The other interesting thing in the courtyard is a fresh water well. Only about two feet in diameter but man} feet in dept, it supplied the boatmen Of the Soochow Creek, when their boats were tied up to the banks of the creek nearby, with their fresh water for drinking purposes, and even in these days of pure-water-on-tap through the courtesy of the Shanghai Waterworks Company, Limited, boat men still patronize the waters of this well, which incidentally are surprisingly clean, cold and fresh. In fact, the writer sampled the waters upon the assurance of the temple keep: that no harm would befall him, and found them to be quite wholesome tasting and refreshing on the hot summer's day.
On the eastern sides of the courtyard are the quarters of the temple keeper and his assistants, while on the south side stands the sanctuary. As with all Chinese temples, this latter place is dark and somewhat gloomy, walls, ceiling, idols and furniture all" covered" with thick grime, the result of many, many Jmoons of cleaning neglected. Perched in their box-like shrines, with euro tains partly drawn before them, the gods stare upon one, at first uncon: Sclously inspiring one with an awe takin to fear. perfect silence, to ponder upon these One stands in the gloom and almost emblems of a' people's belief, which remain in their niches throughout the years, perhaps' centuries, moving neither "hand nor foot," eye nor tongue, and yet commanding the obeisances of human beings. Little wonder that a race much given to [superstitious beliefs should stand either in awe or deep respect of these idols and the spirits which facy severally represent!
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.