In the Huchou Prefecture; North Chekiang, is the Mohkénsan STuw, range or cluster of mountains which will no doubt attract an increasing number of seekera for summer homes. First, because of not a few natural advantage second, quick and comparatively easy access; and, third, arrangements now being made' for minimising expenses. Missionaries of the hardier type hay rented rooms in Chinese houses about halfway up the south-eastern slopes, at intervals, during the past eleven years. Their reports, however, did not draw others very much until last winter and spring, when quite a number of people went to s the ace and, as it often happened, bong! building sites for themselves and for friends "who wanted a lot before everything was taken" At first, excellent sites were sold for nearly nominal prices, but as negotiations: began to be made by foreigners who were not acquainted with the dialect or local conditions, and by men in excess of hurry, and even by parties who put ins of money into the hands of native agents with instructions to get choice plots regardless of cost, the result has been somewhat disastrous to all concerned. It may now be said that there are'no cheap lots and all local prices are in a sort of chaos. However, resident land-holders have formed a preliminary organisation and efforts are on foot to make this place become a suitable resort for persons of moderate means, especially for those who have children who want healthy, summer homes within less than forty-eight hours from Shanghai, within thirty-six from Soochow, and withi eighteen from Hangchow, with all the absolute necessities and many of the comforts of life at a very reasonable cost. The natural advantages may be touched upon. First, the temperature noted for three years will average from eight to ten degrees lower than at the three points above mentioned. The scenery compares favourably with parts of Japan and the altitude by the aneroid barometer gives a maximum approaching 3,000 feet. The best slopes and levels suit~ able for building cottages with roadway and water privileges are from 1,200 to 2,500 feet in elevation, No expert is in evidence a3 to the water analysis but some observant people say that the winter snows and copious spring rains filter into granite caverns to issue cold and crystal from frequent fissures along the upper ridges. As to shade, tall feathery bamboos grow there by the million, trees are in variety though fewer, but verdure almost everywhere scarcely allows one ragged rock to scratch the sky." The roads of course are Chinese: the sinuous paths are broken occasionally by stone steps and paved inclines. Improvements are needed and can be "accomplished at a moderate outlay. Sedan chairs for small parties can be had from Sanjaobu, SFB, the nearest boat-landing, and Local market town, for about one dollar each. Baggage and stores can go up for about five or six cash per catty, unless you are over anxious, extra foolish, and doubly unfair to the next visitor following you. Building materials cost in proportion to distance carried, and the difficalty of handling. Access is easy by houseboat towed from Soochow or Hangchow to Tanghsi SA: from Tanghsi to Sanjaobu is about fifty-four li, From Sanjaobu to the resident section of the mountains is about eighteen Ni, overland. At present only three foreign houses have been completed; three or four more are now joing up and others are under contract.
are no hotels, but some of the natives take in travellers over night'and supply plenty of tea and rice. Nearly all of the available rooms in the native houses are now rented for the season and are already occupied, hut the majority of these are in no sense desirable for long residence, as they are smoky, dirty, poorly ventilated upstairs, and below, the Chinese "crowd all day and gossip all night." Te is fortunate that the native houses are below where the foreigners are building. Already arrangements have bees made for bread baked in Hangchow each morning to be delivered in closed cases the next day before noon on the mountain top; mails from Shanghai and Hangchow vid steam launch under one cover come daily, Sundays excepted. Non-perishable stores are to be placed on sale at the foot of the mountain at Shanghai prices plus about ten per cent for carriage to the top; chickens, eggs, and a very limited supply fof local' fruits and vegetables can, bought of the natives at your door. The resident landholders are forming Committees for Improvement, Sanitation, Police, and Property-extension; all applications for building lots by bond fide seekers for summer homes will be in turn and preference doubt those who Ili children, competent: medical authorities have said that the altitude is not so great as to induce bowel troubles, while the nights are cool enough to insure sound sleep, and on the ridges under natural shade or mat sheds the little ones can play all day long in the open air, It is that all refits arising from the division of lots or further purchases will be spent in improying the roadways, extending the water supply, and facilitating communication. Speculation is difficult owing to the large quantity of land yet in native hands, minute subdivision, and multiplied owner.
jip of the best levels. It is risky because non-residents are least secure in their titles, and unprofitable because missionaries or others lending themselves to "booming" methods will not only. fin their efforts discountenanced and discouraged, but in the long run they are apt to be out of pocket. Spring and autumn are the better seasons for visiting the place—if you go in the summer it is better to stay long enough to get some benefit from the change. Further facts will be made public as soon as.they are facts. Meantime any who desire to secure a lot may leave their application at the Presbyterian Mission Press and as soon as the Committee can do so prompt answers will given. This is in no sense an advertise ing scheme, the Committee are not anxious to buy or sell, and it is hoped that there will he no rush and consequently very few to be disappointed.
J. W. Farnham and wife, the Rev. Joseph those now st Mohkénsan are Dr. Bailie, Mrs. Dr. Bailie and children, Mr.
Edward Evans, wife, and children, Dr. D. H. Davis, wife, and children, Miss S. M. Burdick, the Rev. A. Langman, wife, and children, Dr. R. T. Bryan, p.p., the Rev. J. L. Stuart and wife, the Rev. W. H. Hudson, wife, and children, the Rev. J. T. Prester, wife, and child, the Rev. T. A Hearn, wife, and child, the Rev. G. Mason, wife, and daughter, Miss Stella Relyea, Miss Jane Davis, and Mr. A. Paul.
Since this list was made_up others have arrived or are en route, The' mail for all persons on the mountain is made up daily at No. 1, Seward Road, Shanghai, and eaves about 5 p.m., delivered the second morning after.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.