SMAU, GAME 119 



And these figures are quite independent 

 of the heavy requisitions of mail steamers, 

 coast boats, and the various men-of-war that 

 visit the port. The percentage of game shot 

 by foreigners, when brought into comparison 

 with the figures given above, is insignifi- 

 cant in the extreme, and yet it is that very 

 percentage which gained for China her fair 

 name and reputation ; and which the foreign 

 sportsman legitimately and fondly de- 

 sires to see rather increased than lessened. 

 Whether the railway will eventually open 

 up any virgin shooting grounds is at pre- 

 sent a conjecture only. The railway, as so 

 far opened, simply traverses districts only 

 too well known to every sportsman. But 

 it may be that some more light will 

 be thrown upon this question now 

 the line is in working order between 

 Chingkiang and Nanking. That fair 

 country to the west and north of Hang- 

 chow at present holds out the brightest 

 promise of "fresh wood and pastures." 

 Further west again, to the west and south 

 of the Tungting lake, is that terra incog- 

 nita of which Kweichow may be termed 

 the centre. 



