PREFACE. 



the concluding section some account of the political 

 situation in the East with which this country is con- 

 fronted at the present time. Sections II. -VI. may be 

 said to consist in the main of a narrative of travel, 

 and, since my wanderings led me at one time through 

 an unrivalled sporting country, I have not hesitated 

 to include among them a section upon sport ; but 

 though devoted largely to a description of travel, 

 some political questions — the Baghdad railway problem 

 to wit — are discussed in them, something of history 

 is recalled, and such information as my inquiries in 

 various directions elicited is adduced for the benefit 

 of all who take a close interest in the peoples and 

 politics of Asia. It has been said of travellers — not 

 altogether without reason perhaps — that they forget 

 much that they have seen, and remember much that 

 they have not ! If I plead guilty to the former 

 charge, I may, I hope, in my own case conscientiously 

 take exception to the latter, since it has been my 

 practice, whenever seeing anything of interest or learn- 

 ing anything of importance from reliable sources, to 

 take instant note of it upon the spot. 



It is, perhaps, hardly necessary for me to add that 

 I am indebted to many for much willing help and 

 sympathetic interest shown to me by my own country- 

 men and by foreigners alike, whether ojB&cial or other- 

 v/ise, whenever my wanderings have brought me in 

 contact with them in the remote corners of the East. 

 In this connection it is also my pleasant duty to 

 acknowledge my indebtedness to the proprietors of 

 ' The Times ' for the ready assent which they gave 



