PRHFACEH 
Ir 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 little known parts of China 
and Tibet. Ihave avoided, as far as possible, descrip- 
tions of places and scenes which have been previously 
described, and have also done my best to withstand the 
temptation to generalise from limited experience, to 
which travellers in China seem peculiarly liable. Lavail 
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 Birt, of Ta-tsien-lu, for much kindness on the 
occasion of both my visits. 
