Hsin Muntun is an interesting little town not far distant from Moukden, which we visited in order to see the admirable mission work carried on there by members of the Irish Presbyterian Mission, having received a cordial invitation from one of the staff whom we happened to meet on the railway as we travelled south. The Irish and Scotch Presbyterians may be said to have federated in Manchuria, and work together with hearty goodwill. Though Hsin Muntun offered no striking characteristics, I had the good fortune to make sketches of the women there, with their curious head-dress, similar to that worn throughout the country. In the women’s hospital were two widows, acting as assistants; they donned their best garments for my benefit, and may be seen in the accompanying sketch, saluting one another in the Manchu style. The Manchus always wear the hair dressed over a metal framework, either as in the sketch, or like a wide flat bow, and with both styles of head-dress a large bunch of artificial flowers is worn, and gold ornaments in addition. In winter a cap is worn out of doors, with fur round it, and embroidered strings hanging down behind, not to mention ear-muffs, an imperative necessity where the cold is so intense. We found that in the women’s hospital they decided to have the bulk of the accommodation in the shape of heated khangs, as in the homes of the people; these are brick platforms, used instead of bedsteads: they are greatly preferred by the patients. It may not be so sanitary, but the people feel much more at home on the khang, and as physical health is not the main object of medical mission work, it is obvious that due regard must be paid to the likings or prejudices of the people among whom the missionary is working. The cost of medical mission work is heavy, and we were touched by the efforts to utilise to the utmost the money which had been sent from home for the buildings. The funds had not been sufficient to provide for a porch or front door, so a mat shed had been erected till the requisite money should be forthcoming. Efficiency does not depend on these things, but workers would be much encouraged if their supporters were more numerous, or more generous. [Illustration: MANCHU LADIES’ GREETING]