Frequently the peasants have a water-can attached to the wall of the house in some out-of-the-way locality.

The can has a valve in the bottom opened from below like a trapdoor in a roof.

By lifting a brass pin that projects from this valve one can fill his hands with water without the aid of a servant.
While I was arranging my toilet the steward pointed out of the cabin window and uttered the single word "Kitie"-- emphasizing the last syllable.

I looked where he directed and had my first view of the Chinese empire.
"Kitie" is the Russian name of China, and is identical with the Cathay of Marco Polo and other early travelers.

I could not see any difference between Kitie on one hand and Russia on the other; there were trees and bushes, grass and sand, just as on the opposite shore.
In the region immediately above the Ousuree there are no mountains visible from the river, but only the low banks on either hand covered with trees and bushes.