A journey from this to Lanchow' by rail reveals a large stretch of territory east of the river, much of which is so low that cultivation is practically impossible. Here' and there patches have been planted, but the greater part is covered with grass, reeds and weeds, Even this has its value for fuel. It is fertile soil, and could it be secured against inundation, would produce fine crops. Asa higher elevation is reached, the growing grain begins to present a better appexranee, The fields ive promise of un abundant harvest, from some distance this side of T'angshan all along the line of the railroad to. the eastward. This is specially noticeable in the valley of the Lanho and beyond. We were informed that in these valleys the growth of opium had greatly increased of late, where a few years ago the poppy field was the exception.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.