Page:Mongolia, the Tangut country, and the solitudes of northern Tibet vol 1 (1876).djvu/326

learned, was in the house. At the doors of the house, and in the entrance-hall, stood the aides-de-camp of the prince and his sons, who were also obliged to be present during our reception.

After the usual enquiries about our health and safe journey, the Amban said that no Russian had ever before visited Ala-shan; that he now for the

Ruins of Chapel of Sisters of Mercy at Tientsin, destroyed by Chinese Rioters (from a Photograph by J. Thomson, Esq., F.R.G.S.).

first time saw these foreigners, and was very glad of our visit.

He then began asking us about Russia. What was our religion; how did we cultivate the soil;