20 LETTERS ON AGRICULTURE. 



The Chinaman is a marvel of industry and accuracy, and is probably 

 developing with all the rapidity which his centuries of inherent con- 

 servatism will permit. 



The farming class is, so far as I have observed, more intelligent 

 about its own affairs, quicker, and vastly more industrious than the 

 peasant (lass of Europe. These Chinese peasants are not as a rule 

 unwilling to learn, and are quick to appreciate the value of tools which 

 are really improvements over their own. The delight which a Chinese 

 mulberry grower showed at the sight of a pair of modern pruning 

 shears which I was using, could hardly have been equaled by a peasant 

 in southern Europe. 



There are everywhere the most unmistakable signs of progress, 

 and the sooner Americans come to look upon China as a growing 

 commercial nation the better it will be for our interests. 



The accounts of the Chinaman's wonderful ability to imitate have 

 not been exaggerated, but his reputed want of the inventive faculty 

 does not stand the test. These conceptions are falsely colored, either 

 by the blind prejudice of the transient visitor to China or the disap- 

 pointment of the old white resident, who forgets how moderately the 

 average workman of any old civilization is equipped with inventive 

 powers. 



One among many examples of their ingenuity will serve to illus- 

 trate how false this idea is. In Taku. during the construction, recently, 

 of some very large iron flat boats or lighters with which to unload or coal 

 the incoming steamers, the problem of lowering these heavy iron boats 

 that had been constructed on a high framework became a puzzling 

 one. Large derricks and expensive steam cranes were discussed. One 

 of the Chinese master workmen suggested placing under the lighters 

 a large number of columnar close-woven wicker baskets packed with 

 sand. Then by knocking out the stays formerly employed the lighter 

 would rest on the pillars of sand, and by puncturing the baskets the 

 sand would gradually run out, allowing the heavy boat to settle to the 

 desired level. This inexpensive suggestion of the Chinaman was fol- 

 lowed by the European constructors, proving a complete success and 

 saving much time and money. 



Throughout China, the Europeans carry on their business by means 

 of Chinese clerks, called "compradors." The comprador is an absolute 

 necessity, and from being a mere accountant and interpreter he grad- 

 ually rises to a position of control, becomes often immensely wealthy, 

 and supports the European who originally hired him. This course of 

 affairs is of frequent occurrence; so common, in fact, that the Euro- 

 peans are often spoken of as merely the employees of the wealthy 

 Chinese. 



That the Chinaman understands how to accumulate wealth is so 

 well known as to need no emphasizing. In a Hongkong paper I saw 



