Who among the three hundred million sons of Han does not know the
saying:

There's Paradise above, 't is true;
But here below we've Hang and Soo?
[Hangchow and Soochow]

And though no one will deny the beauty of those far-famed cities, they
cannot compare in grandeur of situation and boldness of features with
many of the towns of the providence of the "Four Streams." Foremost
among the favoured spots of this part of the empire is Mienchu, which,
as its name implies, is celebrated for the silky bamboos which grow
in its immediate neighbourhood. These form, however, only one of the
features of its loveliness. Situated at the foot of a range of mountains
which rise through all the gradations from rich and abundant verdure
to the region of eternal snow, it lies embosomed in groves of beech,
cypress, and bamboo, through the leafy screens of which rise the
upturned yellow roofs of the temples and official residences, which dot
the landscape like golden islands in an emerald sea; while beyond the
wall hurries, between high and rugged banks, the tributary of the Fu
River, which bears to the mighty waters of the Yangtsze-Kiang the goods
and passengers which seek an outlet to the eastern provinces.

The streets within the walls of the city are scenes of life and bustle,
while in the suburbs stand the residences of those who can afford to
live in peace and quiet, undisturbed by the clamour of the Les and
Changs [i.e., the people. Le and Chang are the two commonest names in
China.] of the town. There, in a situation which the Son of Heaven might
envy, stands the official residence of Colonel Wen. Outwardly it has