Viewing page 17 of 25

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

- 17 -
obliging and appointed four soldiers. We are here safely, having had in all eight soldiers, a more adequate number than the military officer appointed.

We secured only three birds, but secured some fine insects. It rained last night but ceased about daylight this morning.

The reader may judge the dangers of this part of China from the Lolos from the following facts. Last night the soldiers would not permit the netter, Chen, to collect outside the city gates because the Lolos were constantly robbing just outside the town. Yesterday the Lolos burnt more than ten houses not far from Yueh Shi. Today I saw a Chinese fortress that had been captured, looted and then burnt by the Lolos, etc.

I purchased two mammal skins today. The animals were killed near Wang Jia Tsang near Yueh Shi. 

We are passing through some very beautiful territory.

I am at present in fine physical condition.

Mammals No. 119--120.

August 13. We travelled from Bao Ngan to this town, the name of which is Hai Tang today. The altitude here is about 7500 feet, while that of Bao Ngan is about 8100 feet.  The weather today was fine. It was cold when we started out this morning, but it got hot this afternoon, and it is again very cool tonight.

We got a fine catch of insects today.

We now have an escort of ten soldiers, provided by the military camp at Bao Ngan. The militia, acting on the instructions from the magistrate's yamen also appoints soldiers, but I have been able by argument and persuasion to keep the number down to one soldier today.  They must appoint soldiers, but we do not need them since we already have ten soldiers with guns. By cutting the escort provided by the civil magistrate down to one man we save considerable money.

Aug. 14. We travelled today from Hai Tang to Pin ^[[1]] E^[[1]] Pu^[[4]], eighty li. The road led over a couple of hills, then there was a long, gradual down-grade. Mos^[[t]] of the way there were black berries within reach, and sometimes pure mountain water, and the scenery was beautiful, with flower-covered meadows, steep limestone cliffs, and the rushing, roaring mountain stream.

We secured a few birds and some interesting insects. Most of the day there was a wind that made it harder to secure insects.

I have an infection on my right hand that has worried me some, but it is better tonight. I occasionally soaked my hand in hot water.

The altitude here at Pin E Pu is 6000 feet.

I have sent Chen Gih Uen, the netter, ahead to let our Lolo friends know that we are to arrive at Fu Lin tomorrow. They are to come to meet us.