Returning to China after an absence of several years, one's attention cannot but be arrested by the many evidences of the pass: ing of the old and the introduction of modern ideas along so many lines.
Along the Yangtze one is struck} by the developments in shipping! and the extension of steam lines; and the change from the old-time} junk traffic to steam, as represented by both up-to-date boats and asthmatic decrepit-looking launches, all of which seem working to capacity.
At ichang and beyond, several new companies have put on steamers this season and reports are current of others who will be in the running next year. It has been amply demonstrated that only steamers of considerable—horsepower can successfully navigate the stretch from Ichang to Chun king, while those of lesser power have abundant opportunity above Chungking, and it seems the general opinion' that next season will see a number of new and powerful steamers running through the gorges and rapids and that a number of those now on that route will be transferred to the section above Chungking.
Rumours are afloat of a Chinese company which plans to place a fleet over 20 boats, of different sizes, of the shallow draught stern wheel type, not only on the upper Yangtze, but also on some of its affluents, which are navigable for long distances in high water, and it is contemplated thus to bring Chengtu within the steam zone.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.