large room was set aside as our dining and general living room, adjoining 
which was a small sleeping chamber. This latter was converted into a dark- 
room, and Grant, who had a large number of plates to develope, had his bed 
set up in the living room. Clark and Sowerby found comfortable quarters in 
two cave rooms, and above was Cobb’s studio, where he had his bed and a 
small stove. Douglas, preferring quiet and early hours, betook himself to 
a well-ventilated apartment adjoining the outer court, where it was only by a 
most lavish use of rugs and blankets that he survived the cold. It was 
decided to stay some time in Yii-lin Fu, as there was plenty to be done. 
A large number of exposed plates had accumulated since the commencement 
of the journey, and it was thought best to get these developed and packed 
away out of hand. Some time, too, was necessary for making the good 
collection of desert fauna, upon which the naturalist had set his heart; and, 
in addition, the surrounding district had to be investigated. It was also 
desirable to get a good set of astronomical observations, and considerable 
interest would attach to a series of meteorological data collected over a 
lengthy period. 
Cobb and Sowerby had, at their arrival, called upon the Chih-hsien 
(District Magistrate), at whose residence they met several other local officials. 
They were kindly received, and, presenting their cards and that of Mr. Clark, 
explained the objects and work of the expedition. The mention of astro- 
nomical research seemed to awaken particular interest, and it transpired 
subsequently, through certain remarks made by the Chih-fu (Prefect), that 
these eminent public servants had jumped to the conclusion that Clark was 
a learned astrologer, and his failure to predict deaths in the Imperial Family, 
which occurred a few weeks later, was to them a source of the most grave 
disappointment. On his arrival, Mr. Clark, in turn, accompanied by Sowerby 
as interpreter, paid a round of visits to all the officials, who promptly returned 
the calls. One and all sent presents—sheep, chickens, eggs, and sweetmeats 
—to which Clark responded by taking their photographs and presenting them 
with copies, which were highly appreciated. Although long conversations 
were held with the Chih-fu and the Head of the Police, little of interest 
concerning the history of Yii-lin Fu was obtained. The informants seemed 
as ignorant of the subject as their interrogators. The Head of the Police, 
Pi Jung-pei, was a particularly pleasant and agreeable old man, and he often 
called for a little chat, or when some official communication had to be made. 
The highest military official in Yii-lin Fu was the Brigadier-General, or Chén- 
t’ai (“Commander of One Thousand Men”), of whose force, however, 
19 
