Russian merchants have been to all the cities in Manjouria, but the difficulties of travel are not small.

The Chinese authorities are jealous of foreigners, and restrict their movements as much as possible.
The Russians desire to open the Songaree to commerce, but the Chinese prefer seclusion.

A month before my visit a party ascended the river to ascertain its resources.

A gentleman told me the Chinese used every means except actual force to hinder the progress of the steamer and prevent the explorers seeing much of the country.

Whenever any one went on shore the people crowded around in such numbers that nothing else could be seen.