There has been a great scarcity of snow this winter. In the capital they have been praying for snow for-some time and fasts have been proclaimed. The farmers here are beginning to be anxious also. If the new dynasty celebrates its first year by a huge famine, it may spell its doom, for the people would certainly lay the calamity at its doors. Though the past harvest here was good one yet grain is at famine prices, owing to the immense q tity going into Tibet and Kokonor regions.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.