Note 2 — The Chinese and the “Outer Barbarians.”

The matchlock is still used in China, where even the flint has not been introduced. The late emperor, Taou-Kwang, had heard of “improvements in musketry,” and specimens of “percussion locks” were sent to Peking, but they were rejected; and the military examinations to this hour consist of feats of individual strength, the exercise of the bow and arrow, the spear and the shield. In the use of artillery there have been some improvements. The Chinese have purchased cannon for their fortifications and war-junks, both in Hong Kong and Macao, and of late from the Russians, for their forts of Takoo.