st cases. We have often seen them steeping their little tin
cups of seeds, roots, or leaves on the kitchen stove, which they said
was medicine for some ailment or other, but "Melican man no sabbe
Chinaman medicine;" and sometimes, when they did not have their own
remedies at hand, I have offered them pellets or tinctures from my
homoeopathic supply, which they could rarely be induced to accept,
alleging that "Melican medicine no good for Chinaman." One of our little
boys went to a Chinese doctor for himself one day, and when he came
back, I asked him what the doctor said. He told me that he pressed with
his finger here and there on his flesh, to see if it rose readily, and
the color came back. I saw that he meant if any one was not very sick,
that the flesh was elastic; and I thought it was quite a good test, and
one that might perhaps be useful to our doctors. They have one curious
idea in their treatment, which is, that, if any one is sick, he is to
eat an additional meal instead of less. Nevertheless, they seem to get
well with this arrangement.

The belief in a future life, and in improved conditions hereafter,
seems to be universal among them. A poor Chinaman was found dead near
us, with a letter beside him, which was translated at the inquest held
over the body.

THIRD MONTH, 27th DAY [May 4].

TO MY FATHER AND MOTHER,--I came to this country, and spent my
money at the gambling-table, and have not accomplished any thing.
Where I am now, I cannot raise money to return home. I am sick, and
have not long to live. My life has been a useless one. When you
have read this letter, do not cry yourselves sick on my account.
Let my brothers' wives rear and educate my two cousins. I wish to
be known as godfather to one of them. I desire Chow He, my wife, to
protect and assist you. When you both are dead, she may marry if
she wishes. In this world I can do no more for you, father and
mother. You must look to the next world for any future benefit to
be received from me.

TONG GOOT LOON.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1877.

The Chinese generally appear unwilling to talk with us about their
religious customs and ideas, apparently from superstitious feelings.
Occasionally we meet with an intelligent one, who readily answers our
questions, and tells us about many of their festivals celebrated at
home, which are not recognized here. Notwithstanding their solemn faces
and method