Chinese Money

It is held by some that the coinage of China was invented especially for the confusión of the foreigner. At any rate, two market villages 20 miles apart are quite certain to have a different rate of exchange, and - but this may be only a coincidenee - the foreigner is not the one who profits thereby. Thus, suppose yon tender $1 at Stoiie Umbrella mart, and after much weighing and testing thereof are given in exchange 1,030 brass coins strung on a sfrring, of varying weight and thiekness. Arrived at the Plain of Peace, yon buy $1 worth of fowls, and put down your 1,030 coins, only to be told that the exchange is 1 , 1 60, and you have to flnd the balance. Next day, having invested all your savings in cash, you return to Stone Umbrella, intending to buy up all the silver in circulatiou at the lower rate of exchange. Alas, for your hopes ! You are met with a chilling, "These cash are ten parts - i. e., 100 per cent - worthless," and in corroboration of his statement your would be vict;m points ont, or pretends to point out, the absence of certain blurs the horrid littlo riugs of brass.