166 ABEIVE AT KIA-TING-FU 



which very little is known. I had to leave the choice 

 of locality to him, and before leaving I was able,, 

 through the kindness of the Eesident, to have a paper 

 declaration pasted on his collecting boxes to the effect 

 that they contained no contraband articles. This saved 

 a deal of examination and trouble in passing from 

 Sze-chuen into Quei-chau. 



On the 17th I left, accompanied by Mr. CockburUy 

 who remained with me till the 19th and then returned 

 to Chung-king. 



March 29, 1890. — Arrived at Sui-fu, and started up- 

 the Min Eiver the next day- This river is very clear^ 

 and forms a striking contrast to the muddy Yang-tze. 

 The current, however, is strong, and many extra trackers 

 had to be engaged. On April 3, heavy rain fell and a 

 freshet came down. This made the work still more 

 trpng for the trackers, and on the day after the tow 

 rope carried away three times, I am thankful to say 

 without causing any disaster. 



April 7. — Arrived at Kia-ting-fu, having been pass- 

 ing through rapids nearly all the way from Sui-fu. 



I now sent back the trackers, discharged those of 

 the crew that were not collectors, and left instructions 

 with the latter to work all likely places. As they were 

 now pretty well up in their work, the districts were left 

 to their own judgment. My boat was left in charge 



