China and Japan / by Emma P. K. Trawick.

  • Trawick, Emma Penton Kendrick.
Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: China and Japan / by Emma P. K. Trawick. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    157/198 (page 121)
    After him came another man with a bucketful of hot tea and small bowls. He would cry out in Chinese: “Do you want a drink of tea? Then hurry up!” The bowls were filled rapidly and passed up to the people, who gulped down the bowl of scalding hot tea, which was also very strong. Perhaps you think I have not been very choice in my language, such as “stuff,” “feed,” and “gulp,” etc., but these are the only words that will begin to describe it, and they fall far short of properly express- ing it. These of whom I am writing are, of course, the lowest class of Chinese. I am glad to say I have never traveled in one of these boats, but some of the missionaries do. One can get a small room, five by six, with two “shelves” or bunks, and go to Shanghai much cheaper than by hiring a boat, as we do. Perhaps some day I will have to resort to this mode of travel, for I have had to accustom myself to many things peculiar to China. Behind this barge are tied on, one after another, the boats which are to be towed; in one of these we are to be found. There are four launch lines running between Shanghai and Soochow, one to Hongchow, another to Huchow. We were going to Huchow. We did not leave the Customs till dark. Soon after we got started our cook came in and lighted the lamp, then proceeded to prepare dinner on our little oil stove, which was in the front divi- sion of the boat. In a little while he arranged the table, and then with such a “ pleased-with-himself smile” he