Page:L. Richard's ... Comprehensive geography of the Chinese empire and dependencies ... translated into English, revised and enlarged (IA lrichardscompreh00rich).pdf/10

II bearing on winds, currents and tides, which could not be easily connected with the study of each individual Province. The description of the coast-line proceeds from North to South, and follows the above mentioned order of the Provinces. For fuller details, the Reader is referred to the Index at the end of this work.

The Political part describes the Government and Administration, the various Religions, the Army and Navy, the Educational system, Agriculture, Industry and Mining, the Railway, Postal and Telegraph departments. In view of the growing intercourse with other countries, and the expansion of Foreign Trade, the chapter on this subject will be found specially useful, and no pains have been spared to enhance its value by full statistical tables. Appendix II (at the close of the volume) embodies the latest Returns for the year 1906.

A brief account of the Rise and Progress of the Empire, and of its International Relations, is appended to this part. It is not a dry story of kings and wars, but is intended to show the development of the Nation, in its manifestations good as well as evil. It will also afford a deep insight into the national mind and life, so essential for the proper understanding of Things Chinese. The collection of dates cannot fail to be of service to all Readers, and must be correlated with events and facts described in the Physical part of the work.

Each chapter is followed by a library of references, and a list of standard Authors (French, Enghsh, German), many of whom are household words in connection with Chinese history, literature and scholarly attainments. To all, the Translator is much indebted for valuable information, and begs hereby to tender acknowledgement.

A full list of the Cities, Towns and Open Ports, in the 18 Provinces and outlying Dependencies, complete the work. Every proper name, romanised in English, is followed by its equivalent Chinese pictograph, a novel and valuable improvement which will help to avoid confusion in words so similar in sound.

The Index has been carefully prepared with the twofold purpose of securing completeness, and rendering research expeditious. The names of Authors and the titles of books are printed in italics, while figures in heavy type indicate the particular place where a subject is principally treated.

China is at present making every effort to take her place in the comity of Nations. Her Administration and Army are being re-organized, Schools are multiplied, Railways are opened, Postal work is improved, the opium evil is to be suppressed, and a Constitutional Government is promised to the Country in the near future. Other improvements, in Finance, in Law, in National unity, will follow in due time. This awakening and