In spite of the horrible and cruel nature of these punishments, it is said that individuals are found ready, for a sum of money, to undergo them all, death even included, instead of the person condemned.
In the year 1846, 4,000 people were beheaded at Canton.

It is true that they were the criminals of two provinces, which together numbered a population of 9,000,000 souls, but the number is still horrible to contemplate.

Is it possible that there could really be so many who should be looked upon as criminals--or are persons sentenced to death for a mere nothing--or are both these suppositions true?
I once happened to go near the place of execution, and to my horror beheld a long row of still bleeding heads exposed upon high poles.
The relations enjoy the privilege of carrying away and interring the bodies.
There are several different religions in China, the most prevalent being Buddhism.

It is marked by great superstition and idolatry, and is mostly confined to the lower classes.

The most natural is that of the wise Confucius, which is said to be the religion of the court, the public functionaries, the scholars, and educated classes.
The population of China is composed of a great many very different races: unfortunately, I am unable to describe their several characteristics, as my stay in China was far too short.