1070
SZEMAO
and yet differentiated from, the Chinese, and possessing distinct customs, characteris- ties, and traditions of their own. In the surrounding mountains we find the Lolo and Lole, and in the low-lying plains the Shans, known to the Chinese as Pa-i; interspersed with these is the vassal tribe of the Akas In the vicinity of the Chinese towns little- settlements of the Mahe and Putu, who are offshoots of the Woni, are to be met with. From Talang north to Yüan-chiang and eastwards south of the Red River as far as Man- hao, is the home of the Woni race, who are a swarthy people sub-divided into several tribes. Near Talang a few Min-chia live-people who have migrated from Ta-li and Yuan-chiang, the headquarters of this large branch of the Shan race. At Shih-ping- and Yuan-chiang there are several tribes of Pa-i, or Shans proper, and some Yao also are to be found in the mountains to the east of Szemáo--a remarkable race which is to be met with in scattered hamlets in mountainous districts as far eastwards as Kwangsi. The Kawas inhabit the prefecture of Chên-pien-t'ing, to the westward of Szemao, and concerning their mode of life but little yet is known. The relentless march of civilisa- tion, however beneficial to the world at large, is bearing hardly on the aboriginal races of mankind; and the south-western portion of this ancient province of Yunnan provides one of the few remaining territories where they are still permitted a local habitation and a name."
DIRECTORY
CONSULATE-GREAT BRITAIN
Consul-General-P. E. O'Brien-Butler
(residing at Yunnanfu)
CUSTOMS, IMPERIAL MARITIME
Acting Comr.-L. A. Lyall Asst. Examiner-J. Bartolini
POST OFFICE, IMPERIAL CHINESE
Clerk in charge-Tong Kum Chuen
TELEGRAPH OFFICE, IMPERIAL CHINESE
Manager-Yang-wen-kuang