CHAPTER I.

SHANGHAI TO TIENTSIN. PAGE

John Bell--"Overland" routes--Peking a sealed book--Jesuits-- Opening of China--Chinese jealousy of Mongolia--Errors of British policy--Their results--Preparations for journey-- Leave Shanghae--Yang-tse-kiang-- Changes in its channel-- Elevation of the delta--Chinese records of inundations--The Nanzing--Shantung promontory in a fog--Chinese coasters-- Advantages of steam--Our fellow-passengers--Peiho river-- Intricate navigation--Sailors in China--Tientsin--New settlement--Municipal council--Improvements--Trade--Beggars-- Health--Sand-storms--Gambling 1