Hangchow, June 9.
There is always a charm abo the Chien Tang River, but especial-"in the sweet 'o the year" when the banks are ablaze with the sweet hues of many" blooms. ever traverse this rich and fort [valley without thinking of that fine [English gentleman—Robert—who typified—those virtues that are not too common nowadays. Tt is said of him: "He feared nothing for luxuries, and made light of hardships" and he always Looked back upon his extensive travels ud life amongst. the [Chinese with feelings of wnalloyed pleasure.
The hills and dales of Chekiang were his happy hunting ground and this naturalist's paradise, rare botanical treasures were discovered.
was in this tea producing region he "beheld, for the first time, th glorious ttee—the Weeping Cypress, fand, in due course, a specimen was planted in Windsor Park and pronounced to be an acquisition highest interest.
In the remote corners of the pra-vince to-day the echo of Christian song may be heard. Through the efforts of the missionary, sancfuaries are now"to be found in every county where believers, Ihave eschewed idolatry, daily upon 'God. And, moreover, ever was. the Inquiry about "The Way" so widespread as in these dag: Bible study circles are increasing' fand it. was inspiring, on arriving fat Lanche last week," to see the large assembly of Christian leaders beer gathered for the yearly ten' days session of meditation of the Seri ture and prayer. This was in con-Inection with the China Inland Mission and this spiritual retreat Jcomprised representatives from at feast a score of stations and outposts where churches have been There is now a perceptible acceleration in the matter of transport, this of the province. Motor roads are being thrown up Jand. prospected in every direction. JAnd the new. railway, thas commenced to ply for busi-Mess from the Siao Shan end distance' of some 30 li.
hoped, ere, this, trains would have been running to th county town of Chuchi, but diffcul- pa ties—chiefly financial—have been cause of delay. When will the Iron Road" be opened to Kinhwa} Jand Lanche, the people are asking. The permanent way lready been laid, but, there again, progress
funds.
guwtarded' through "Tack For the time being the old: rive: route is the quickest way to' Lan-che. A good service of steam launches ig available far as Tonglu from which point "Quick, Boats" complete the journey over rapids and; shallows. Two days Jare required to reach' that—busy finland" mart from—Hangchow. Anyone making this. trip, for. the first time will be shocked on reaching the river port of Tongly. 'The landing facilities of this place Jare wholly inadequate. Most dis-Jgraceful scenes of jostling and Jconfusion are enacted on the arrival and departure of every' steamer. This state of things has continued for years and still the Jauthorities refuse to make-amends.
All along this rade route, the police are busy on the track of Jopium and morphia smugglers. To the annoyance of passengers, alli baggage has to be opened for minute inspection consequently, every landing place, Jeommotion reigns. "The modern Chinese traveller is a great contrast to the time when the long flowing Jgown was in vogue. Plus Fours! Jand shorts are.fast coming into favour with Young China. Packets, Jof cigarettes bulge the pockets, fash light is suspended from chain. while the thermos bottle and Jo leather attache case are indispens sable articles - of the up-to-date travelling out.
But these enthusiasts are rot Jail of the swelled-head breed. On the express Munch, with its full Jeomplement of saloon passengers. jan intellectual young fellow addressed me in perfect English—"Will you please loan me your} Inewspaner, after you have finished] with ie2" " Tk was the "North China Daily News," and this indi-}sidual immediately commenced to translate the various items of news to the crowded covin. On these
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.