PEEFACE 



It was not until after my return to Europe that the 

 thought occurred to me of putting the notes of my ex- 

 periences in China into the shape of a book, which is now 

 presented to the reader. The work makes no pretension 

 to be anything more than a straightforward, unvarnished 

 account of trips into very httle known parts of China 

 and Tibet. I have avoided, as far as possible, descrip- 

 tions of places and scenes which have been previously 

 descril^ed, and have also done my best to withstand the 

 temptation to generalise from limited experience, to 

 which travellers in China seem peculiarly liable. I avail 

 myself of this preface to express my deep obligations to 

 many friends who have helped me in one way and 

 another. Especially I would offer my thanks to Mon- 

 seigneur Biet, of Ta-lsien-lu, for much kindness on the 

 occasion of both my visits. 



