of the New Year, only really. ended a few days ago with shualimg, or dragon processions. "We mero entertained with the spectacle of that mythical beast (or is ita bird?) trying to devour 3 foreigner—or rather Chinaman dressed up in forei clothes—a flunkey suit and carrying a Bible in his hands. At such times the popular feelings find expression. As an Englishman therefore I was not alittle surprised to seo glittering in letters of fire fea] BE HE ("Chinese and English united in heart") Evidently the Russian loan of face and money is regarded as dangerous to the interests of the Empire. At any rate it is pleasant to know that here at all events, the Chinese regard England as friend—may it be long ere she have any reason to reckon her a foe.
18th February.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.