Inthe country of Shonghong (_f #t) the writer listened to an interesting, story of royal interest. It is to the effect that when the present dynasty achieved the mastery of China the then reigning Ming King made his escape safe to this county "in Tingchoufu Prefecture. Bo-fore the King started on his lonely and perilous journey he enquired of his wisest sage where he ought to go for safety, and the sage replied: "To a place Fatsuli in Tingchou." The dejected King accepted the advice tendered and among other things' he brought with him a painting of the first of the Ming Kings. This treasure with a Ming bowl are still in the possession. of a descendant of the persons who befriended the exiled King These facts the writer cannot yet verify, but they are history in this part of China, The King lived in his humble habitation for three'years and then, lest his where abouts should be. discovered, he passed over the Fukien Highlands into Kiangsi, where in Moisan (ff {[]) his dust Teposes undisturbed. The writer, anxious to get into. touch with the owner of the King's picture, got. into. communication with him [but indirectly: jealously guards the treasure. At a later day it may be possible to see the curiosity. But to seo the bow! would be of still greater interest.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.