rule lasted, has completely falsified Mr. Wyllie's prediction. But on another point Mr. Wyllie's hopes proved to be well founded. The Kush-begee or Ameer, not being a mere soldier of fortune, but something of a statesman also, the first use he made of the consolidation of his conquests was to resuscitate the trade which recent wars and tumults had all but extinguished in Eastern Turkestan. Opinions are very much divided as to the extent of expansion of which this trade is capable; but sufficient improvement has taken place within this decade, to make it desirable to continue our fostering care. In the days of the Chinese supremacy, the commerce with Yarkand was next to nothing, and was looked upon by the Chinese as contraband. Now that they have regained possession of the country, it is to be hoped that they will profit by the lesson which has been taught them in another province of China, where rebellion was put down, but where they have lately been compelled to admit Western civilization through the door which the Mohammedans of Yunnan opened during the short period of their emancipation.
It would be for the interest of the Chinese quite as much as for the benefit of British trade that a British consul should be established at Yarkand or Kashgar, to regulate trade and to maintain friendly relations. In former days the chief business done by our traders with Eastern
