HOW THEY DO IT IN CHINA.

HOW THEY DO IT IN CHINA.

In order to prevent any extensive conflagrations, the Chinese adopt many preventive measures. Wells have been sunk in many streets containing stores of water, and covered with a large flag, which is only removed should a fire occur in the neighborhood. Another ordinance demands that large watertanks be placed in certain localities of a city, and bear the word "Peace-Barrel" in many of the Chinese houses vessels kept filled with water may be seen to extinguish a fire in its commencement. There are several companies ofFiremen in every city of any size, maintained solely by free contribution of the inhabitants. Engines, buckets, "lanterns," etc., are kept in the different temples. Each company has its separate name and utensils, for the maintenance and usefulness of which it is responsible. The Firemen wear a specified uniform, and their hats bear the word Kow-fb (fire extinguishers), also the number of their company.

Beside these regulations of the inhabitants, each local government is obliged to furnish assistance. The commander of each city garrison has 80 persons under his care, who are placed in different parts of (he city, 60 of whom do strictly Firemen’s duty, and ao serve as police. Moreover, aoo men stand under the immediate comm md of the Governor, charged with rendering assistance to the F.re Brigade, should a conflagration of any extent necessitate their assistance. Canton has 48 watch houses, from each of which two Firemen are sent in response to the first alarm. Everything pertaining to the fire-watch is inspected monthly by two high officials, accompanied by the judge and treasurer of the district.