the most splendid, as well as the most important part of Peking. According to the Chinese, this is a very superb residence, with "golden walls, and pearly palaces," fit for the abode of so great a monarch: to the unprejudiced eyes of strangers, however, it presents a glittering appearance, with its varnished tiles of brilliant yellow, which, under the rays of the meridian sun, seem to constitute a roof of burnished gold: the gay colours and profuse gilding applied to the interior, give the halls a dazzling glory, while the suite of court yards and apartments, vieing with each other in beauty and magnificence, all contribute to exalt our apprehensions of the gorgeous fabric. We must not expect to find much there that will gratify the taste, or suit the convenience of those accustomed to admire European architecture, and English comfort; but in the estimation of the Chinese, their scolloped roofs, and projecting eaves, and dragon encircling pillars; with their leaf-shaped windows, and circular doors, and fantastic emblems, present more charms than the Gothic and Corinthian buildings, or the curtained and carpeted apartments of modern Europe. "There reigns," says father Hyacinth, "among the buildings of the forbidden city, a perfect symmetry, both in the form and height of the several edifices, and in their relative positions, indicating that they were built upon a regular and harmonious plan."
The grand entrance to the "forbidden city," is by the southern gate, through the central avenue of which the emperor alone is allowed to pass: within this gate is a large court, adorned with bridges, balustrades, pillars, and steps; with figures of lions, and other sculptures, all of fine marble. Beyond this is the
