CHAPTER XXXII. 279

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR Greatest Festival of the Year--Decorations of the Palace-- Imitation Money--New Year’s Presents--Work on Portrait--Some Changes--Removal of the Court to Sea Palace--My Studio at Sea Palace--New Year’s Audience of Ladies of the Legation-- Congratulations--Lantern Festival--The Illuminated Procession--The Double Dragon--The Flaming Pearl--Fireworks in the Palace--Day Rockets--Old Customs as to the Fireworks in the Palace Grounds.