tionary, also that the characters—when employed—are not always the same in the two works. For some statements on this subject of representing colloquial words by Chinese characters, the student is referred to the second page in the Introduction to the Dictionary, also to page 47 of the Manual.
Parts 2d and 6th and most of Part 5th were prepared by Mrs. C. C. Baldwin. The phrases of Part 2d may be thoroughly analyzed and studied by referring to the Vocabulary in Part 6th for the meanings of single words and compound terms. The Tables of Relationship in Part 5th—as regards arrangement and extent— are a new feature in works of this kind. By means of the Index on pages 182 & 183, reference may be made to the table or tables, in which any given term occurs, in order to ascertain its meaning.
The multiplicity of tonic marks and diacritical points and accents has made it difficult—not to say impossible—to secure entire accuracy in printing. The whole work has been reviewed and a list of the more important corrections inserted. The context and the student's knowledge of the orthography will usually suffice to correct any trivial errors that may still remain.
The cordial thanks of the author are due to Rev. R. S. Maclay, D. D. for his contribution of Part 3d on Commercial Terms, as well as for valuable suggestions on various points during the progress of the work and for aid in correcting proof-sheets: also to the Methodist Episcopal Mission of Foochow for generously undertaking the expense and labor of printing and publication.
With these brief introductory remarks, the volume is sent forth in the earnest desire that it may be of service to any who wish to investigate this dialect, and especially to missionaries preparing to labor for the evangelization of the Chinese people.
Foochow, March 15th, 1871.
