166 ARRIVE 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 Resident, 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. Cockburn, 
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 River 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 
trying for the trackers, and on the day after the tow 
rope carried away three times, 1 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. 
T 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 
