162 SHOOTING IN CHINA 



towed by a steam launch to Hang- 

 chow, which is situated at the southern 

 terminus of the grand canal and one 

 hundred and fifty miles from Shanghai. 

 Arriving at Hangchow it was necessary 

 to transport our baggage and shooting 

 equipments several miles across the country 

 before reaching our boat on the river 

 which the courtesy of friends at Haugchow 

 had previously engaged for us. And now 

 the diary begins with such comments 

 interspersed as the occasion and the state of 

 mind prompted. 



As it was 8 p.m. when we arrived at 

 Hangchow we slept on our houseboat the 

 first night, after preparing for an early start 

 next day. When we awoke the clouds were 

 hanging low and heavy, but we did not 

 delay on account of the weather outlook 

 and at once began to pack our effects in such 

 shape as they could be easily carried 

 across the country by the coolies engaged 

 for the purpose. By n a.m. the coolies had 

 started, but we took a different route and 

 one that led us direct to the lake near 

 Hangchow. I had never seen this lake, but 

 had read many descriptions of it and soon 

 realized that its beauty and the restfulness 



