quality extracted. The importance of this supply, readily accessible to the Jaxartes and the Aral can scarcely be over-estimated. Two mines have also opened in the Karatau; one near Khojend, and another not far from Tashkand. If freedom of trade were encouraged, or permitted, the future of central Asia would be assured. The question of the feasibility of again connecting the Aral and the Caspian seas by means of the old bed of the Oxus has attracted attention during the year. The surveys and observations made appear to show that as far as levels go, no difficulty would be experienced. The dessication of central Asia seems however to have been progressive, and there is not now a sufficient supply of water in the upper Oxus to carry the stream across the intervening tract. Partially, at least, this is due to the waste incurred through the present system of irrigation, which allows large bodies of water to run off uselessly into the desert. Japan has shewn us an example of activity in providing in her treaty with Corea, for a survey of the coast. It is to be hoped that this useful work will shortly be put in hand. Our present charts of the Corean coast are most defective. A farther survey of the gulf of Tonquin and the coast of Cochin-China generally is also much needed and now that the port of Kiung-chow in Hainan has been opened, we hope soon to see the work taken up and our knowledge of those seas extended. The French marine has surveyed the approaches to the newly opened ports in Annam, and has published charts of the entrance to the Caocam from the sea to Haiphong, and of the river mouths and internal waters of the provinces of Haichong and Quangyen. The Russians, on their part have surveyed some 450 miles of the eastern coast of Siberia from Imperial Harbour to Castries bay. In our own Journal Dr. Bretschneider gives valuable notes of the mediæval geography of central and eastern Asia; and the Archimandrite Palladius throws new light on the travels of Marco Polo in north China. The Reverend Mr. Holcombe describes in pictufesque language a journey through Shansi and Shensi; which, although passing over little actually new ground adds much to our knowledge of these not easily accessible provinces. The Chinese Review continues a series of valuable papers by Mr. W. F. Mayers on Chinese explorations in the Indian Ocean, while Mr. T. W. Kingsmill makes an attempt to explain the geographical puzzle of the Yu-king. The Chinese Recorder and Missionary Journal completed during the year the memoranda written by Dr. Bretschneider upon Chinese Mediæval Travels to the west, which has since been published in a separate form; and which will remain a valuable aid to all engaged in the study of Asiatic antiquities. Mr. G. Phillips contributes notes on the position of the Zaitun of Marco Polo, in reference to which he has carried on an interesting discussion with Colonel Yule. Of a more historical character was a paper read by Mr. Clements Markham on the 26th April before the Royal Geographical Society giving a resumé of explorations in Thibet, and more especially of the very remarkable journey of Mr. Bogle in 1774. The trade routes to Southern China were likewise the subject of a paper by Mr. J. Corryton. Major Herbert Wood, who accompanied the Russian expedition to the Oxus, has made valuable notes on his journey, which it is understood will shortly be published. In the Berlin Geographical Society Baron von Richthoven read some interesting notes on the population of China, which, contrary to the general opinion of those calculated to judge, he rates at the enormous amount of 415 millions. The publication of the Baron's work upon China, more particularly upon the geology and mineral resources of the country is still delayed. The cost of the Baron's explorations, were, it will be remembered borne by the merchants of China in the hope that a knowledge of her undeveloped resources would lead to the throwing upon of the country to their enterprise. Alas! It now looks as though it would be left to their posterity to reap any reward of their enterprise. A Russian Traveller, Mr. Sasnofelsy left Hankow on the 11th December, 1874 on a journey overland to Siberia. He hoped to be able to pass through Kansuh and thence by way of Ulia-sutai. An account of his journey has not yet been received. Upon the whole the geographical interest of the year has been mainly retrospective; and but little really new has been added to our stock of knowledge. It is to be hoped, however, that the present state of stagnation may not long be allowed to continue; that the check given to the Ynnnan expedition will lead to a strong rebound, and that the blood of poor Margary will not have been shed in vain. It the Chinese are taught to respect and aid foreign explorers as they can and should, there will be doubtless many more capable men entering the field, and much of the remaining terra incognita of China and Central Asia will be cleared up. The late edicts on the duty of protecting men from the west, drawn from the authorities at Peking will, we trust have due weight with the officials throughout the country; for it is from the official class alone that our obstacles come; the masses of the people are curious but mostly inoffensive: they take their cue from the mandarins, and if the authorities treat us with respect we shall hear no more of mob disturbances impeding the progress of a traveller. The condition of our settlement during the past year has, so far as the general health of the foreign residents is concerned, been eminently satisfactory. Indeed if we take 1875 as a standard we may class Shanghai as an eminently healthy locality. The number of foreigners, resident and non-resident, is estimated as about 3,000 and the total of deaths during the year was only 67, giving a mortality of 22.3 per mille. Too much reliance must not, however, be placed upon these figures, as many, who fall dangerously ill, are sent home; it is consequently impossible to frame statistics of any accurate scientific nature, except for the comparison of one year with another all we can positively state is that the mortality of 1875 was considerably lower than that of any previous year. An outbreak of cholera occurred in the year, chiefly among the non-resident (floating) population: the range of the epidemic was limited, less than twenty persons being attacked by the disease, of whom, however, more than half died. The disease was seemingly not imported by sea; it would appear to be present among the natives every year at certain seasons. It is noticeable that the past year was remarkable for heavy rainfalls and higher maximum temperatures than usual, and these phenomena may have influenced the disease. It is to be expected that the settlements should gradually become more healthy, as year by year the ground is being raised and the drainage improved. Paddy fields are giving place to cotton, and thus the unwholesome swamps of which the former consist are rapidly being driven from our immediate neighbourhood. In increasing the area of under-ground drainage, however, much care is needed to have the drains constantly flushed and properly ventilated for this reason in a place like Shanghai surface drains are safer and can, we think, be make equally efficient. In concluding our review of the scientific progress of the year in this part of the world, we must not omit to chronicle the very satisfactory progress of the Museum of natural history established in connection with our society, a separate report upon which is in this number. Shanghai, 29th April, 1876. |