Litter

The mule-litter is a common means of travel throughout North China, especially in hilly districts. Two long parallel poles are bound on opposite sides of two frames which fit on the saddles of two mules, one in front and one behind. To the portion between the mules are attached arches of bamboo from pole to pole. The arches are covered with cheap matting under which shelter the traveller spreads hi« bedding and his baggage and himself on a rough support of ropes. These litters are named shan-tzii ff IMG:p323_11.png:Chinese characters in Shantung. A more permanent and comfortable kind, in which the traveller's portion is made of wood instead of matting, is called t'o chiao IMG:p323_12.png:Chinese characters etc.