Sutsien, Ku., July 12. OR some months past north Kiangsu has suffered from drought.
Strong winds have been blowing from the west or southwest, which felt hot against one's face, instead of cool.
Wheat was shivelled up by drought and heat, some of it seemed to dry up and die, instead of really ripening.
During the drought, processions marched along the roads and streets to temples, carrying idols, banners and incense. accompanied by alleged music which was weak in harmony and melody but strong in volume.
Financial agents in the procession stopped at! doors along the way, to demand money to pay for incense. In some cases, they cursed the Christians who refused to give money for this purpose.
On a recent day there was a large procession than usual, with the magistrate of the new regime taking a prominent part.
Rain began falling that night and continued throughout the next day: more than 3¥% Inches in all, Other showers have fallen, making suMictent moisture for the crops, but the water supply is still low. After the bli, rain, thanksgiving processions marehfed through the streets, carrying idols fand ineorie, and making Joyful noises.
This year, wheat harvest began rather earl ice than usual, Of course, the wheat crop is short. not nearly equal to. the splendid yield of last year, At harvest time, the price of wheat was almost exactly four times high as atthe same. season last year, and the price is steadily rising, though the grain is of inferior quality
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.