METHODS OF TRAVEL 25 



the same causes that obtain elsewhere in the world, namely, 

 military conquest and commercial interchange between distant 

 localities. 



Throughout the length and breadth of China run imperial 

 highways, few in number, it is true, but of vast importance, 

 since they connect the imperial capital with the capitals of the 

 provinces. These were made for military purposes in early 

 times, when the Emperors were busy conquering the country 

 and extending their territories. They are all of great strategical 

 importance, and were originally paved throughout with huge 

 blocks of stone. Often, indeed, they were actually blasted and 

 excavated from solid rock. They vary in width according to 

 the configuration of the country and the nature of the traffic 

 they have to carry. In the northern parts overland travel is 

 commonly done by cart, and the roads are adapted to such 

 traffic. In the parts with which we are concerned the country 

 is too wild and rugged for wheels, and the only recognized mode 

 of travelling is by means of sedan-chair. The imperial roads 

 were originally made sufficiently wide to enable two chairs to 

 pass one another freely. Ten to twelve feet is a broad highway 

 in these parts, and it must be conceded that roads of such width 

 amply serve their purpose. Unfortunately this width is rarely 

 maintained for any considerable distance. The grading of 

 these ancient highways was well done, and the whole work 

 speaks volumes for the ability and energy of those old-time 

 engineers. Like much else in China these roads were once 

 magnificent, but to-day they are far from this. In general 

 they are sadly neglected. Floods have destroyed them here 

 and there, often the paving blocks have been stolen for house- 

 building and other purposes, and gaps of unpaved, muddy 

 stretches, almost impassable in rainy weather, occur all too 

 frequently. Sufficient of the original road remains to stir 

 admiration for the skill and foresight of the engineers, long 

 since dead, and to set the traveller longing for those halcyon 

 days of old. 



In the prosperous parts of China, highways connect all the 

 principal cities, town, and villages. These are usually 8 to 10 

 feet wide, and though originally paved throughout, are now in 

 a state of more or less disrepair. Nearly all the towns and 



