passed. So far as I know, I am the only traveler, apart from members of
the missionary community, who has ever resided far away in the interior
of the Celestial Empire for so long a time.

Most of the manuscript for this book was written as I went along>--a
good deal of it actually by the roadside in rural China. When my journey
was completed, the following news paragraph in the North China Daily
News (of Shanghai) was brought to my notice:--

"All the Legations (at Peking) have received anonymous letters from
alleged revolutionaries in Shanghai, containing the warning that an
extensive anti-dynastic uprising is imminent. If they do not assist
the Manchus, foreigners will not be harmed; otherwise, they will be
destroyed in a general massacre.

"The missives were delivered mysteriously, bearing obliterated
postmarks.

"In view of the recent similar warnings received by the Consuls,
uneasiness has been created."

The above appeared in the journal quoted on June 3rd, 1910. The reader,
in perusing my previously written remarks on the spirit of reform and
how far it has penetrated into the innermost corners of the empire,
should bear this paragraph in mind, for there is more Boxerism and
unrest in China than we know of. My account of the Hankow riots of
January, 1911, through which I myself went, will, with my experience of
rebellions in Yün-nan, justify my assertion.

I should like to thank all those missionaries who entertained me as I