viii PREFACE 



To Lieut. Alexander Cochran, E.N., I also owe my 

 thanks for his assistance in compiUnp- this work from 

 the rough notes of my journeys. Space will not permit 

 me to do more than briefly express my thanks to the 

 three following members of the Consular Service, Messrs. 

 Gregory, Fraser, and Cockburn, late British Resident 

 of Chung-king ; also to the Eev. George Cockburn and 

 Dr. A. Henry of Ichang, Bishop Benjamin, Peres Soulie, 

 Dejean, Mossot, and other fathers ; Mr. Thomas Wood 

 of Messrs. Drysdale, Ringer, & Co., Shanghai, the Rev. 

 Benjamin Ririe, the Rev. Joshua Vale of Kia-ting-fa, 

 and the Rev. John Hykes and Dr. Underwood of Kiu- 

 kiang, from all of whom I received great courtesy, and 

 all the help they could give me. 



A. E. PRAFT. 



12 WiNTON Street, Eyde, Isle of "Wight : 

 Fehruary 26, 1892 



