The Ways of Chinese Officials. 



wav to Kashgar and India. Their expedition was a scientific 

 one under the auspices of the United States Government. I 

 waded through the dinner without the dire consequences usually 

 associated with these functions, though I felt a deal of per- 

 turbation as to the probable after-results, not being possessed of 

 an armour-plated stomach. 



The following morning the Indian traders in Aksu called on 

 me, and I regaled them with a light collation and cigarettes, 

 during which we carried on an interesting conversation. 



The weather was hot in Aksu and the mosquitoes in 



" I CROSSED THE AKSU RIVER IN HUGE FLAT- 

 BOTTOMED BOATS." 



my garden were a great pest. In common with other cities 

 in Chinese Turkistan, Aksu is a filthy place, the streets being 

 positive quagmires of mud and water. 



Every one in this land of sin and sorrow is intent on making 

 the most of his opportunities and enriching himself at the 

 expense of the central government, so it is a matter of complete 

 indifference to the Chinese officials whether the streets are in a 

 sanitary condition or otherwise. 



From the walls of the city I obtained a first view of the 

 mighty Thian Shan Range, which, as already indicated, run east 



157 



