(1) The Imperial Prefectare of Shuntienfuclas not been visited with sutticient rain since the latter part of spring, and in consequence we have repeatedly erected Lefty altars to Heaven to supplicate for rain for the parched earth which threatens dire distress and famine to our poor subjects unless the earnestly desired moisture come: Tu spite of all these efforts at pacifying the wrath of High Heaven, our prayers have not been granted and we are still in the midst of drought. In view of this we are made to feel that perhaps we ourselves may. have been guilty of some grievous sin which demands further swritices, self-denial, and inward cleansing before High Heaven can be mollified into forgiveness and grant us our wishes. Bur it is not ourselves alone who must undergo this self-abasement towards Heaven; you also, Princes, Ministers and Otticers of the Imperial Court, must also supplement the efforts of the Throne by strict loyalty and sincerity of conduct.
highest to the lowest and hum: blest we must all abise ourselves and so conduct ourselves as to gain the favour of High Heaven.
With reference to the continued drought in the Imper 1 Prefecture, we the other day commanded Prince' Chi Prince Kung, and others to reverentially superintend on our behalf the sacritici ceremonies held in the various Imperial temples for the supply the present. day our p been answered although longingly hoped for. Tt is our command therefore that further supplications he held on the Sth instant at the said Imperial temples under the superintendence of Prince Tuan, 2nd Order, Prince Tsai Ving. 3rd Order, Prince i Tien, 3rd Order, Prince Tsai Y rd Urder, and Prince P'u Lun, 4th Order; und itis our command that perfect reverence and earnestness be ed ut the said ceremonies on tat '7th October.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.