SMITHSONIAN EXPLORATIONS, I928 



35 



brigandage, or strife of some kind made a visit impossible. This year 

 he again looked forward to a trip to Aloupin, l)ut as spring advanced 

 the news became increasingly unfavorable and by the latter part of 

 June he gave up hope. The Chinese were at war with the Lolos, a 

 native tribe, and the latter had cut bridges and fortified various 

 strategic points, and a peaceful expedition through this region was 

 out of the question. However, in the event that the trip to Moupin 

 failed. Dr. Graham had picked out Ningyuenfu as a place worthy of 



Fig. 25. — Tlie Smithsonian expedition on the way to Ningyuenfu, 

 Szechuan Province, China. Taken in a mountainous district where 

 Lolos constantly rob the travellers and where a good escort is a necessity. 

 There are 14 coolies, 3 native collectors, 15 soldiers, a yamen runner 

 or representative, and D. C. Graliam. 



investigation, so he adjusted his plans to fit the needs of that place. 

 In referring to this change of ]:)lans. after making his summer expedi- 

 tion, he writes, '' The next best trip possible was to Ningyuenfu, 12 

 days journey south of Yachow, so there 1 went. Robliers were legion 

 west of Yachow until we reached the region of the Lolos. Then there 

 was constant danger from attacks by Lolos. West of the Great Shiang 

 Lin Pass there had been no rain for more than a month, and this 

 made collecting more difficult. At Ningyuenfu the officials put up 

 placards telling hunters to bring in game to sell to us, but not a single 

 thinsj was brought in. Because of the raids of the Lolos it was im- 



