YANG-TZE RIVER 157 



stools. There is the knowledge that he is 

 untamed and the feeling that it is a fair 

 trial. 



Whether the bag be large or small it is 

 pleasant to shoot in the Yangtze valley. 

 There is somethitig in the flow of the great 

 river that stirs the mind to active reflection. 

 Its source is among the mountains which 

 form the roof of the world, and for centuries 

 it has borne on its bosom a valuable share 

 of the commerce of China. Its valley must 

 indeed have been the " paradise of the 

 sportsman," but since the advent of the 

 westerner with his steamboats and hammer- 

 less guns the shooter when he now steps 

 ashore should wear his best fitting hunting 

 boots, for he will have to walk long and 

 look well for his pheasant. The inhabit- 

 ants of the valley are peaceful and friendly 

 inclined, and there need not be any trouble 

 if one has a few Mexican dollars in his 

 pocket and knows in what size doses to 

 administer such medicine. 



