and city offices. Then out through the gate across the Wei Valley, flat towards the mountains, SSE [south-southeast] by MM's [Edmundo J. Martinho-Marques] compass. Spot of bother fording various branches of the Heiho (Black River) but OK; wild Sweet Williams growing on its banks, also chicory.

Around 12½ [12:30] dao [arrived at] outskirts of Temple 樓觀台 [Louguantai] Loukuantai (see p. [48]), (platform for hearing lectures on Laodze [Laozi, the founder of Daoism]); up through a lovely grove of young oaks (not the English kind). Got to the living quarters about 1:00 and welcomed by Abbot Tsêng 曾永壽 [Zeng Yongshou] (鶴東 [He Dong] crane from E [east]), name in religion 摹佛 mo fo, imitating Buddha. "Fangchang". Tea and sweetmeats from round Tienshui lacquer boxes with compartments. TC [Tsao Tien-chin, Cao Tianqin], CY [Chiu Chiung-yun, Qiu Qiongyun], and Bai had Chinese lunch, we had K-rations.

Then up the hill to the temple 老子祠 [Lao Zi Ci], which is enclosed by trees and faces south, i.e., away from the plain (I will lift up my eyes, etc.). Best kept of any yet seen. Below in the grove Tang [Dynasty] tablets like Sian Bei Ling 西安碑林 and one written by Su Tong-Po [囌東坡Su Dongpo, Su Shi, a Song Dynasty scholar and official]. Above on each side of the door inside lovely stone tablets 10 feet high with the entire 道德經 [Dao De Jing] written on them -- can't be later than Sung [Song Dynasty]. Great thrill from