A Bad Land. 



to follow, to which I replied it would be a good opportunity to 

 try and find one. He further informed me the country 

 beyond was full of rogues and rascals and that we should in- 

 evitably meet with violent deaths amongst the freebooters of 

 the north. He was an aged specimen of the Mandarin, capable 

 of little more than a pull at the opium pipe, and probably 

 a distinct failure as Governor of a large district such as Kuchar. 



A DWARF FROM KHOTAN DANCED. 



It may be of interest to tell of Chinese procedure in so far 

 as supplying transport is concerned. The Amban issues orders 

 to the Begs (minor officials) to produce so many ponies or 

 carts, or whatever may be wanted. These worthies go forth 

 into the highways and by-ways, and annex the required number, 

 without troubling to consult the wishes of the owners. This 

 is the Beg's chance for an illicit commission. The former buy 

 this individual off for a small sum, when he retires, repeating 

 the performance until he has made a good haul, and at last 



163 M 2 



