River-front scene at low water, showing junks that transport general cargo down-river from the exporting districts.  This is a typical riverfront scene.]

[Illustration:  A LONELY TRAVELER

This picture was taken far out in untraveled China Far West.  For days you meet no sign of human habitation, and woe betide you if the river rises!]

[Illustration:  EARNING HIS LIVING

This coolie, who carries 420-lb. bale of cotton, as seen in the picture, from the ship in the river to the Hankow Bund, probably earns a dollar and a half per week!]

[Illustration:  TEA FOR FOREIGN LANDS

Foreign steamers being loaded with native cargoes for export; scene on the Hankow Bund.  The tea trade of China has lost considerable ground in recent years.]

[Illustration:  WILLOW PATTERN TEA HOUSE IN SHANGHAI

A famous landmark in the native city; said to be one of the oldest tea-houses in China.  Much business is transacted in these tea-houses all over the country.]

[Illustration:  THE PERIGRINATING BARBER OF ANCIENT CHINA

If there is an “artist” on this earth, it is the Chinese barber.  An hour in his chair makes you long for a week in bed to fully recover!]

[Illustration:  AUTHOR’S HOUSEBOAT (WUPAN)

In which he passed eighteen days on the Yangtze-kiang; scene at one of the rapids in upper reaches of river.]

[Illustration:  AUTHOR’S MODEST CARAVAN IN SZECH’UAN

And a fine body of men they were, kept in order by the general factotum in the foreground—­each of them earning about 25 cents a day.]

[Illustration:  QUAINT CHINESE ORCHESTRA HALWAYS MEN

Typical old-time orchestra anywhere in China; the Chinese say, “Once a musician, always a musician”—­so it usually runs in the family.]

[Illustration:  SCENE ON THE UPPER YANGTZE

Author and the cook on the aft of the houseboat after all the dangerous rapids had been passed.  The ropes are made of bamboo.  En route to Chung-king.]

[Illustration:  MOTLEY GROUP OF HUA MIAO MENFOLK

Picture gives an idea of how the Hua Miao in certain sections are being gradually absorbed by the Chinese; these men are typical tenant farmers of the Nou-su.]

[Illustration:  RATHER A RARE PICTURE OF TRIBES

Three tribes are shown:  White Bones (left), attending her mistress, a
Nou-su aristocrat (Black Bones); the children at the right are Hua Miao.]

[Illustration:  AUTHOR’S CARAVAN ON THE MARCH

On the main road west of Chung-king—­the Author’s four-man chair engaged to “save his face,” and his servant’s two-man chair, followed by the coolies.]

[Illustration:  THE MEKONG BRIDGE

A drop occurs from 8,000 feet to 4,000 feet, and then a climb again over precipitous mountains—­very hard going—­to 8,000 feet.  Shrines are at each end of the handsome suspension bridge.]