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mission or our plans.  The border of Burhma where some fighting is now in progress with the natives who raise & smuggle opium into China was reported by him to be near Bamo or west of Teng-yueh & not near Ma-li-pa where we wish to go.  One of the merchants to whom Evans gave us a check for collection was quite friendly & insisted on shaking hands, a European cutom [[sic]] never used between the Chinese themselves.

(23)  Today is Chinese New Year & a general holiday for a fortnight.  The day is celebrated by feasting, drinking & giving of gifts to the children corresponding to our Christmas.  I went on a visit to the city with Wu at noon.  The place was rather quiet but the children exhibited new garments & toys.  Paper rabbits on wheels were a favorite toy, also masks gaudily painted representing monkeys