Three Years' Wanderings in the Northern Provinces of China Including a visit to the tea, silk, and cotton countries; with an account of the agriculture and horticulture of the Chinese, new plants, etc.

CHAPTER I.

Chapter 153 wordsPublic domain

Introduction.--Erroneous Notions regarding China.--No correct Sources of Information.--Information gleaned from the Chinese not to be depended upon.--Imaginative Powers of Authors on China.--Peculiar Traits in the Character of the Chinese.--Remarks on Agriculture and Soil.--On Government and Laws.--China has been retrograding for many Years.--My own Experience.