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May 9.
Sent two packages to the Post Office.  Caught some interesting bees or wasps.

May 10.
This morning I sent a coolie to catch shrimps.  This afternoon with the skinner I went across the river to net and to catch water specimens.  Secured a good many bees and three eels.
Last night five men were killed by a number of men in civilian clothes.  There was an attempt to kill an officer, but the offic [[strikethrough]] i [[/strikethrough]] er escaped.  The city is excited about it.

May 12.
It is very hot.
[[in pencil]] F [[/in pencil]] The postmaster says that a General at ^[[insertion above letter Y]] F [[/insertion]] Yachi, between Suifu and ^[[insertion above letter Y]] F [[/insertion]] Yuchow, has stopped three boat-loads of parcel post packages among which are about 12 Smithsonian packages.  He wants to collect duty on the packages.  The postal authorities are refusing to pay the duty, for there are many other such places between Chengtu and Shanghai that will collect such "duties" if possible.  The postmaster thinks there is no danger of the packages being destroyed.

May 13.
I am beginning to get ready for the trip to Moupin.  There are brigands in the Moupin District, and these will have to be bribed to protect.  If at the last moment I should not be able to collect at Moupin, I would try to collect south of Suifu on the Yunnan Border.
I will not mail any more packages until I hear that the "General" at Ya Chi has desisted in his demands for export duty on parcels.
This spring I have been handicapped in the securing of lepidoptera, especially night moths.  The two 200 candle Smithsonian lanterns can only burn gasoline.  I have sent to Chungking for ten gallons of gasoline.  If I secure gasoline, I will have greater success in the future.

May 14.
Filled box No. 82, bird skeletons.

May 15.
Sent a Chinese to secure water specimens.  He was moderately successful.  Word has been received that the gasoline is to get here tomorrow.  I'll enjoy using it in the lanterns.

May 16.
The foreign guests from down the Yangtse did not arrive today, but should arrive tomorrow.  Then I'll have gasoline for use in the ^[[good lanterns.]]

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