To the Editor of the "Norru-Cinwa Darcy News"
Sm—Having just arrived from Szechuen, I was interested in reading the letter written by Mr. Sowerby regarding the baby Giant Panda "Caught by Mrs. Harkness."
During the past twenty odd years, has been my privilege whilst residing in Chengtu to assist most of the hunting expeditions in planning for their Journeyings on to regions beyond, Two years ago Messrs. Harkness, Smith and Russell arrived in the city of Kiating, and a few days later, I received a long telegram from the US.A. Consul in Hankow, asking that T locate these gentlemen, who were recalled from West China, because of breach of Passport. technicality. The Mrst two being U.S.A. citizens had to return, but Russell being British remained on until the end of the summer, Previous to this time Floyd Sntith had been up into the area from whence came the "Baby Panda" and had left money with several men who were to hunt both birds and animals for his collection. Previous to that time Mr. and Mrs. Sage Junior, Mr. Carter and another had resided in the aren and hunted for three months.
Smith and Harkness were plannlag, to return to West China, when the latter was taken seriously ill, had two operations and later died.
Mrs. Harkness came to Chengtu, went on to Kwan Hsien and learned that some hunters had a Panda. She caught the Panda. Smith had worked the territory and left men there wirls money hunting, but ill health "and misfortune delayed Smith, and the Lady walked in, bought the Panda, returned home and sold it. Beginner's Luck, T thought in view of Mr. Sowerby's letter that perhaps a few mote fact regarding the "Capture of the Baby' might clear up some doubtful spots.
Leaving Chungking en the Min Beng with the water registering
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.