see on the map, into thirteen different countries. In the northern part is Siberia, a cold and desolate country, inhabited for the most part by people of low stature, who dress in furs in winter, live in small cabins, and use Rein d^er for drawing their sledges. To the south of Siberia, is the Chinese empire. This consists of China, from which we get tea, and silk goods ; and several nations of Tartars. The Tartars are a wandering Into how many countries is Asia divided 1 In what part of Asia is Siberia'? Describe the Siberians. In what part of Asia is China"? Which way is China from Hindoostan *? From Inile|)en(lont Tartaryl Fx'oin Siberia! What do we get from China 1 Describe the Tartars. parley's tales of ASIA. TARTARS. JAVANESE. parley's tales of ASIA. 13 people, 'who live in tents, possess large flocks of cattle, and wander from place to place. They are excellent horsemen, are fond of the chase, and martial exercises, and despise those people, who live in settled habitations. China is the southern portion of the Chi- nese empire. It is full of people, and is cross- ed in every direction by canals, upon which there are multitudes of boats, carrying goods to various parts of the kingdom. The Chinese are a very singular people, and I shall tell you more about them by and by. A little to the east of China, you see a group of islands, the largest of which is called Niphon. These islands constitute the empire of Japan. The Japanese are very ingenious, but they are so suspicious that they will not let Europeans come into their country. I Describe China. Where are the Japan isles 1 In what direction are they from Persia 1 From China 1 From Hindoostan 1 Which is the largest of the Japan isles 1 What of the Japanese 1 parley's tales of ASIA. BURMANS. $ MALAYS. 14 parley's tales of ASIA. shall tell you some curious things about them, before I have done my story. South of the Chinese empire, you will see a broad piece of land, extending into the ocean. This is called Chin India. There are seve- ral nations here, the principal of which, is the Birman nation. The people here ride about on elephants, as we do on horses. I shall tell you about them soon. At the extremity of Chin India, you observe a narrow point of land, projecting in a south- easterly direction, into the sea. This is a peninsula, and is called Malacca. The people here, are a wild and cruel race, and the coun- try is infested by multitudes of tigers and crocodiles. Now look on the map, and west of Chin India you will see a country, which terminates in a sharp point. This is the country of the In what direction is Chin India from Hindoostaa 1 From the Japan isles 1 From Turkey 1 Arabia '? What is the principal kingdom in Chin India 1 What of the Burraesel In which direction is Malacca from Japan 1 Afghanistan'? Siberia"? Describe Malacca. What of tlie people 1 What of the wild animals 1 PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. II^DEPENDEJNT TARTARS. parley's tales of ASIA 15 Hindoos, and is called Hindoostan. It is also often called India. It is to this country, that many missionaries have been sent. I have no doubt you have heard how the^e Hindoos sometimes drown their children, vainly im- agining that in so doing they please God. Beloo-chistan comprises several different tribes of barbarous people, many of whom are robbers. Afghanistan, which lies to the north of Beloo-chistan, is occupied by a nation who are fond of war and the chase. Persia, lying to the west of Afghanistan, is inhabited by a nation, who are fond of poetry and fine horses. To the north of Persia is Independent Tar- tary, a country of lofty mountains ; and inhab- ited by a nation of bold and daring robbers. To the west of Independent Tartary is a In which direction is Hiniloostan from Arabia 1 Turkey 1 Independ- ent Tartary *? Japan 1 China'? Wliat do the Hindoos sometimes do widi tlieir cliildren 1 In which direction is Beloo-chistan from Japan 1 Wliat of the people of Eeloo-cliistan 1 Which v.ay is Afghanistan from Kamtskatka*? What of the Afghans 1 Which way is Persia from China '? Japan *? Turkey'? What of the people of Persia'? Which way is Independent Tartary from China 1 Hindoostan '? What of die country '? Of the people 1 parley's tales of ASIA. CAUCASSIANS. TURKS. 16 parley's tales of ASIA. great salt lake, called the Caspian sea. On the western border of this lake are the Caucassian countries. The people here, are remarkable for their beauty. Many of the young wo- men are carried to Turkey, and sold for slaves. Southwest of the Caucassian countries is Turkey. You will recollect there is a Tur- key in Europe also. The country of which I am now telling you is in Asia. It is subject to the Sultan of Turkey, who resides at Con- stantinople. The people are chiefly Turks. South of Turkey is Arabia. The people are a wandering race, living in tents, and sub- sisting chiefly by means of their flocks. They have a great many camels, and the most beau- tiful horses in the world. In Arabia, and Turkey in Asia, most of the events recorded in the old and new Testament took place. Which way is the Caspian sea from Japan *? Which way are the Cau- Gtissian countries from Chin India *? What of the people 1 Which way is Turkey from Persia 1 China 1 To whom is Turkey in Asia subject 1 What of tlie people 1 Which way is Arabia from Persia 1 China 1 Japan 1 What of the people 1 What animals have tliey '? What events have taken place in Arabia and Turkey 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 17 Thus I have told you about the divisions of Asia, and the principal nations and tribes inhabiting it. These nations, have none of them white skins, like the Americans, nor are any of them as black as Negroes. Many of them are as dark as our Indians, and some of them are much darker. The v^omen of Japan, and the Caucassian women, are nearly as white as the women of America. None of them are Christians, except perhaps a very few, and these have an imperfect knowledge of Christianity. CHAPTER III. Parley tells how to go. to China, and how he went there. Now that you know something about Asia, 1 w'll tell you the way to go to it. You must get into a ship at New York, or Boston, or What of the complexion of the people of Asia % Are any of the peo- ple of Asia, Christians '? In which direction must you sail to go to Asia '? 15 parley's tales of ASIA. some other place, and sail across the Atlantic ocean, in a southeasterly direction. In about five or six weeks jou will approach the south- ern point of Africa, called the Cape of Good Hope. You will double this cape, as the sailors say ; that is, you will pass around it, and enter the Indian ocean. This is about three thousand miles wide. You will cross it in an easterly direction. By and by, you will come to some great islands. Passing between these and pursuing a northerly course, you will soon come to China. It will probably take you about four months to go from New York, or Boston, to that country. The whole dis- tance, I suppose, is about fifteen thousand miles, measuring the track of the vessel. I have told you, in my stories about Africa, how I once crossed the Indian ocean. I was How long will it take to go to the Cape of Good Hope 1 Wlieie is tlie Cape of Good Hope 1 Which way is it from you 1 What ocean do you cross between the Cape of Good Hope and China 1 How far across the Indian ocean 1 How long does it take a vessel to go from Boston to China 1 How many miles does a vessel sail to reach China, from Boston '? parley's TAI/S op ASIA. • V3 going to China, you remember ; 8/id one day, as we were sailing in the ship Kien Long, we saw a very remarkable object before us in the sea. At first it appeared like the back of a great elephant, and then it appeared like a dark thunder cloud. As we came nearer, we discovered that it was an island, covered with mountainous peaks, so black and ragged, as to wear a truly frightful appearance. I was told that volcanoes once existed in these mountains, and earthquakes are still very common. To the southeast of Asia are a great number of islands, some of which are very large. There are a great many inhabitants in them, and they produce many valuable articles of commerce, such as nutmegs, pepper, cloves, camphor, and other things. I passed between two of these islands, one was Sumatra, and the other Java. I should like to tell you What lie to the scntheast of Asia 1 What can you tel of these islands 1 What islands di' Parley pass between 1 What sea did he ,'ross 1 20 parley's tales of asia. about these, and the other islands in the Pa- cific ocean. Their story is very interesting, but I cannot tell it now. Perhaps I may tell you about them, at some future time. Well, as I was telling you, we sailed along in our ship, and entered the China sea. Pro- ceeding in a northerly course across this sea, we came at length to the mouth of a very large river. There were a multitude of islands, and we found it somewhat difficult to navigate our ship between them. We came at length to Macao, which is sit- uated on an island. It was built by the Por- tuguese, many years ago, and was once a place of great importance. But it is now a small town. We continued to sail up the river, which we found very broad, with a great many islands in it. By and by, we began to approach Canton. The banks of the river were beautifully cultivated, the Where is Macao 1 What can j'ou tell of Macao 1 How did the land appear as Piu'ley approached China 1 PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. 21 plains, the slopes, and the very hills, which hung over the w^ater, were covered with many kinds of fruit, grain, and vegetables. The whole landscape, on both sides of the river, seemed like a garden. The surface of the water was covered with a multitude of boats, of various forms, and di- mensions. They were differently fashioned from our American boats. Most of them were painted with two eyes on the forepart, and ornamented with figures of beasts, birds, and serpents, on the stern or hinderpart. The number of these boats was really countless. Some of them sat motionless on the water, others were moving forward with a slow, and heavy progress, and others still were rapidly shooting over the waves, like birds gliding in the air. It was a strange, yet beautiful scene. The air was soft and balmy, the shores were sprin- What does Parley say of the boats in the river of Canton 1 How does Parley describe the scene 1 22 PARLEY'S TALES OF ASIA. kled over with houses, the land was green with vegetation, and the very bosom of the river was alive with men and women, pur- suing their various avocations. At first, it all seemed to me like a dream. The houses were unlike any I had seen before, .he modes of cultivating the lands, the plants, ^nd the trees, were all singular. The fashion of the boats was strange, the dress, complex- ion, and features of the people were all new. There is nothing more pleasant than the first sight of a strange land. I was indeed delighted with the scene. I stood upon the deck of the vessel, quietly gazing upon the objects around me, when suddenly a loud cry burst from the boats near us ; this was fol- lowed by a crash, and screams of distress. I looked over the side of the vessel, and dis- covered that our ship had upset one of the boats, with three men and two women in it. What accident happened to one of the boats 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 23 These people were immediately carried under the vessel, and I supposed that they must cer- tainly he drowned. But very soon they were all seen amid the agitated waves at the stern of the vessel, swimming like ducks, and tos- sing up and down like corks, upon the billows. They were immediately taken up by the other boats, and not one was drowned. We now arrived at Whampoa, which is about thirteen miles from Canton. Here our vessel stopped. All foreign vessels are re- quired to stop here, and are not permitted to go farther up the river toward Canton. There, their goods are taken out, and carried in boats to the city of Canton. Goods are also brought from the city, and put on board the vessels at this place. Where is Whampoa 1 What of foreign vessels 1 24 parley's tales of asia. CHAPTER IV. Description of Canton. Very soon after our arrival at Whampoa, I went up in a boat to the city of Canton. This is, in many respects, one of the most re- markable cities in the world. The number of inhabitants is five times as great as that of Boston, and tw^ice that of New York. The city is nearly square, and is surround- ed by strong walls, within which no foreigner is allowed to enter. The streets are long and straight, and are chiefly paved with hewn stone. These streets are kept extremely neat, some of them are covered over with arched roofs. Here the shops are full of rich, and beautiful goods. The houses are of one story, and built of brick. They have no windows looking into How many inhabitants in Cantoa 1 Describe the city. parley's tales of ASIA, 25 the streets. The streets are always swarming with people, particularly with porters. There are no coaches, nor carriages, no rattling stages, and no thundering trucks. All the burdens are carried about by the porters; even people, men and women, who are too rich, or too lazy, to go on foot, are carried in chairs by the porters. These porters have their heads, legs, and feet bare, their body is covered with a kind of short frock, and their hair, which is coarse, black, and more than a yard long, is braided, and hangs in a long cue down their bodies. The trade of Canton is immense. There are sometimes five thousand foreign ships at Whampoa. When lying together, their count- less masts look like a forest of trees. These ships come from every part of Europe, and America. The Chinese have very little need of the manufactures, or the productions of oth- er countries. Their own country is so fruitful, What of the trade of Canton 1 26 PARLEY'S TALES OF ASIA. and they are so industrious, that they produce at home, almost everything they want. The foreign ships, therefore, bring to Chi- na little else beside silver money. They bring a little opium, and a few other things, but the amount is small. Attracted by the large sums of money brought to Canton, the people from all parts of the kingdom, bring to this city immense quantities of goods. These consist of tea, porcelain, a species of fine earthenware called china, nankins, silks, gold in bars, mother-of-pearl, and sugar. These goods are transported to Canton on the canals, which communicate with all parts of the em- pire. Immense numbers of boats, loaded with goods, may at all times be seen coming down the Canton river, which is navigable for three hundred miles, into a fruitful, and beautifully cultivated country. What induces the Chinese to bi-ing goods to Canton 1 AVhat are the principal articles furnished to foreign traders 1 How are goods brought to Canton 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 27 No foreigners, as I have before said, are per- mitted to enter the city of Canton. They are obliged, therefore, to remain in the suburbs. These are quite extensive, and constitute of themselves a fine city. Here a great many Americans, Englishmen, and other Europeans reside, for the purpose of superintending the trade, carried on with their respective coun- tries. There are also many silk manufac- tories here, several of which belong to for- eigners. About three miles from the city of Canton, there is a place called the Boat Town. This consists of about forty thousand boats, which cover the river, and form a kind of floating city. These boats all touch one another, and are ranged so as to form streets. The people who inhabit them have no other dwelling, and are prohibited by law from settling on the shore. Each boat lodges a family, including What of the suburbs of Canton 1 Who reside in these suburbs 1 28 grandparents and grandchildren. The num- ber of mhabitants is probably one hundred thousand. The country around Canton is beautiful and healthy. It abounds in all the necessaries, and delicacies of life. This city is the only place in China, where Europeans go to trade. The great article of export, is tea ; of this, forty million pounds, are sometimes sent away in a year. The management of trade at Canton, is committed to a council called Hong. This council consists of twelve or fourteen rich merchants. Describe the Boat Town near Canton. What of the country around Canton 1 What is the chief article of export 1 How many pounds of tea are sent in a year away from China ? To whom is the management of trade at Canton committed 1 parley's *TALES OP ASIA. 29 CHAPTER V. Something about China, and the Emperor, and Pehin, and JVankin. I HAVE now told you about Canton. To us, it is the most important of all the cities of Chi- na, because it is the only one, with which we have any intercourse. I will now tell you something more about the kingdom. The whole country of China, is about two-thirds as large as the United States. The number of people is probably one hundred and fifty million. It is therefore very thickly settled. Very few Europeans have been into the inte- rior of China, because the government is very jealous of foreigners, and will not allow them to travel there. A few persons, however, have passed through Why is Canton the most important city to us in China 1 What is the extent of China 1 How many people in China 1 What do the Chinese say of tlieir country 1 30 parley's tale» of asia. some portions of China, and they all agree in describing the country as full of people. The Chinese say, themselves, that in China there are niore than four thousand cities, that the sea coast is defended by four hundred and thirty-nine castles, and that the villages, scat- tered over the country, are innumerable. The army consists of a million of soldiers. Almost the whole surface of China is under cultivation. The lands are tilled with the greatest industry. Even steep mountains are rendered productive. Walls are built around them to support the soil, and w^ater is raisec} by chain pumps, and sprinkled over them, tc give them fertility. I have told you before, that there were a great many canals in China. These run in every direction, and extend over the whole kingdom. The largest of these is called the Imperial Canal. It extends from Pekin to What of the cultivation of the soil in China 1 What of Canals 1 Of the Imperial Canal '' Parley's tales of asia. 31 Canton. These two cities are but about one thousand miles apart, but this canal, including its windings, is more than one thousand six hundred miles in length. One of the greatest curiosities in China is the great wall. It is built of stone, and is one thousand five hundred miles long. It is carried over mountains and valleys, and is gen- erally about thirty feet high. It is so broad, that six horsemen can ride abreast upon it. It forms the boundary line of China on the north, and was built many hundred years ago, to protect the country from the Tartars, who frequently invaded it. This is the greatest human structure on the face of the globe, and clearly attests the great energy and patience of the Chinese. The emperor of China resides at Pekin. This city is one of the largest in the world. It is about one thousand miles from Canton, What of the Great Wain Where does the Emperor of China live 1 What of Pekin 1 32 parley's tales op ASIA. in a direction nearly north. It is enclosed by high walls, and is exactly square. The streets of Pekin are straight, and the principal ones are three miles in length. It is astonishing to see, the immense con- course of people that continually fills them. They are also thronged with numberless mules, camels, horses and carriages. It is remarka- ble, that, amidst this assemblage of living and moving things, no women are to be seen. The emperor's palace, which is in the city, covers an extent of ground four miles and a half in circumference. It presents an assem- blage of vast buildings, extensive courts, and magnificent gardens, and is surrounded on all sides by a double wall. From this account it appears, that Pekin is truly an immense city. It probably contains ten times as many people as New York. What a prodigious population ! We can hard- Describe the Emperor's Palace at Pekin. How many people in Pekin 1 parley's tales of ASIA. TOWER OF NANKIN. parley's tales of ASIA. 33 \y conceive, that so many people could be crowded into one town. But the Chinese require very little room to live in. Three generations, including grand- parents and grandchildren, often live in one house, and the houses are generally small. They are usually surrounded by walls, six or seven feet high. All the inmates of a house eat in one room, and their beds are only sepa- rated by mats hanging from the wall. Nankin is another famous city of China. It was once the largest in the empire, but now it is decayed. Its walls are sixteen miles in circumference. It still abounds in manufacto- ries of silk. This city has given name to the yellowish cotton goods, called nankeen, so well known in this country. In this city there is a very remarkable curi- osity. This is a tower which is built of porce- lain, nearly two hundred feet high, that is, Describe the houses in Pekin. Describe Nankin. parley's tales of ASIA. 34 PAULEY S TALES OF ASIA higher than the tallest steeple in Boston. It is divided into nine stories, and is ascended by eight hundred and eighty-four steps. In the corners of all the galleries are hung bells with- out number, which produce clear and delight- ful sounds, by the impulse of the wind. CHAPTER VI. Pa7'ley tells about the People of China. I WILL now tell you something of the people of China. I will begin with the Emperor. His name is Kia King. This was the sixteenth son of Kien Long, a celebrated Emperor ol China, who lived to the age of eighty-six. It was after this Emperor that the ship I sailed in was named. The Emperor of China usually resides at Pekin, but he has a palace at a little distance from the city, where he sometimes lives. The picture of this palace is given on the opposite What was the name of the Emperor of China, when Parley was in tha country 1 What can you tell about him 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 35 page. The will of this sovereign throughout his dominions, is absolute. He can take away the life or the property of any individual. If he is disposed to do wickedly, there is no law to restrain him. The people bow to his au- thority, with abject and slavish submission. He is styled the sole ruler of the earth, and the son of heaven. He is sometimes surrounded by a retinue of forty thousand soldiers as his guards, with their colors and music; and the nu- merous princes and grandees of the empire, and frequently tributary kings, heighten this pomp. Such is the servile reverence paid to the Emperor, that it is customary to kneel before his mandates or written commands, and touch the earth nine times with the forehead. A few years after I was in China, Lord Amherst, an English ambassador sent by the king of England, was dismissed, without seeing the Emperor, for refusing to perform this ceremony. AVhat do the people style the Emperor'? What reverence is paid to the mandates of the Emperor 1 Wbut can you tell about Lord Amherst 1 parley's tales of ASIA. I::.: CHINESE IDOL. 36 parley's tales of asia The religion of the Chinese is very singular. They do not believe in the Bible, nor do they know anything about it. The learned men have, in fact, very little religion at all. They pay great reverence to the opinions of Con- fucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher. The common people are chiefly worshippers of a deity, who bears the name of Fo. They have many temples filled with gigantic images, to which they attribute great virtues, and pay great devotion. The priests are called Bon- zes; and the people are fond of processions, and pompous religious ceremonies. The truth is, the Chinese are an ignorant and superstitious people, and their religion is a system, contrived by cunning priests, to ob- tain influence* over them. Like the religion of Mahomet, it is a false religion. It does What of the reh'gion in China 1 Who do the learned men reverence 1 Who do the common people worship 1 To what do the people pay great oevotion 1 What are the priests called 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 37 not make men good, or wise, or happy. It does not teach them how to live well in this world, or how to make due preparation for another. The Chinese are rather shorter than the Americans. Thej are of a pale yellow com- plexion. A man who is very fat, is always thought to be handsome. Little feet are thought to be indispensable to ladies ; in order to make their feet small, tight bandages are put on them, when they are infants, and con- tinued till they cease to grow; consequently, the women are nearly all cripples. The Emperor and his family, are alone per- mitted to wear yellow clothes, the common people are allowed to wear only blue or black, and white is the color for mourning. The fashions of dress never change. The dress of What do the Chinese think of fat men 1 What strange opinions have they, in regard to the feet of women 1 Who alone are permitted to wear yellow clofJies 1 What colors are worn by tne common people 1 What is the color for mourning 1 38 PARLEY^S TALES OF ASIA. some of the people will be seen by the pic- tures on the opposite page. The character of the Chinese is by no means an agreeable one. There is nothing like education among the mass of the people. The women are kept in a state of ignorance, dependence, and seclusion. The men are servile, deceitful, and utterly regardless of truth. From the Emperor to the beggar, through every rank of society, through every grade of office, there is a system of cheating and hypocrisy, practised without scruple, and without remorse. The Europeans have found ^y experience, that no faith whatever can in general be reposed in the Chinese. Thus 1 have given you a sketch of China. It is one of the most extensive kingdoms, and by far the most populous, in the world. Enjoying a delightful climate, and a fertile soil, a land beautifully diversified by hills and valleys, and watered with hundreds of rivers ; What of the character of the people 1 PARLEVS TALES OF ASIA. 39 it is still rather painful, than pleasant, to con- template it. However beautiful is the aspec* of nature, still, if the people of a country are degraded, by the influence of a despotic gov- ernment and an idolatrous religion, that coun- try is unhappy. CHAPTER VII, Parley tells about Tartary and the Tartars. I AM afraid my account of China has been a tedious one. I will now tell you of another country, the people of which you may think still more singular than the Chinese. To the north and west of China is a country, called Tartary. It is nearly in the middle of Asia, and is often called Central Asia. It is in gen- eral a very elevated country, nearly surrounded by mountains. This region, spreading out to an immense extent, and including a territory more than Wliere is Tartary 1 40 x'ARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. twice as large as the United States, is thinly inhabited by various wandering hordes, scat- tered over the country, who are known under the general name of Tartars. The people in their personal appearance have a strong resemblance to our American Indians, though they are somewhat shorter. They do not settle in towns, and pursue various kinds of business, as people do here. On the contrary, they lead a wandering life, and look with contempt upon those who live in fixed habitations and pursue regular employ- ments. The Tartars do not till the land, nor do vegetables form scarcely any part of their food. They live chiefly upon meat, and are very fond of horseflesh, mutton and venison. They have plenty of milk, butter, and cheese. They prefer mare's milk to any How extensive is Tartary 1 Whom do the Tartars resemble 1 How do they live 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 41 cyther. Of this they make a strong spirit of which they are v6Ty fond. The houses of this people consist of tents which are fora^d of sticks stuck in the ground and covered with felt, a coarse sort of cloth. The Tartars have a great many horses of a fine breed, they are excellent riders and are almost constantly on horseback. It has been said that they eat, drank, and slept on horse- back, but this like some other travellers' sto- ries is not true. They are very expert in the use of lances; these are long weapons twice the length of a man's body with an iron point at one end. They are used in war and in hunting wild ani- mals. The Tartars throw them with such skill and force as to make them pass entirely through the body of a man or deer at the dis- tance of six or seven rods. They are very dexterous also in the use of Describe the houses of the Tartars. In what are the Tartars expert "? How do the Tartars use the lance 1 42 parley's tales of asia. the Low and arrow, in which they appear to be fully equal to the American Indians. These people are exceedingly fond of the chase. Large numbers of them go together on horse- back in pursuit of deer and other animals. The swiftness of the horses, the boldness of the riders, and the eagerness and skill of the hunters, render these amusements very ani- mating. The Tartars are generally Mahometans, though some of them profess other religions. Among other curious customs which belong to them, the Tartars when they bury a man, bury with him his best horse, afid sucbjotlier articles as he possessed which they^este^m of the greatest value. These, they imagine will be useful to him in the other world. I might tell you much more about this sin- gular people, for they have many curious cus- toms and are a very celebrated race. Having What other weapons do th^e Tartars use 1 What is the religion of the Tartars 1 What singular custom have the Tartars ? 43 a warlike disposition, and living in a country that is in general barren, they have often made inroads upon their more wealthy neighbours. China has been many times conquered and overrun by them ; and the present Emperor of China is a descendant of a Tartar prince that once conquered the country. It was, as I have told you, to interrupt the invasions of the bold Tartars that the great Chinese wall was built. These people have also frequently descen- ded upon India, and carried off immense rich- es, from that country. They have, in fact, at different periods of time, spread themselves over almost every portion of Asia, and subjec- ted the inhabitants to their dominion. At the present time, however, these various tribes are subject to the Emperor of China, and their country now passes under the gen- eral name of Chinese Tartary. Wliy was tlie Chinese wall built *? What have the Tartais frequently done in respect to Indial To whom are the Tartar tribes now subject 1 44 parley's tales of asia. CHAPTER VIII. Parley gives an account of Thibet. I MUST not omit to tell you something about another remarkable country, subject to China. This is Thibet, a country of lofty mountains and deep valleys, and abounding in rocky precipices, roaring cataracts, and peaks, whose tall summits are always covered with snow. On the southern boundary of this country are the loftiest mountains in the world. These are called the Himmaleh mountains. They are more than one hundred times as' high, as the tallest steeple in New England. They have never been ascended to the top, by any human foot : their peaks are always covered with masses of snow and ice, which do not disappear even in summer. No living thing ascends these awful heights, except some surefooted goats, and solitary What kind of a country is Tliibetl How high are the Himmaleh mountains 1 parley's tales of ASIA. 45 birds, that occasionally wander to them. At a distance, the traveller looks upon these stu- pendous works of nature, with wonder and amazement. When the sun shines upon the glittering tops of these mountains, they seem like mag- nificent cities of gold and silver, with towers and steeples and palaces. When the shadow^s of evening fall upon them, these seeming cities vanish, and the mountains look like a cloud, heaving its mighty front across the sky, and threatening all around with the coming tempest. The interior of Thibet is but little known. Few travellers have ever penetrated into these wild regions. The inhabitants appear to be a mild race of Tartars. They have a species of goat, which produces the fine wool, of which the Cashmere shawls are made. This wool is carried to Cashmere, in India, and there made into shawls. Whit can yon tell of the inhabitants of Thibet 1 What kind of goat have they among them 1 46 parley's tales of asia. These shawls are so much prized, both in our country and in Europe, that they sell for three or four hundred dollars. Most of those that are brought here, are sold for from one to two hundred dollars. These are generally second hand articles. They are first worn by the Hindoos on their heads for turbans. After their beauty is in some degree lost, they are dressed over, and sent to this country. Thibet is chiefly celebrated as being the seat of the Grand Lama. This is the god wor- shipped throughout a very considerable part of Asia. He lives in a great temple upon the mountains. In this temple are said to be ten thousand rooms, which are filled with various images, and idols of gold and silver. Immense numbers of pilgrims, from nearly all parts of Asia, are constantly flocking to this temple, to pay their homage to the Grand Lama. The people of Thibet say, that this object of their devotion is a man, into whose body What pf the Grand Lamal parley's tales of ASIA. TEMPLE OF THE GRA.XD LAMA. parley's tales of ASIA. 47 the spirit of god has entered. When the man dies, thej say that the deity then enters the body of another man, and thus renders himself perpetually visible to his creatures. The man that has, as they suppose, thus become their deity, sits cross-legged upon a throne, and receives the homage of his worship- pers. The Thibetians pretend that a divine odour is constantly exhaled from the body of their god, which renders it peculiarly delight- ful to be in his presence. They also say, that rivers burst from the rocks, and flow forth at his command, and that flowers spring up, and bud and blossom in his footprints. All this the worshippers of the Grand Lama say, and doubtless believe. They believe, too, that his power can save them from misery on earth, and give them happiness hereafter. But it is of course a delusion. We who are blessed with a knowledge of the true religion, cannot but look with wonder upon the super- 48 PARLEY'S TALES OP ASIA. stition of these ignorant Thibetians. Let us remember, however, that for our superior ad- vantages, we are indebted to that Good Being, who has ordered all things well. Let us remember, also, that much will be required of them to whom much is given. CHAPTER YIII. Some account of Japan. A short method of saying Prayers. I AM afraid you will think this is all a dull story. But consider that I am telling you of people who live on the other side of the globe. We are apt to be so much occupied with things around us, as to be inattentive to what is going on elsewhere. We look up, and see the skies above us ; we look abroad, and see the sun shining around us ; and we imagine, that we are on the very top of the earth, that the sun rises for us, that parley's tales of ASIA. 49 the seasons, — spring, summer, autumn, and winter, come and go only for our benefit. But this is not so. We are no more on the top of it than the Chinese, the Tartars, or the Thibetians. The sun rises on them as well as on us. The skies are over their heads, the moon and the stars shed their light on them ; they, as well as we, have hopes and fears, joys and sorrows. They have even more pop- ulous cities, more extensive empires, and can boast a history more ancient, and more re- nowned, than our own. Is it not interesting then ; is it not useful ; is it not necessary, if we would be wise, to study the character of other nations ? You will undoubtedly say, yes. I shall therefore proceed to tell you about Japan. 1 think you will be amused with the account 1 shall give you. Japan consists of a group of islands, as I have before said, to the east of Asia. The Where is Japan 1 50 PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. whole of these islands are in extent about three times as large as New England, yet they have a population about double that of the whole of the United States! The country is full of mountains and hills, yet these are everywhere cultivated, and pre- sent the most beautiful scenes. In skill and industry, these people seem to surpass the Chinese. Tapan is very subject to earthquakes. The people are obliged to build their houses low, to prevent their being shaken down by these dreadful convulsions of nature. The thunder and lightning are terrible in this country, during the summer. The Japanese are a very cleanly people. They esteem the Europeans a dirty race. They are also very polite and ceremonious. Itb' extent'? Its population^ Whcit of the country'? To what is Japan subject'? Why do tiie people build their houses low in Japan'? What can you tell of the Japanese'? PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. 51 They have books to instruct them how to be- have, on all occasions. These books even laj down rules for drinking a glass of water with propriety. The people of Japan, in their personal ap- ])earance, bear a strong resemblance to the Chinese. Their religion, also, resembles that of China. They are very superstitious, and believe every hill and mountain to be the seat of some divinity. When they are travelling, they think it their duty to say a great many prayers to the gods of the several places which they pass. They have an ingenious contri- vance for saving time, to such travellers as niay be in a hurry. This consists of a machine, formed in the following manner. A post is set upright in the ground, in the top of which an iron bar is fixed, so as to turn easily round with a stroke of the hand. On this bar, a prayer to the di- What of their religion 1 What contrivance have the Japanese for saying prayers 1 PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. '* JAPANESE PRAYING MACHINE. ■ ^ 52 parley's tales of asia. vinity of the place is engraved. The turning this round once, is deemed equal to saying the prayer once. A single stroke of the hand being sufficient to turn the bar round several times, the trav- eller may offer a great many prayers without being much delayed on his journey. This is certainly a cheap way of worshipping ; I think the Japanese, however, cannot suppose their gods to be very wise, else they would not im- agine that they would suffer such tricks to be put upon them. Formerly Europeans were admitted into Japan, and the Christian religion was propa- gated, to a considerable extent, by Portuguese missionaries; but the government of Japan grew jealous, and at length banished all Europeans from the kingdom. A dreadful persecution then commenced, against those Japanese who had embraced Christianity. The most cruel tortures were inflicted on them. Roasting alive was one of the most parley's tales of ASIA. 53 merciful punishments granted to these suffer- ers. Forty thousand people perished in this horrible persecution. Europeans are still ex- cluded from Japan; and a rock, about sixty rods in length, occupied by the Dutch for pur- poses of trade, is the only spot in the whole empire where foreigners are permitted to live. CHAPTER X. Parley meets with an Jldventure. Tales about Tea. I HAVE now given you a short account of China, and the tributary countries of Tartary and Thibet, and also of the adjacent empire of Japan. It is perhaps time for me to return to my own story, and tell you what happened to me at Canton. I have told you before, that the Chinese will not allow foreii2;ners to enter their walled What place is there in Japan where foreigners are permitted to live 1 54 parley's tales op asia. cities nor travel in their country. This I knew very well; but one day, I was passing by one of the gates of the city which was open, no person was near at the time. I saw that the gate opened into a long street, where there was a crowd of people, and I was strongly tempted to pass in. I therefore walked slowly along, until I came to the gate. I was yet un- observed, and ventured a little way into the street. Meeting with no obstruction, I pas- sed along, and had gone six or eight rods into the city, when I was suddenly arrested. A Chinese appeared before me, and in a very threatening manner, signified to me that I must turn about. At the same instant, he uttered a loud cry, and several other men came running toward me. By this time, I thought it best to retreat, and turning round, began to walk toward the gate; but one of the men, determining to pre- vent my escape, passed rapidly by me, and pla- cing himself between me and the gate, faced parley's tales op ASIA. 55 me, and flourished a large stick (with an iron point at one end,) over his head. I walked resolutely towards him; and as I came near, he edged out of my way, still flour- ishing his weapon, and uttering loud cries. After I passed him, I walked pretty fast, for the crowd of people thickened behind me, and their cries now filled the air. I got clear of them however, and arrived safe at my lodgings. I never afterwards attempted to enter within the walls of the city of Canton. Fond as I am of telling good stories, partic- ularly those that relate to myself, I must still confess, that this is the only adventure I had in Canton. I remained there only a few weeks, and being confined to that portion of the city which is occupied by Europeans, I had few opportunities for gaining information. What I have told you about China, I have gathered from other travellers. Christian mis- sionaries were once admitted into this country, who had pretty good opportunities for collec- 56 parley's tales of asia. ting information. They are now excluded by the government; but they have given us many interesting accounts of the country and the people. ' The king of England, about the year 1793, sent an ambassador to the Emperor of China. This ambassador whs Lord Macartney. He went to Pekin, and was graciously received by the Emperor. He then came to Canton, and finally returned to England. The story of this embassy has been published in a book. It tells us many interesting things about Pekin, the Emperor, and the interior of China. One thing I must not neglect to tell you about, and that is, the gathering of tea. The tea tree grows naturally to the height of eight or ten feet, but the people cut off the branches, and reduce it to the size of a small bush. It produces a pod like the nasturtium, w^hich you know is sometimes used for pickling. These pods are bitter and useless. The leaves of the tree are the valuable part. parley's tales op ASIA. Ol These are picked off, usually in the morning while the dew is upon them, they are then rolled on iron plates, and dried in the sun. The best kind of tea is carefully rolled, leaf by leaf, by women. After the tea is prepared, it is put into boxes lined with thin sheets of lead, and trodden down with the naked feet. Thus packed, it is carefully and closely covered, and sent to market. The people of China do not drink their tea as we do, with sugar and milk. They take it without these accompaniments, and use it rather for health than for pleasure. It is re- markable, that this plant flourishes in no other parts of the world than China and Japan. It grows spontaneously in both countries, yet in China it is cultivated to an immense ex- tent. It sometimes grows on high rocks and ledges, which are not easily accessible. The ingenious Chinese have monkeys, which they How is tea prepared for market by the Chinese 1 In what countries only does the tea plant grow 1 parley's tales of ASIA. Mo:>iKEYS gatiieki^ng tea. 58 PARLEY S TALES OP ASIA. teach to strip the tea leaves from the trees, in such situations. The monkeys, when they do well, are sure to receive from their masters something to eat. If they behave ill, they are equally cer- tain of being beaten. Tea was first brought from China to Eu- rope, about 200 years ago. Previous to that time, it was not known in Europe. It was many years after, that it began to be used in New England. I remember very well, to have heard a man who lived in the interior of j^ Massachusetts, give an account of the first tea^ he ever saw. His father had received a small quantity from a friend in Boston. The family had heard of tea, but had never learned the mys- tery of cooking it. In the first place, a por- tion of it was boiled in a kettle, and then they attempted to eat the leaves. These they found very bitter, and concluded When was tea first brought to Europe! iiit parley's tales of ASIA. 59 that they had not hit upon the right method of cooking it. Then thej put some into a pan, and fried it. This answered no better purpose than boiling. Several other expe- riments were tried but without success, and the tea was laid aside as a useless article. This happened less than a hundred years ago. CHAPTER XI. Description of Malacca and the Malays. I HAD now been about five weeks in Canton ; and our ship being loaded, with a cargo of tea and silk goods, we set out on our return to America. We descended the river of Canton, passed Macao, and entered the China sea. This we crossed, and passing between the Asiatic islands, we were soon upon the Indian ocean. As nothing very remarkable happened during our voyage to America, I shall take advantage 60 parley's tales op asia. of the interval between this, and our arrival, to tell you of some other countries in Asia, than those I have described. Malacca is the most southern part of Asia. It is a large peninsula which projects far into the sea. Sumatra, an island as large as the six New England states, lies very near to Malacca. A narrow branch of the sea passes between the two, called the Straits of Malacca. The inhabitants of Malacca are called Ma- lays. They are a very peculiar race of peo- ple. They are spread over most of the islands in the Pacific ocean. They are in general, fierce, treacherous, and savage. Malacca has a climate of perpetual summer. The trees are always arrayed in green. The ripe fruit, and the opening blossom, arc suspen- ded from the same branches, but the woods are filled with tigers and leopards, which make it extremely dangerous to travel in this country. Describe Malacca. VVliat of the Malays 1 What is the climate ofMalaccal PARLEY'S TALES OF ASIA. 61 In the rivers are great numbers of crocodiles. Sometimes the tigers when attempting to cross the rivers in pursuit of antelopes, are caught, and killed bj the crocodiles. Perhaps it was in Malacca, that the incident I related in the beginning of this book, happened. There is a good deal of gold in Malacca. It is w^ashed down from- the mountains in small particles, and is gathered by the natives in the form of dust. In some of the mountains there is a great deal of tin, but the chiefs who rule over the Malays, will not let the people get it. They have an absurd opinion that spirits who inhabit these mountains would be offended, and do mischief to the country if the tin were car- ried away. ^' * ■ I '^ " l ■ .■■ ■ I -■■■ I I.. ■ I ■■ — - ..■■I. Ill ■!■■ I I What metals are found in Malaccal 62 parley's tales op asia CHAPTER XII. Account of Chin India, mid the Birman Empire. Grand procession. Mr. and Mrs. Judson. To the north of Malacca is a country which is called on the map Chin India. It is some- times called Farther India. It embraces seve- ral distinct kingdoms. These are the Birman empire, Tonquin, Cochin China, Cambodia, Laos, and Siam. The inhabitants of these various kingdoms, bear a general resemblance to the Chinese, though they are less civilized. The climate is very w^arm, and produces many aromatic or spicy trees, and a profusion of beautiful flowers. The cultivation of the land, however, is generally neglected. The Birman Empire, is by far, the largest and most powerful of the kingdoms of Farther What kingdoms in Chin India'? Des( ribe the climate and country. Which the largest kingdom in Chin Indial ■^:: parley's tales of ASIA. 63 India. It was in this country that Mr. and Mrs. Judson, of whom jou have perhaps heard, met very extraordinary adventures, a few years ago. They were American missionaries sent to teach the truths of Christianity to the Birmese. The people of this country are idolaters and worship images : they are also very super- stitious. Now, Mr. and Mrs. Judson were sent to instruct the people in the true religion of Jesus Christ. It was but six or seven vears ago that they were at Ava, which is the capi- tal of the Birman Empire. It is a great city, with multitudes of people in it. The Emperor's palace, there, is truly a splendid edifice. While Mr. and Mrs. Judson were at Ava, the Emperor and his family came to reside at this palace. They were at- tended by an immense procession of officers and soldiers, viceroys dressed in their robes of state, horses and carriages of all descriptions, What can you say of the Birmese'? What of Ava 7 64 PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. hundreds of elephants with people riding upon them, and crowds of men women and children. Among the rest Was a beautiful white ele- phant, splendidly decorated with costly orna- ments, and attended by persons in rich attire. This elephant was an object of great respect, and the people fell upon their faces, and reve- renced it as it passed along. On this occasion Mrs. Judson had a seat in a beautiful garden. Here the king and queen came, and they had all a rich banquet. It was truly a brilliant spectacle, and far surpassed everything of the kind, the Missionaries had ever seen before. CHAPTER XIII. Sto7^ of Mr. and Mrs. Judson. Mr. and Mrs. Judson had been sometime at Ava, when news came, that some British sol- diers had come to Rangoon, and taken that place. Ran£:oon is a large town belonging to parley's tales of ASIA. 65 the Birman Empire, near the place where the Irrawaddy empties into the Bay of Bengal. You must understand that the British at Hindoostan have large possessions. This country lies directly west of the Birman Em- pire, as you will see on the map. Now the British at Hindoostan were at war with the Birmese, and their troops had come to fight against the country. The Emperor of Bnrmah, as soon as he heard that the British troops had captured Rangoon, became very jealous of Mr. Judson. He suspected that this missionary was the secret friend and agent of the English. So one day, just before dinner, an officer with a dozen Birmese, rushed into Mr. Jud- son's house. They were accompanied by a man with a spotted face, whose business it was, to torture or kill, such persons as were condemned by the government. Mr. Judson was immediately seized, thrown Where is Rangoon 1 66 parley's tales of asia. upon the floor, and strongly bound with a cord. He was then dragged away, and treated in the most cruel manner. While they were taking him along, he was thrown forcibly upon the ground, and the cords around his body were drawn so tight, that he could scarcely breathe. He was then taken to the death prison, and the door closed upon him. An officer was afterwards sent to Mrs. Jud- son's house. He asked her a great many ques- tions, and then went away. He placed a guard of ten men around the house, forbidding any one to enter. Mrs. Judson now took the chil- dren into an inner room, and barred the door. But the men without, threatened with vio- lent language, to break it down, if she did not unbar the door. This she refused to do. They then took tw^o of her servants, and treated them in a very rough manner. At length she pacified them, by promising to give them presents in the morning. The next morning Mrs. Judson learned the PARLEY S TALES OF ASIA. 67 situation of her husband. He was in the death prison, and loaded with chains. She went to the governor, and obtained permission to see him. She saw him lying on the floor, in a dark and gloomy place. Mr. Judson could not walk, on account of his chains, but he crept toward his wife, and gave her some directions how to proceed in endeavouring to obtain his release. She was allowed to stay but a few moments, for the rude keepers of the prison hurried her away. She now went to a relation of the queen, and begged her to petition the queen to inter- cede with the king, for the release of her hus- band. The lady was affected by Mrs. Judson's entreaties, and promised to do as she desired. The next day Mrs. Judson went to know the result, and learned that the queen refused to do anything about it. Mrs. Judson returned to her house. Pretty soon, officers of the government came and took away what "money, and other valuable articles, 68 PARLEY S TALES OP ASIA. thej could find in the house. Then, months pas- sed away, and Mr. Judson continued in prison. He was shut up with one hundred other persons. It was now summer, and the summer at Ava is excessively hot. The poor prisoners suffer- ed great distress from the heat, the want of fresh air, and the weight of their chains. Mrs. Judson failed not to exert herself for the relief, not only of her husband, but of the other prisoners. She went to one officer, and another, and another, and begged, besought, and prayed, but it was all in vain. At length she was taken sick, and confined to her house several months. During this period, the sufferings of the pris- oners were increased, and Mr. Judson at last sent her word that they were all shut up in an inner prison, and loaded with five pair of chains each. After awhile, Mrs. Judson was able to go out. She then went to the governor, and begged him to permit her husband, at least, to PaRLEY^S tales of ASIA. 69 be placed in a more comfortable situation. But this was refused. He was soon after taken with a fever. Then again she went to the governor. Worn out with her entreaties, he permitted Mr. Judson to be taken to another part of the prison. He was placed in a little hovel made of bamboos. Here his wife was allowed to come and take care of him, and though he was very sick, these seemed to them happy moments. Mrs. Judson was one day with Mr. Judson, when the governor sent for her in great haste. She was very much alarmed, but did not hesi- tate to go. When she arrived at his house, he detained her awhile, under some trifling pretence. While she was there, all the prisoners were carried away, and Mr. Judson among them. Mrs. Judson could not learn at first the cause of their removal, nor where they were taken to, but she expected tha^t they were gone to be executed. 70 parley's tales of asia. Her distress was now indescribable. She went to her house, never expecting to see her husband more. A stranger in a strange land, surrounded by a cruel people, a woman with- out protection, or defence, with an infant three months old, her situation was truly desolate. Yet she drew consolation from her religion in this hour of sorrow, and received strength from that unseen Friend of the distressed, to whom she appealed for help. The next day she discovered that her hus- band was still living, and that he, and the other prisoners had been taken to a town at a con- siderable distance. She determined to follow them. So taking her little infant with her, she proceeded a part of the way in a boat, and a part of the w^ay in a cart. At length she reached the place, and found her husband among the other prisoners. They were all tied two and two, and had suffered the most cruel treatment on the jour- ney. It was now night, and Mrs. Judson parley's tales of asiv MRS. JUDSON GOING DOWN THE RIVER IN A BOAT. found great difficulty in procuring shelter. At length the jailer permitted her to occupy a lit- tle miserable room in his house. Mrs. Judson's personal sufferings were now greatly increased. She had under her care, two Birmese children, whose parents had given them to her. One of these children was soon taken with the small pox. Mr. Judson's feet were also so much torn, and blistered by the journey from Ava, that he could neither stand nor walk. The other Birmese child was soon after taken with the small pox, and then her infant was taken also. At lenjith, worn out with fatigue, care, and anxiety, Mrs. Judson her- self fell sick. Still, in this situation, she determined to go to Ava, and get some medi- cines which she had there. Accordingly she performed the journey, and in a few days, returned. But when she ar- rived at her miserable home, she was so much exhausted, that she could not stand. She had 72 parley's tales of asia. a faithful Hindoo servant, who came to the door to receive her. She was so pale and was- ted, that the kind hearted Hindoo burst into tears. Mrs. Judson was incapable of farther exer- tion. She lay down upon the mat, for she had no bed, and here for two months she re- mained. She had no food for her infant, and there was no milk to be obtained for it in the village. It now seemed that the poor babe must die for want of food. But at length the jailer permitted Mr. Judson to leave his prison, for a little while at a time. So he carried the child to such women in the village as had chil- dren, and who would permit the little starving creature to take a part of the nourishment de- signed for their offspring. Having been at this place a prisoner for six months, Mr. Judson was at length released. He was sent by the Birman government, to a considerable distance, for the purpose of trans- PARLEY S TAtfiS OP ASIA. 73 lating some papers, while Mrs. Judson returned to her house at Ava. Here she was seized, in the absence of her husband, with the spotted fever, and brought so low^, that the people around her thought she was dead. But as if by miracle, she revived. At length her husband returned, and being set at liberty, he was then united to his familj. The British soldiers who had captured Ran- goon, as I have told jou, prosecuted their march towards the Burmese capital. They were repeatedly attacked, but the superiority of the British, over the Burmese troops, ena- bled the former, constantly to triumph over their enemies. At length the British troops approached the capital. The people were in the greatest consternation. The emperor, who had proud- ly refused to make peace with the English, now sent for Mr. Judson. Through his influ- ence, and that of some other individuals, peace was finally concluded, and the British army took their departure. 74 PARLEY R TALES OF ASIA. Mr. and Mrs. Judsoii also left Ava and pro- ceeded to Rangoon. In the neighbourhood of this place they prepared to prosecute their grand design, of introducing Christianity among the ignorant, and superstitious inhabi- tants of Farther India. But Mrs. Judson's health was impaired by her sufferings beyond the recovery of medi- cine. While her husband was absent on a journey of three or four months, she was seized with a fever. Her enfeebled constitu- tion could not withstand this shock, and she died at Amherst, near Rangoon, on the 26th of October 1826. She has left behind her a name, that can never perish. I have never known a more beautiful example, of piety, tenderness, and fidelity, blended with true courage, than is afforded by the life of this admirable woman. PARLEY'S TALES OP ASIA. 75 CHAPTPJR XIV. Parley tells about Hindoostanj the Hindoos and a Hurri- cane. I SHALL now tell you of a people, who may be regarded as the most interesting of all the inhabitants of Asia, I mean the Hindoos. They live in Hindoostan, and are unlike any other people. The inhabitants of Chin India, with the exception of the Malays, including the Chinese, the Japanese, the Tartars, and Thibetians, have all a general resemblance to each other, and are supposed to have sprung from the same origin. But the Hindoos, in personal appearance, in disposition, in character, and in religion are a distinct and peculiar nation. Their number is tmly immense. I suppose there are more than ten times as many people in Hindoostan, as in all the United States. What nations in Asia, are supposed to be of the same origin 1 What is the number of iniiabitants in Hindoostanl 76 PARLEY'S TALES OF ASIA. In Hindoostan, only two seasons are known, the wet and the dry. Durmg the wet or rainy season, great quantities of rain fall, the rivers suddenly rise and overflow their banks, and often sweep off the inhabitants with their houses. During the dry season, the earth is frequently so parched, that every leaf, and flower is withered to the ground. Sometimes dreadful famines take place for the want of rain. In 1793, there was a great famine in consequence of drought ; some of the people were so distressed for food, that they sold their children for a few pounds of rice. They have never any cold weather in this country. In a great part of it, they have never either snow or ice. In such w^arm countries, the people are not obliged to have thick woollen clothes. The Hindoos wear but little clothing, and this is made of cotton or silk. Their houses are not large and strong like ours, but What of the seasons in Hindoostan T Describe the dress of the Hindoos. parley's tales of ASIA. 77 they are little slender cabins, made of sticks of bamboo, roofed with the large leaves of the palm tree. Hindoostan is subject to violent hurricanes with dreadful thunder and lightning. 1 sup- pose you have never witnessed a whirlwind. I will describe one to you. We will suppose it to be summer. All around is still and tran- quil. The birds are quietly reposing amid the thick branches of the trees. The cattle lie stretched at length, sleeping in thoughtless se- curity in the shade. The sun shines brightly over the landscape, and all nature bespeaks peace and repose. But soon a small cloud is seen in the dis- tance. It increases in size, and stretches far across the sky. It rapidly approaches ; a rush- ing sound is heard on the distant hills. The cloud seems in great agitation. It moves on- ward whirling and boiling like the waters be- neath a cataract. The houses. Can you describe a hurrlcanel 78 PAULEY S TALES OF ASIA. The trees bow their heads before it. The grass and the grain, and all the slender plants are laid flat upon the ground. The houses tremble ; the very hills are shaken. The sky is almost as black as night. A dreadful roar fills the ear, and fragments of wood, trees, and houses, lifted on the wind, are borne along through the air. The crash of falling trees, the rending of houses in pieces, the tumbling of rocks down the sides of hills, the bellowing of cattle, the cries of people in distress, with the voice of the tempest, are borne on the gale. Suddenly the hurricane ceases. Stillness succeeds to the dreadful uproar. The cloud is seen hurrying away over the hills, carrying with it the same destruction it has left behind. The inhabitants come forth, and witness the ruin that is spread around them. Many of their dwellings are prostrate, their crops cut off, their cattle killed. Such is a hurricane. We have very seldom parley's tales of ASIA. A MAN CARRYING OFF YOUNG TJGERS. ^t^^jM parley's tales of ASIA. 79 a hurricane in our country, but they are very common in hot climates. In the West Indies they occur every year, and in Hindoostan they are very frequent. CHAPTER XV. About Elephants, Tigers, Rhinoceroses and Serpents. In Hindoostan, there are a great many wild animals. Among them are the elephant, ti- ger, and rhinoceros. Some of the elephants are caught vi^hen young, and tamed. They then become very gentle, and are useful in carrying burdens, and for taking people from one place to another, on their backs. The tiger of this country is called the royal tiger. It is the largest and most powerful of the kind. It is a match for the lion in strength, What of hurricanes in hot climates'? In the West Indies'? In Hindoostan'? What wild animals are common in Hindoostanl 80 parley's tales of ASIA. and is much more ferocious and active. The tigers are often hunted by the Hindoos, but it is dangerous sport. Tigers are sometimes brought to this coun- try for shows. They are taken when young, in the following manner. A hunter discovers a den where there are young tigers, and waits till the mother is gone. He then goes to the den, and takes away the little tigers, of which there are generally three or four. They are beautiful little animals, as soft as kittens. Pretty soon the old tigress comes back, and discovers that her young ones are gone. She smells the track of the hunter, and follows him swiftly, her mouth open, her eyes flashing, and her claws ready and eager to tear in pieces, the man who has robbed her of her little ones. The hunter, knowing that he will be pursued, flies rapidly through the thicket. Soon he hears the bounding tigress behind him. He How are the tigers usually taken tliat are brought to this countiy for shows'! parley's tales op ASIA. ^7jf '}fr^^^/- c f. if- ,-'// f (i# 7 #' ' '^ ^*'^fi^J^]^ "IfVA TT*.: "«6it^