The gold beaters of Yunnan are a recognised class, and are so numerous that they have a powerful guild or trade's union of their own.
Gold-testing is also a recognised profession, but the methods are primitive and require the skill of an expert, consisting, as they do, of a comparison of the rubbing on a stone of the unknown gold, with a similar rubbing of gold whose standard has been accurately determined.
One of the best gold-testers in the city has been taught electric gilding by Mr.Jensen and does some skilful work.
The principle of self-protection restrains the Chinaman from the ostentatious exhibition of his wealth--he fears being squeezed by the officials who are apt to regard wealth as an aggravation of crime, to be the more severely punished the better able is the accused to purchase exemption from punishment.

I have seen a stranger come into the room where Mr.Jensen and I were sitting, who from his appearance seemed to be worth perhaps a five-dollar bill, and after a preliminary interchange of compliments, I have seen his hand disappear up his long sleeve and produce a package of gold leaf worth perhaps 2000 taels of silver.

This he would offer for sale; there was some quiet bargaining; when, should they agree, the gold was weighed, the purchaser handed a cheque on his Chinese banker for the amount in silver, and the transaction was finished as quickly and neatly as if it had taken place in Bond Street, and not in the most inland capital of an "uncivilised country"; whose civilisation has nevertheless kept it intact and mighty since the dawn of history, and whose banking methods are the same now as they were in the days of Solomon.
The silver of Yunnan is of the same standard as the silver of Shanghai, namely 98 per cent.

pure, and differs to the eye from the absolutely unalloyed silver of Szechuen.
The cash of Yunnan vary in a way that is more than usually bewildering.
Let me explain, in a few sentences, the "cash" currency of the Middle Kingdom.

The current coin of China as everyone knows is the brass cash, which is perforated so that it may be carried on a string.