[Illustration: The City of Foo-chow-foo and Long Bridge]
THREE YEARS' WANDERINGS
IN
THE NORTHERN PROVINCES
OF
CHINA.
LONDON:
SPOTTISWOODE and SHAW,
New-street-Square.
* * * * *
WANDERINGS IN CHINA
[Illustration : A CHINESE MARRIAGE PROCESSION.]
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.
BY
ROBERT FORTUNE,
BOTANICAL COLLECTOR TO THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
With Illustrations.
LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
1847.
* * * * *
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
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.