SZEMAO
939
from Talang north to Yuan-chiang and eastwards south of the Red River as far as Man- dao, is the home of the Woni raçe, who are a swarthy people sub-divided into several aoibes. Near Talang live a few Min-chia people who have migrated from Ta-li and uan-chiang, the headquarters of this large branch of the Shan race. At Shih-p’ing Yond Yuan-chiang there are several tribes of Pa-i, or Shans proper, and some Yao, also, are be found in the mountains to the east of Szemao-a remarkable race which is to be met ith in scattered hamlets in mountainous districts as far eastwards as Kwangsi. The Lawas 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- gion, however beneficial to the world at large, is bearing hardly on the aboriginal aces of mankind; and the south-western portion of this ancient province of Yunnan rovides one of the few remaining territories where they are still permitted a local Rabitation and a name.' There is a large and interesting field for mission work, the oil being still practically virgin. It is noticeable that the various tribes inhabiting this corner of China are slowly undergoing a process of social and economic volution under the influence of Chinese settlers and travellers with whom they come in contact, but the process of assimilation is very slow, and the Shans, as well as all the other aborigines, still continue, like birds of a feather, to flock together.
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AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN MISSION
BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO Co.
CHINESE MARITIME CUSTOMS
DIRECTORY
Actg. Commissioner-S. A. Konovaloff Medical Officer-Dr. E. Pautet Tidewaiter-S. Hankin Clerk-Harry Mo
CHINESE GOVT. SALT ADMINISTRATION
Assist. Dist. Inspectors-T. H. Chang
and G. Sax (Mohei)
POST OFFICE, CHINESE
Postmaster-Ma Shou Shan
SOUTH YUNNAN MISSION (Mengliei)
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