88 A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



capable of growing enormous quantities of these valuable 

 plants, but cheaper and better facilities for transport are 

 necessary before the products can become articles of external 

 trade. When the much-discussed Hankow-Szechuan railway 

 is fait accompli the raw products of the west will be available 

 as articles of export, and a much-needed stimulus given to 

 the agricultural industries of the regions concerned. 



