Although rumours regarding the] imminent flooding of Hankow due to the river there having risen to 88 ft. Jduring the past few days have been prevalent locally, we are advised that no real danger existe, The average depth of the river off the British Bund at Hankow 43.309 ft. On only one occasion this figure been exceeded, when 60 ft, caused floods in the Hankow district. The lowest figure on record, 31 ft 5 in, refers to a particularly dry ye High water usually comes in August, although there have been exceptions during the past few years. One year the high-water [season commenced on May 23. The Inext year it was. in full swing on [October 27. High water is expected earlier than usual this year.
Hankow is quite safe ak long the river keeps below 49 ft.
We are advised, however, that Changsha is not already flooded it soon will be, and that Lake Tunting, which acts as a reservoir for excess water from Ichang, is the only possible danger spot in this connection. The lake is usually more reedy than watery.
Tt has a maximum depth capacity, of 39 ft. Above this point a slight prospect of flooding in the surrounding district exists.
It is the practice of farmers in the vicinity of the lake to smash protecting dykes at the slightest indication of @ flood. They usually take care that in so doing their own land does not suffer.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.