notice is first attracted by a series of groups of figures, representing Chinese of nearly every grade in society, engaged in the actual business of life.  The figures, in their appropriate costume, are modeled in a peculiarly fine clay, by Chinese artists, with exquisite skill and effect.  All are accurate likenesses of originals, most of whom are now living.  The following enumeration of one of the cases, expanded in the subsequent description, which I quote from the catalogue, will give an idea of the manner in which Chinese life and manners are illustrated: 

“CASE VIII.—­No. 21. Chinese Gentleman.—­22. Beggar asking alms.—­23. Servant preparing breakfast.—­24. Purchaser.—­25. Purchaser examining a piece of black silk.  The proprietor behind the counter making calculations on his counting board.—­Clerk entering goods.—­Circular table, with breakfast furniture.

“This has been arranged so as to afford an exact idea of a Chinese retail establishment.  Two purchasers have been placed by the counter:  one of whom is scrutinizing a piece of black silk that lies before him.  The owner, behind the counter, is carelessly bending forward, and intent on casting an account on the ‘calculating dish,’ while his clerk is busy making entries in the book, in doing which he shows us the Chinese mode of holding a pen, or rather brush, which is perpendicularly between the thumb and all the fingers.  A servant is preparing breakfast.  A circular eight-legged table, very similar to those used by our great grandfathers, is spread in the centre of the shop.  Among its furniture, the ivory chopsticks are the most novel.  On the visitor’s right hand sits a gentleman, with a pipe, apparently a chance comer, ‘just dropped in’ about meal time; on the left, a blind beggar stands, beating two bamboo sticks against each other, an operation with which he continues to annoy all whom he visits, till he is relieved by some trifling gratuity, usually a single cash.  A gilt image of Fo is inserted in the front part of the counter, and a small covered tub, filled with tea, with a few cups near by, standing on the counter, from which customers are always invited to help themselves.

“The merchants and shop-keepers of Canton are prompt, active, obliging, and able.  They can do an immense business in a short time, and without noise, bustle, or disorder.  Their goods are arranged in the most perfect manner, and nothing is ever out of its place.  These traits assimilate them to the more enterprising of the Western nations, and place them in prominent contrast with the rest of the Asiatics.  It is confidently asserted by those who have had the best opportunities of judging, that as business men, they are in advance of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese merchants.

“There is a variety of amusing inscriptions on the scrolls hung up in the interior