together in such a way, that their combination may suggest the idea required. To express brightness, the figures of the ‘sun’ and ‘moon’ are placed together [Illustration]. In the character which they employ to denote the adjective ‘aspiring,’ a man’s breath is represented as going out of the body and ascending [Illustration]. To hanker after or desire earnestly, is represented by this character of breath combined with water, corresponding, in fact, with our somewhat common phrase ‘mouth-watering’ [Illustration]. The rather difficult character of a king is described by ‘one,’ [Illustration]; and the character for land [Illustration], or united [Illustration], implying the feudal idea of sovereignty, all the land belonging to one. The adverbs ‘above’ and ‘below’ are very simply expressed, the former being [Illustration], and the latter [Illustration]. Crafty and intriguing finds its corresponding character in the little crooked symbol [Illustration]. The idea of a family is very happily and prettily expressed by the symbol of a ‘house,’ under which three human beings are sheltered [Illustration]. Many more instances, and some very remarkable ones, might be adduced of this mode of representing complex ideas, by the union of two or more characters for simple objects. In fact, most of the words, perhaps, in common use in Chinese writing, might be divided, and subdivided, till the original simple ideas had been traced out, and the reason of their formation distinctly shown; but the progress of time and refinement, has so moulded and altered even the most simple characters in the language, that considerable research would be required to perform such a task so many ages after their original formation. The inventor of this species of writing amongst this singular nation is said to be Tsang-hëĕ, of whom tradition or invention has preserved the portrait; and, in order to convey to the mind of the spectator some idea of his depth of intellect, and extent of mental vision, they have expressly chosen to represent him as enjoying the privilege of _four_ eyes, instead of the number possessed by ordinary mortals. S. B. INTEMPERANCE. The histories of all nations show that, in the infancy of society, man has few wants. Food for the sustenance of life, clothing for the covering of his person, and a habitation to shelter him from the wind and the storm, form the chief objects of his desire; and these he is easily enabled to supply from the rich storehouse of nature, which the bountiful Creator has furnished for his use. The earth has never ceased to reward the industry of man; and his daily necessities being thus provided for, his future worldly wants occupy but a small share of his thoughts.