wherein the interests of vast numbers of the human race are from time to time discussed. We had barely time to glance at the painted pillars, the curved roofs and carved windows, when a venerable noble issued from behind a bamboo screen that concealed a narrow doorway, and accorded us a quiet, courteous welcome.
The Prince himself had not arrived ; but Wen-siang, Paou-keun and Shen-kwe-fen, members, all of them, at that time, of the Grand Council, were already in attendance. Wen-siang was well known in diplomatic circles as a statesman endowed with intellectual powers of a high order, and as one of the foremost ministers of his age. It is said of him, that, in reply to the urgent repre- sentations of a foreigner who was clamouring for Chinese pro- gress, he delivered himself of the following prophecy, which has not yet, however, been fulfilled:— "Give China time, and her progress will be both rapid and overwhelming in its results ; so much so, that those who were foremost with the plea for pro- gress will be sighing for the good old times." This transforma- tion may be looming in the far-off distance, like some unknown star whose light is travelling through the immeasurable regions of space, but has not yet reached our own sphere. China has had her ages of flint and bronze ; and her vast mineral resources tell us that she is yet destined to enter upon all that is implied in an age of coal and iron.
Wen-siang and Paou-keun are Manchus, while Shen-kwe- fen is one of the Chinese members of the Grand Council of State.
Cheng-lin, Tung-sean and Maou-cheng-he, ministers of the Foreign Board were also present. Tung-sean is the author of many valuable works. One of these, on the hydrography of northern China, was in the press at the time of my visit; and
