PEEFACE. 



vii 



teresting operations are now described, I believe, 

 for the first time by an English eye-witness. 



The concluding chapter gives the author's views 

 upon the late disturbances at Canton. It shows 

 how these might have been avoided, and suggests 

 a line of policy by which our future relations with 

 the Chinese may be placed on a more firm and 

 satisfactory basis. These suggestions are of im- 

 portance, not to England only, but to all civilized 

 nations in the West who trade with China, or 

 who may be interested in her future welfare and 

 progress. 



The remarks on the climate of China, with 

 reference to the health of our troops, are the re- 

 sults of long experience, and, in the event of our 

 going to war with that country, ought to be care- 

 fully considered by those who have the direction 

 of the expedition. 



Having thus given a general idea of the scope 

 of the work, I have only to express a hope that, 

 while it may add to our knowledge of the people 

 and productions of China, it may, at the same time, 

 enable us to look with more kindly feelings on a 

 large portion of the human family, far more 

 ancient as a nation, and as industrious, if not so 

 civilized, as ourselves. 



Brompfon, April, 1857. 



