Fu Jun calls attention to the fact that it is of the greatest importance that the walls of cities should be kept in " proper state of repair, in order that they may serve the namely to protect the public buildings, and purposes for which they were intended, the dwellings of the people against attacks from outside. It is on record that when after the rebellion, certain of the gentry subscribed funds for repairs to city walls, the number of candidates eligible for examinations was increased, and other rewards distributed amongst the promoters the Board making a stipulation that before any such favours could be applied for, an inspection on the part of reliable officers of high rank must first take place, who must issue a certificate certifying to the nature of the work done and the amount of the money spent. Memorialist has now to report that in the 'I'saochow prefect repairs to the wails of the district cities of Ci'aoch'eng, Tingt'ao, Yiinch'eng and Wuch'eng were, with the sanction of the late Governor, undertaken by the gentry concerned and the work having now been completed high officers have been deputed to report thereon, with a view to enabling memorialist hereafter to make application for rewards to those who were specially active in promoting such a public-spirited measure. The cost of the repairs is estimated ws follows 50,000 strings of cash ingt!a0......1..30,000, a Yiineh'eng......20,000 3} 77
12th November.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.