300 Through the Ydng-tse Gorges 



now are, three months is an average time for goods to 

 reach Chung-king from Shanghai, while six months is not 

 uncommon, we reaUze what an impetus will be given to the 

 trade of this rich province, once regular steam communica- 

 tion is estabhshed. That this will not have long to wait is 

 now certain, and when it does come its promoters will reap 

 a rich reward. Until some day superseded by a railway 

 along the gorges, steamers on the river will command the 

 cream of the immense carrying-trade now painfully served by 

 fragile junks. The present army of wretched trackers will 

 gradually be set free for more remunerative work as the 

 mines are developed and new industries become established. 

 Then will the pioneer voyage of the little Leechuen not 

 have been made in vain. 



