29 JUNE 1895, Page 11

The Chinaman at Home. By Tcheng-Ki-Tong. Translated by R. H.

Sherard. (Marsden.)—In this volume, a sequel to others by the same author, we have an account of the "private amuse- ments and small public fates " of the Chinese people. The general impression left by the whole is that this side of Chinese life is harmless and dull. But this is a conclusion which one makes with a certain reserve. Of all nations, that which most confounds all speculations, defies all probabilities, and falsifies all predictions is China. Prominent among Chinese amusements is kite-flying,--the game which, according to our author, " best exercises the bodies of children." We are inclined to prefer something more vigorous.