122 GAOGOWLI. endanger it Doongming was aware of the king's intentions^ and fled southwards to Shuyen ahwi, — apparently the Songari, — and with his trusty bow, so shot the waters of the river, that he formed a living bridge of fish, which crowded together to avoid his lightning arrows. He was scarcely on the other side when his pursuers came up, but the temporary bridge had again separated. He became king of Fooyii. This story, if of no other use, serves to show that both Gaoli and Fooyii were but miniature kingdoms. Fooyii extended north to the Yao or Yuen* Shwi, which is apparently the Songari on its eastern course; on the west it touched Hienbi, and Yilow on the east It was 2,000 li in extent The land had many mountains, though much of it was level Its fields were rich, fertile, well watered, producing abundance of food of great variety for the people, who made and drank a great deal of spirits, of which they were very fond. They used vinegar and ate with Kwaidsu (chop-sticks), out of wooden bowls. They practiced the code of etiquette belonging to the Tin dynasty (fourteen hundred years RC), and made the Ti. • They made polite demonstrations of resigning the post of honour to others, and used the Tin Kites in sacrificing to Heaven. In mourning, both men and women clothed in white, laying aside all ornament The dead body of the king was buried in a coffin made offish scales, prepared during his life, and sent to Huentoo, where it was kept till the king's death. When travelling, they went day and night, singing all the way. Before a battle, an ox was sacrificed to Heaven, and the hoofs afterwards examined for an omen. If the parted hoof remained open, it betokened evil fortune, if it cloi^d of itself, victory was sure to follow. It was a kingdom of palaces, many cities with wooden walls, houses, granaries, royal treasuries, and had public prisona The magistrates and officials were of six grades, designated by various animals, as the Horse, the Dog ordery &c. Strange to say, the
- Chmefle f ozm of salutation, pladng both doHed hands together, raising them up
at arms* length above the head, which is bent down with the body at the same time.
