254 INTERVIEW WITH PRINCE OF ALA-SHAN. 



learned, was in the house. At the doors of the 

 house, and in the entrance-hall, stood the aides-de- 

 camp of the prince and his sons, who were also 

 obliged to be present during our reception. 



After the usual enquiries about our health and 

 safe journey, the Amban said that no Russian had 

 ever before visited Ala-shan ; that he now for the 



Rmxs OF Chai'kl of Sistfrs of Mkrcv at Tikxtsix, dhstroved nv Chinese 

 RiOTFRS (from a Photograph by J. Thomson, Esq., F.R.G.S.). 



first time saw these foreigners, and was very glad of 

 our visit. 



He then began asking us about Russia. What 

 was our religion ; how did we cultivate the soil ; 



