SOME OBSERVATIONS UPON THE CIVILIZATION OF THE WESTERN BARBARIANS, PARTICULARLY OF THE ENGLISH; MADE DURING A RESIDENCE OF SOME YEARS IN THOSE PARTS, By AH-CHIN-LE, MANDARIN OF THE FIRST CLASS, MEMBER OF THE ENLIGHTENED AND EXALTED CALAO. TRANSLATED FROM THE CHINESE INTO ENGLISH, By JOHN YESTER SMYTHE, Esq., OF SHANGHAI, AND NOW FIRST PUBLISHED OUT OF CHINA AND IN OTHER THAN CHINESE. BOSTON: LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. NEW YORK: CHARLES T. DILLINGHAM, 678 BROADWAY. 1876. COPYRIGHT. J.B. SWASEY. 1876. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. This Translation of the Work of Ah-Chin-le is trustworthy as to the meaning of the Text--though the literal translation has not been, in many cases, attempted. Preserving the Spirit of the Author, the Translator has desired to be intelligible in good, readable English. Where it is impossible to give the precise thought of a mind so differently cultured, the _nearest_ English is given. It is hoped that the inherent difficulty of the task may excuse errors of grammar and style. The Translator has been so absorbed in his Author, that he fears he may have often slipped in his Syntax, and been rude in his manner. However, with whatever faults, he hands the volume to his Countrymen--thinking that they may be as much interested in it as he has been; and may derive as much amusement. If it do not commend itself for its Wisdom, it may, at least, for its novelty--that is, as a genuine expression of intelligent _Chinese_ opinion, concerning the "_Civilization of the Western Barbarians, and particularly of the English_." The Author's own Preface explains the Origin of the Work, and its claims to consideration. The Retreat, Shanghai, China, 1875. J.Y.S. AUTHOR'S PREFACE.