security of the British Agency, not indeed in ordinary circumstances, but in times of popular excitement, when disorder and riot arise and spread with the rapidity of a dust-storm. The natives are in general peaceful and respectful, and the Chinese soldiers are, as a rule, obedient to their officers, but, in time of commotion, the show of respect is dropped, and the Chinese officers are ready .to instigate assault. Even the Secretary of the Russian Consulate was at such a time attacked by the Chinese soldiery, in obedience to command. The strong position which Macartney actually holds in Kashgar is due to his own merits, his diplomatic ability, his linguistic attainments, his promptitude in action, and especially his intimate knowledge of the character of each of the races with which he is concerned.
In making preparation for my departure from Ka•shgar, I laid in a small stock of cloths of varioûs colours and designs which should serve for presents in my future travels. Some tangible form has to be given to acknowledgements of attention received from natives, and, when the offer of money would be regarded as offensive, a few yards of cloth presented with some little ceremony and
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a few polite words, are highly esteemed. I found that one of Father Hendrik's converts, a Chinaman, was skilful. in the preparation of a light beverage which proved an- agreeable change from the impure water and the weak tea with which, during my peregrinations, I
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had in general been obliged to content myself. Having in view an extended journey in Tibet during the summer, -I deferred most of my purchases till I should reach Yarkand, but, with Macartney's aid, I was able to lay in a sufficient supply of money. This I obtained partly from some Chinese who wished remittances sent to China, and partly from a Hindu money-lender who paid me at the rate of about 7 tongas 16 dachen for
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