With the advent of summer although we have had several minor showers of rain they have been insufficient t" cause any appreciable assistance to agriculture in the Imperial Prefecture of Shuntienfu; and now although the season when rains are needed has approached we are sill without the precious showers, which makes us sad at heart and sympathise with the difficulties our farmers have to contend ith in the prose t juncture. It is our purpose therefore to proceed pers-nally the wext day to pray at the temple of the Most High for rain, We also hereby appoint Prince (Belle'). 'T-ai Lien to sacrifice on our behalf at the semble of Appropriate Seasons; Prince (Beitze) I Mu to sacrifice at the Chaolisies temple Prince (Beitze) Pu Lun to sacrifice at the enjén temple, and Duke Tsai Lan to 2 at the Ningho temple on the said 25th May.
IMPERIAL DECREE, Some time ago we issued x decree deprecating the frequency with which officers of our Court have been applying for leave of absence, therely neglecting their several duties. We earnestly exhorted all such refrain from such conduct in the future, but to exert their best energies and bilities to show that the confidence we have placed in them has not been misplaced. As days pass we however notice @ recurrence of this habit and that applications for leaves of absence No other papers of importance.
30th May.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.